Upcycle Aesthetic: 1920s Speakeasy

I knew that I would want my upcycle project to be something that provides enjoyment for me and the people I care about. I wanted it to be something I would use, be proud of, and potentially even gift to someone. I began my search by looking around the house for seemingly useless items. I immediately knew what I was going to make after finding some empty glass bottles lying around. 

My mom had decided to start getting rid of a bunch of random things around the house in preparation for a move while I was home last Thanksgiving. She was going to throw out some empty, ornate tequila bottles when she remembered a post she had seen on Facebook of someone turning old glass bottles into lamps. She appreciates the vibrant colors and natural patterns of Mexican art, and the bottles were seemingly too pretty to get rid of. She came to me for help. She wanted me to take initiative and create the product she was looking for. However, I was half invested and opted to spend time with my friends instead. I regret putting her request aside and am looking to finally get to work. 

The adaptability of the desired aesthetic achieved is the coolest part about this project to me. The choice of bottle, lamp shade, and lightbulb allow the creator to mix and match to attain a plethora of aesthetics. Unfortunately for me, I am fairly limited on the aesthetics I will be able to achieve with the resources at hand in my college house. I do not have access to the beautifully decorated Spanish bottles and fancy, spiral filament light bulbs my mother had suggested. I am going for a speakeasy aesthetic instead. I want the final product to look like a fixture that could be found at a small table in a dimly lit room with big leather chairs around it. I believe I can achieve this by filling the clear bottle with tan colored glass beads and selecting an amber hue lamp shade and light bulb. 

The project will require me to get a lamp kit and glass drill bit along with the bottle, lamp shade, and light bulb. The most difficult step in the manufacturing process will be tapping a small hole in the glass to feed wire through. It may take some trial and error, but I believe it is achievable. Once that is complete, it should be smooth sailing towards completion. The actual circuitry of the lamp will be taken care of by the lamp kit, and securing the light bulb socket to the top of the bottle may require some hot glue. Other than that, there should not be too much more to it. 

I hope to gain a sense of the process involved in making these lamps throughout this project in hopes of one day being able to make my mother what she asked for. For now, I am going to start by making something to bring joy to the friends I live with. 

Images:

[1] “Clase Azul Reposado Tequila 750ml.” Folsom Wine & Spirits, www.folsomwinespirits.com/products/clase-azul-reposado. Accessed 31 Jan. 2024. 

[2] Brown, Alyssa. “All of the Speakeasies & Hidden Bars You Need to Visit ASAP.” The Venue Report, 3 Oct. 2019, www.venuereport.com/roundups/all-of-the-speakeasies-and-hidden-bars-you-need-to-visit-asap/ [3] Tom. “Buffalo Trace Bourbon Bottle Lamp (1.75 Liter) Large Bottle.” BottleCraft By Tom, www.bottlecraftbytom.com/products/buffalo-trace-bourbon-bottle-lamp-1-75-liter-large-bottle. Accessed 31 Jan. 2024.

[3] Tom. “Buffalo Trace Bourbon Bottle Lamp (1.75 Liter) Large Bottle.” BottleCraft By Tom, www.bottlecraftbytom.com/products/buffalo-trace-bourbon-bottle-lamp-1-75-liter-large-bottle. Accessed 31 Jan. 2024.