Hanging cut-bottle inverted pendant lanterns transform suspended glass bottle tops into an aerial canopy of flickering light suited for porches, pergolas, and garden dining areas. This concept utilizes the inverted upper funnel of cut wine or liquor bottles suspended by durable brass or iron chains threaded directly through the open bottle necks. A tea light or small votive candle rests on an internal metal suspended basket suspended within the glass cone, protected completely from cross-breezes. Grouping several suspended lanterns at staggered vertical heights creates a dynamic, floating chandelier effect that draws the eye upward and casts jewel-toned light refractions across outdoor living spaces without taking up valuable table real estate.
Begin by scoring and thermal-shocking the upper half of three matching emerald-green or cobalt-blue wine bottles, cutting each cylinder four inches below the shoulder slope to form deep glass bells. Wet-sand all cut lower edges thoroughly with progressive silicon carbide paper submerged in water until the rims are completely rounded and safe to handle. Cut a three-foot length of decorative solid brass chain and a twelve-inch length of rigid 16-gauge brass wire. Bend the brass wire into a small horizontal cradle basket sized to hold a standard metal-cupped tea light candle, looping the top end of the wire securely to the center link of the brass chain. Drop the brass chain down through the inside of the bottle so the chain extends up through the narrow top neck while the wire candle cradle hangs suspended in the center of the glass bell. Attach a small brass washer and locking ring over the chain at the bottle mouth to hold the lantern level, and hang the completed pendants from ceiling hooks or outdoor pergola beams.