Being able to share our readers questions and craft projects is a big part of why we created this DIY blog in the first place. We are excited to still receive submissions after all this time. Tell the whole world about your latest project in our DIY Show Offs section and be seen by thousands of visitors!

Now take a look at the colorful bottle lamps created by Rebekah Gavra and be sure to scroll down to read our answers to Ruth’s drill bit and lamp shade questions.

We received the following message from Ruth:

These ‘bottle lamps’ are designed and painted by my daughter Rebekah who has autism, we have already had several commissions and working on perfecting the final product, drilling, grommets, collared wiring, etc. Thank you for your advice on your blogs.

Ruth Miller

Visit Rebekah’s Instagram pages to see the rest of her bottles: https://www.instagram.com/bottlelampcommunity

Bottle Drilling Question

We have used an 8ml glass drill bit (Tungsten carbide) but after drilling 5 bottles it has appeared to be blunt and broke the rest of the bottles Can you advise how to get around this, understand that cooling the drill bit can help?

Cooling the drill bit with a lubricating oil and even cool water will help. Start out slow and be sure to hold the drill bit firmly, don’t let the drill bit wobble too much. Once you have a starter hole for the drill bit to sit in you can speed up the drill and continue drilling. If you make larger holes, it helps to switch out drill bits, going from small to large. This way there is less wear and tear on just one bit, and they will last longer.

Lamp Shade Question

Best place to buy bulk white lampshades for painting on? Also looking for best chrome or metal fixtures on neck of bottles?

The best place we found to buy white lampshades locally is at Walmart. They have a few inexpensive shades in different styles. There are a few wholesale websites that sell lampshades at somewhat reasonable prices. You could also make your own lampshades. This article on Cleanidepia.com explains how to make a lampshade from scratch really well. Did you know? All you need to make lampshade frame is a few wire coat hangers. Cool, huh?

When it comes to the chrome and metal fixtures, check out our supplies page or visit your local hardware store.

Thank you to Ruth, the mom, for reaching out to us. I hope we were helpful in answering your questions. You can see more of her daughter Rebekah’s beautiful, one of a kind, artwork on her Art an Doodles portfolio blog.

Submit your DIY bottle project, suggest a related website link or send us a crafting tip!

Before you move on, tell the whole world about your latest project in our DIY Show Offs section and be seen by thousands of visitors!