I love simple kid art projects that don’t require a ton of materials. This recyclable Chihuly-inspired art project is just that. Grab those bottles and start creating!

At some point, I will find an old picture of myself with the Bellagio Chihuly ceiling behind me (I promise I’ll post it when I find it). His work is always so mesmerizing, so it makes perfect sense that he would have to be an inspiration for a new kid art project.

Why You Will Love This Art Idea

KID-FRIENDLY – Any child who can use permanent markers can create these colorful sculptures.
FAMOUS ARTIST INSPIRATION – Look at the artworks of Dale Chihuly and his process before beginning.
RECYCLABLE ART – This art lesson would also be a great one to try during Earth Day!

Supplies You’ll Need

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markers, hole puch, scissors and plastic bottle on a table.

Clean Plastic Bottles*
Scissors
X-acto Knife (for an adult)
Colored Sharpies
Pipe Cleaner
Hole Punch

*Filmsy plastic bottles, like those used with plain bottled water cases, will be easier to cut than thicker bottles. Clean the bottles and remove the labels.

READ MORE – If you love recyclable art projects, check out these 12+ creative egg carton crafts!

How To Make Chihuly Bottle Sculptures With Kids

hands coloring a bottle with a blue marker.

Step 1: Color The Bottles

Use permanent markers in the colors and design of your choice to fill two whole empty plastic bottle.

hand holding colorful bottle and the other hand holding utility knife.

Step 2: Cut The Top and Bottom

An adult should use an x-acto knife or utility knife to cut the top and bottom of each bottle.

hands using scissors to cut plastic bottle.

Step 3: Cut A Spiral

An adult should help cut a spiral motion around the bottle.

hands using a hole punch on plastic spiral.

Step 4: Add A Hole

Use a hole punch to add a hole near the top of each colored spirals.

hand using hole punch to tie colored plastic bottle spirals together.

Step 5: Attach Together

Connect as many spiral plastic pieces together using a pipe cleaner.

Tips

BE CAREFUL – an adult should cut the plastic.
CHECK FOR SHARP EDGES – before handing the bottles back to a child, make sure they will not cut themselves on any sharp edges. Using filmsy plastic will make this easier and better.
MORE COLOR – any design will work, but try to have kids fill the whole bottle with color.

Equipment

Scissors
X-acto Knife (for an adult)
Hole Punch

Supplies

Colored Sharpies
Pipe Cleaner
2-3 Clean Plastic Bottles

Instructions

Use permanent markers in the colors and design of your choice to fill two whole empty plastic bottle.
An adult should use an x-acto knife or utility knife to cut the top and bottom of each bottle.
An adult should help cut a spiral motion around the bottle.
Use a hole punch to add a hole near the top of each colored spirals.
Connect as many spiral plastic pieces together using a pipe cleaner.