Transform Your Creative Space with Inspiration from Historic Artists' Homes
Have you ever walked into an artist’s studio and felt an immediate sense of inspiration? There’s something magical about stepping into a space where creativity has flowed freely for decades. Thanks to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, we have access to a treasure trove of artist homes and studios that tell the stories of their creative lives.
But here’s the exciting part—you don’t need to live in a historic home to bring this inspiration into your own studio or home! Today, we’re going to take a cue from the whimsical, recycled art environment of Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village in Simi Valley, California, and create a bottle art wall for your own creative space.
DIY Bottle Art Wall Inspired by Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village
What is Bottle Village? Grandma Prisbrey, an artist and collector, built a stunning collection of structures made from thousands of recycled glass bottles. Her home became a kaleidoscope of light and color, proving that everyday materials could be transformed into works of art.
Want to create your own version? Let’s get started!
Materials You’ll Need:
Glass Bottles – Recycle bottles of different colors and sizes.
Glass Cutting Kit (This one works great!)
String Lights (Try these warm-toned LEDs)
Adhesive for Glass (A strong, clear-drying adhesive like this)
Bottle holders (You can use candles or your sting lights)
Protective Gloves & Safety Glasses (This set is affordable and reliable)
Step-by-Step Guide:
Collect & Prepare Your Bottles
Start by gathering glass bottles in different colors—clear, green, blue, and brown all work beautifully. Remove labels by soaking them in warm soapy water.Cut & Smooth the Bottles
Using your glass cutting kit, carefully score and break the bottles at different lengths. Sand the edges to prevent sharp points. (Pro Tip: Work in a well-ventilated space and wear gloves!)Arrange Your Layout
Before attaching the bottles, play around with different arrangements on a flat surface. Think about how light will pass through them!Attach Bottles to the Frame
Use glass adhesive to securely mount the bottles to your frame. If your frame is wooden, you can drill small openings to insert the bottlenecks before securing them with glue.Add Lighting
Weave string lights behind the bottles to create a glowing effect. Opt for warm LEDs to mimic the sunlight filtering through Grandma Prisbrey’s Village.Mount & Enjoy!
Once dry, hang your bottle wall in a well-lit area—near a window or in your studio. Watch as the colors dance across the room!
Why This Works for Any Creative Space
Sustainable & Budget-Friendly – Reusing glass bottles makes this an eco-conscious and affordable project.
Customizable – Choose colors that fit your personal style and space.
Brings Artistic History to Life – You’re not just decorating—you’re continuing a tradition of turning everyday objects into something extraordinary!
Bringing elements of historic artist homes into your own space can keep your creativity flowing and your studio filled with inspiration. Whether it’s a small panel or an entire window of glowing bottles, this project will add a touch of artistic magic to your surroundings.
What do you think? Will you try this? Let me know in the comments, and share your bottle art creations!
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you!
