Decorative Bathroom Organisers from Reused Containers
Empty bottles and tumblers can become charming decorative bathroom organisers. This idea is only for dry, non-food items, such as hair ties or other accessories. Once primer, PVA glue, paint, varnish, and crackle medium have been used, the containers must not return to use with cosmetics, personal-care products, liquids, or food.
Start by preparing the surfaces. Wash the empty containers and remove the labels; if necessary, soak a bottle briefly in warm water. Do not use damaged glass: chips or cracks are a reason to choose another blank. To help primer adhere to plastic, lightly sand the surface. Work in a ventilated area, avoid breathing sanding dust, and clean it up promptly; keep materials and sharp tools away from children and pets. Then apply several coats of white primer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once the primer has dried, the surface can be sanded gently, again taking precautions against dust.
Choose a patterned paper napkin and carefully cut out the motifs with scissors on a suitable surface. If the paper is very thin, it can be transferred on a clean plastic backing. Apply PVA to the outside of the blank, position and smooth the napkin, then remove the backing. Use glue in a ventilated space and follow its package instructions.
To seal the decoration, you may apply PVA diluted with water if the instructions for your specific glue permit it.
After the layer has dried completely, it can be sanded very lightly. For a crackle effect, coat the selected areas with gold paint and a suitable crackle medium, following the manufacturer’s drying-time and ventilation instructions.
If you like, highlight the cracks that appear with gold paint.
After every coating has fully dried, use the set only as a decorative organiser for dry, non-food items—not for cosmetics, food, or liquids.
If you choose to apply several coats of varnish, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product; additives or colourants may change the look of the piece. You can apply thin coats with a brush or sponge and let each coat dry fully. Work with coatings in a well-ventilated area, and remember that the finished pieces are decorative organisers for dry, non-food items only.