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Trash to Treasure: ...and so the Bottle Tree has been planted!

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    Communities > Forums > Trash to Treasure
    Forum: Trash to TreasureReplies: 100, Views: 2,689
    AuthorContent
    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    June 12, 2006 1:51 AM

    Post #2379844

    The shower is calling, but I just couldn't help but to post one
    last message to share my excitement.

    For years I have longed to have a Bottle Tree. Every time our
    local grocery store carries colored glass, I begin consuming
    the beverage and bam! They take it off the shelf. As a result,
    we don't consume enough of anything to make a tree, and the
    idea has been sitting on the back burner for a long time.

    A rediscovered desire to work with mosaics and bottles prompted
    my passion about a month ago. Nonstop trips to the recycling center
    have provided ample supplies, so when I found a fantastic pole in
    hubby's junk pile, it was only right to do the recycling thing all the
    way around!

    As I sit here, I can see the bottle tree out the window, or at least
    the pole. Using post hole diggers, I dug about a foot deep, stuck
    in the pole, tossed in concrete and made sure it was level. Now
    comes the waiting, waiting, waiting.

    I'll be hammering in long nails around the pole to form branches, and
    since the bottles are just sitting on the tree upside down, it won't take
    anything heavy duty.

    As soon as I have it finished I will take pictures. The fun thing about
    this tree is I can change the bottles around, change colors with the
    seasons according to the colors of the bottles, etc.

    I'm having entirely too much fun with all of this 'trash'.

    Thumbnail by WUVIE
    Click the image for an enlarged view.

    Stinkerweed
    Fortuna, CA

    June 12, 2006 3:55 AM

    Post #2380377

    "The fun thing about
    this tree is I can change the bottles around, change colors with the
    seasons according to the colors of the bottles"


    That does sound like fun! imagine bright green bottles in the spring turning to darker green in the summer and then gold/orange/reds in the fall and white and blue in the winter... The seasons represented in "trash"

    Sheila_FW

    Sheila_FW
    Fort Worth, TX (Zone 8a)

    June 12, 2006 10:46 AM

    Post #2380769

    I read someone's thread where they were going to put clear Christmas lights on there bottle tree. Are you planning to light it some way for night viewing?
    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    June 12, 2006 12:00 PM

    Post #2380949

    Oh, absolutely! When I awoke this morning, I was trying to remember how
    many boxes of clearance lights we had from the last sale. :-)

    When I told my 15 year old son about the tree, he asked how many I was
    going to make, then added how 'cool' it would be if we had them in all colors
    with holiday lights on them. LOL. Wow, a project my kids approve of?

    This could start a whole new trend for the valley. I'm sure the neighbors would
    just choke...what on earth is she doing now? But wouldn't that look neat? We
    have a very long stretch with the house, so I could put dozens and dozens of them
    all in a row. Or, in a patch - an orchard! LOL

    First things first. Must finish one at a time.

    Eufaula
    Eatonton, GA (Zone 8b)

    June 12, 2006 12:39 PM

    Post #2381051

    Wuvie your imagination just makes my day! Cant wait to see this " Tree"!! If I had know you were collecting bottles I would have mailed you mine. I just cleaned out all of my old blue bottle collection because I was tired of dusting! All kinds of old Milk Of Magnesia bottles! I took the to a flea market and sold the boogers for 50cents a piece! I would have sent them to you for nothing! Pooh!!!!!
    pepper23
    KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)

    June 13, 2006 1:14 AM

    Post #2383620

    "One person's trash is another's treasures"
    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    June 13, 2006 1:25 AM

    Post #2383689

    I have learned something thus far.

    Even though I hammered in long nails at a 45° angle, it
    appears longer rods will be necessary for the bottles to sit properly.
    The nails are evenly spaced around the pole. The next row is centered
    between the previous nails, then back to the first row, then the second,
    etc.

    First I tried large Corbet Canyon bottles, which will look fabulous in
    the sun, but they don't seem very secure. Hubby suggested using
    extra long nails which are often called roofing nails, apparently they
    are super duper long. I may end up using wooden dowels or something.
    Right now the tree has five rows of green bottles, but I believe I'll experiment
    before going much further.

    More to come.
    oldmudhouse
    Las Cruces, NM (Zone 8a)

    June 13, 2006 4:29 AM

    Post #2384556

    Wuvie, If the roofing or gutter nails don't work, and you are worried that wooden dowels won't last, here is another idea. I think most stores like Lowes or HD sell short lengths of iron bar stock (mild steel, it'll be black in color.) You could buy a few pieces of 1/4" round steel and then cut them to the length you wanted. If Hubby doesn't have an abrasive saw to cut the round steel bars, it could also be cut with bolt cutters.

    Then you'd just drill holes into your center piece at a 45 degree angle like you would drill if you were going to use wooden dowels. Slide or tap the steel bars into the holes.

    I can't wait to see this thing!!! (I just love throwing out ideas and letting somebody else do the work.)
    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    June 13, 2006 12:00 PM

    Post #2385059

    Hi Mud,

    Thank you so much for the idea on the iron bars. I think I'll check out the
    long nails first, then go for one with wooden dowels, then move to steel rods.
    That way I'll have a variety of methods to evaluate.

    As my other project will require many bottles, trees seem only appropriate for
    storage, LOL. The only problem is, I'm finding more reasons to have more trees.

    I found a fantastic wine bottle rack on the internet, but I'm cheap and didn't
    want to pay $25-35.00 for one. I've even tossed around the idea of using
    an artificial holiday tree, but quickly gave up that idea.

    This couple used a real tree after the holidays:

    http://www.deepfriedkudzu.com/2006/01/making-our-bottle-tree...

    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    June 15, 2006 1:32 AM

    Post #2391301

    Long nails are 15 cents each. Mmm, not very budget friendly,
    considering just a small section of the tree easily holds 35 bottles.
    I plan to make several trees, but at that rate, I may as well buy the
    90 bottle wine racks.

    I looked at rods. Much work, would need a little hubby assistance,
    not worth the hassle. I think I'll just use branches, drill a hole, glob some
    glue in the hole and ram it in. Maybe I'll coat the tree to make it weather
    resistant?

    Still washing labels from bottles.
    lizrainey
    San Mateo, CA (Zone 9b)

    June 16, 2006 12:54 AM

    Post #2394789

    wuvie,

    your bottle tree is inspiring me,do you have a hint of when you may be done the suspence is killing me!!! cant wait to see your finished project.
    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    June 16, 2006 1:39 AM

    Post #2394947

    Hi Liz,

    Well, today I pulled all of the nails out, not liking what I had previously
    created.

    Another trip to the recycling center today, this time focusing on large
    bottomed bottles for my other project. I'm just amazed at the colors!
    Lime green, golden yellow, bright yellow, olive, orange, oh, oh, oh!
    Kahlua bottles give off a glorious orange hue when sunlight hits the ends.

    I had to laugh when sorting colors, because as I held them up to the sunlight,
    words just popped out of my mouth, such as "Green Kool-Aid" and
    "Limey green". The one I cracked up over was "Urine Yellow". Perhaps I
    should refrain from using that term. LOL

    Why, oh why can't folks drink more blue bottled stuff? ;-)
    Can't find Ty Nant or Arizona Tea around here. Bummer!
    We may visit Tulsa Sunday, so I'll have a chance to check out a
    few stores up there with my fingers crossed.

    The more I think about it, the more I may just make a spiral tree using extra
    long nails. That way I will complete a tree using fewer materials with a unique
    impression and ideas for yet another tree.

    Now if I could only think of something fab to do with all the Ramune
    bottles my son rescues for me!

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramune

    Photo for illustration only, not my photo.





    Thumbnail by WUVIE
    Click the image for an enlarged view.

    hope43
    Tulsa, OK (Zone 7a)

    June 21, 2006 2:49 AM

    Post #2414575

    i have been going to do one for 2 yrs or more but not spot now i think.. i like the idea though really well.. where do you find the Ramune bottles at is it drink sold here??
    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    June 21, 2006 12:03 PM

    Post #2415437

    Hello Hope,

    Yes, the Ramune is a drink which is primarily consumed by
    teenagers who watch Japanese cartoons called Anime. My
    son works in a store where they are sold, so the kids save the
    bottles for him and he brings them home to Mom.

    :-)

    You can find them wherever Anime is sold.


    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    July 12, 2006 2:11 PM

    Post #2496852

    A sad update from Arizona Tea company:

    Thank you for your email. Our Ginseng Tea product and package has been updated. The tea is now called Black Tea with Ginseng and Honey. Honey has been added and the bottle is no longer made with blue glass.

    Can you all see me crying?
    Cambium
    Lamar, AR (Zone 7b)

    July 12, 2006 4:10 PM

    Post #2497234

    *joins Wuvie in pouting* 8'(

    ~*~ Suenell
    lizrainey
    San Mateo, CA (Zone 9b)

    July 15, 2006 2:18 PM

    Post #2508387

    hi wuvie,

    sorry to hear about the arizona bottles, wuvie do you have a cost plus world market out there? i found tynant bottles red and blue only in the 25 fl oz they were $2.99 i bought three to start my collection.

    i also found at trader joes blu' italy water they too are 25.4 oz but there more on the long slender side not rounded as the tynant they were $1.09 plus .08 crv.

    hope this gave you some good news have a good day i think im going to go look at some thrift stores today and see what i can find... liz
    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    July 15, 2006 2:32 PM

    Post #2508434

    Oh, Liz, how I wish!

    Even the closest is a few states away, and they don't have it.

    Just a note about the red Ty Nant, the glass is not red, rather it is a coating,
    so you may not want to purchase too many more if you have the intention of
    an outdoor tree. The red film will come off the bottles. :-(

    I had to order a few blue Ty Nant on Amazon, though I must say I am thus
    far not impressed with one of the vendors carrying it. I ordered four, just
    four bottles June 30 and as of yesterday, I contacted them only to be told
    they were backordered. If they are not available, why list the darn things?

    Wish we had a source. Even if the local liquor stores would carry Skyy Blue, I'm
    not a big drinker of beer and such, so I'm back to internet ordering again.

    Can't find the infamous Blu Italy here, either. Pout.

    Sigh.

    tgif
    Starkville, MS

    August 2, 2006 3:51 PM

    Post #2578644

    wuvie - just thought I'd give you more food for thought. While you are out and about looking for bottles, don't forget to watch for small bottles as well. I just *love my rare "Drawf Bottle Tree. Low maintainence, drought resistant, and blooms year round!
    ginni

    This message was edited Aug 2, 2006 3:22 PM

    Thumbnail by tgif
    Click the image for an enlarged view.

    2vernes
    Blytheville, AR (Zone 7a)

    August 2, 2006 8:20 PM

    Post #2579580

    I have never thought of a mini or dwarf bottle tree. It is so cute and would look really cute in the garden, too. Guess I need to go to the liquor store and purchase some of the cute mini bottles of booze. Also, the dollar stores have some cute bottles, too. Now I have a project going. Thanks for the idea. Sheverne
    tgif
    Starkville, MS

    August 2, 2006 8:22 PM

    Post #2579583

    Have fun!
    lizrainey
    San Mateo, CA (Zone 9b)

    August 3, 2006 1:58 AM

    Post #2580790

    hello tgif,

    very cleaver, i loved the tree thank you for the idea now i have something to do while i collect for the large tree liz
    mamafish68
    Manzanola, CO (Zone 5b)

    September 21, 2006 6:10 AM

    Post #2744785

    WHATTTT I get all the way to the bottom of this thread with baited breath, waiting, hoping, drooling in anticipation of a picture and NADA!!!

    WUVIE WHERE ARE YOUUUUU??? hows the bottle tree comming?
    tgif
    Starkville, MS

    November 2, 2006 12:14 PM

    Post #2874611

    Come out, come out, where ever you are!!!!!! Oh, WUUUUUUUUUVIEEEEEEEE! My fingers are sore from tap, tap, tapping on the table, I'm turning blue from holding my breath, and if I fall over in a dead feint it will be your fault! lol
    BloomsWithaView
    Moab, UT (Zone 6b)

    December 6, 2006 6:36 PM

    Post #2974421

    Just found this thread, want to share two pics of a bottle tree forest I found along old rte 66 just north of Victorville.

    Thumbnail by BloomsWithaView
    Click the image for an enlarged view.

    PrairieGirlZ5
    Thornton, IL

    December 6, 2006 6:38 PM

    Post #2974428

    that is astounding, LOve the idea of a forest.
    BloomsWithaView
    Moab, UT (Zone 6b)

    December 6, 2006 6:39 PM

    Post #2974433

    I will have to stop by there again, my new camera has so many more pixels the pictures would be clearer.

    Thumbnail by BloomsWithaView
    Click the image for an enlarged view.

    Zanymuse
    Scotia, CA (Zone 9b)

    December 6, 2006 6:40 PM

    Post #2974436

    Blooms, that forest is so cool! I really like the square "tree" with the all green bottles in the caged treetop.
    BloomsWithaView
    Moab, UT (Zone 6b)

    December 6, 2006 6:41 PM

    Post #2974444

    Okay, want to share this close-er up one too. The things on the tops of the tree were interesting too.

    Thumbnail by BloomsWithaView
    Click the image for an enlarged view.

    Zanymuse
    Scotia, CA (Zone 9b)

    December 6, 2006 6:47 PM

    Post #2974459

    This forester must have been collecting bottles from along route 66 for years. Now that is real trash to treasure!
    heartinart
    Festus, MO

    December 11, 2006 11:58 PM

    Post #2991273

    I want a bottle tree in my garden, now I just sink the wine bottles into colorful borders!
    Anne_2U
    Otto, NC

    December 27, 2006 1:09 PM

    Post #3027834

    Hi, to all who enjoy creating treasures from trash. I too am in the process of making a bottle tree. I now have collected over 80 different sizes of colored bottles. I found some at thrift stores, a flea market, and my local recycling center.
    I am in need of more small bottles with which to fill in at the top making it look more like a tree. When my son in law "plant's" the post and makes the holes for long nails or dowels, I am ready to go when he is, and will send a picture when completed.
    chickapea
    Whitehall, NY

    January 28, 2007 9:40 PM

    Post #3132392

    LOL.. I have a weping willow tree that I cut some branchs short and have blue arizona bottles inserted on! People have probably thought I am committable when they ask the meaning to my odd glass bottle "leaves." I find the bottles, wash, and remove the lables and off to the tree we go! I find it quite amusing to the looks my beautiful tree gets!
    maidentheshade
    Beaumont, TX

    February 1, 2007 1:30 PM

    Post #3145129

    One of my customers is a bar tender and last night he finally brought me some bottles I've been begging him to save for me. He's a regular customer of mine and always stopping by with more customers for me so every time I see him I remind him. Amongst the bag was two Skyy blues to add to the three additional I have collected and a Bombay Saphire which is a pretty light aqua color. He works at the golf country club so if I stay on his little skinny behind about saving them for me I might have an endless supply.
    I had the same problem with the single red bottle I found at Goodwill I was thrilled to find, Karen Marie. It's fading away in the sun. :(
    I lit mine using low voltage colored malibu lights wired consecutively wire nutted together and it looks awesome at night. Boy, they're awfully proud of those colored bulbs at Home Depot. It's hard to get a good pic at night. I know there must be a setting on my camera but I haven't figured it out yet.

    Thumbnail by maidentheshade
    Click the image for an enlarged view.

    UniQueTreasures
    Beaumont, TX (Zone 8b)

    February 1, 2007 8:53 PM

    Post #3146643

    Connie, if you use the "candle" setting on your camera, be sure to use a tripod. ANY movement will cause the lights to look drunk!

    I tried to see if I had a better photo of your bottle tree than the one you posted. Only one I found was this... and I don't know that it's any better.

    Janet

    Thumbnail by UniQueTreasures
    Click the image for an enlarged view.

    maidentheshade
    Beaumont, TX

    February 1, 2007 9:39 PM

    Post #3146763

    I was trying to find one of it lit at night that you could actually see it lit. I remember how much trouble I had even getting those. I had my finger over the flash on some hoping to get the true look but that didn't work either. I'll try the candle setting, Janet and maybe put it on something and set it to take itself since I don't have a tripod.
    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    February 1, 2007 10:28 PM

    Post #3146904

    Ooh, I'll bet that looks really nice in the dark when you
    are in the pool! How cool is that!?

    My bottle tree was put on hold for a number of excuses.
    Maybe this spring I can get it together, now that I have
    plenty of Saratoga bottles in cobalt blue.

    KM
    lizrainey
    San Mateo, CA (Zone 9b)

    February 3, 2007 11:31 PM

    Post #3154297

    ok the bottle tree has been planted!!!!!!

    so wuvie what do you think of this one???
    liz

    Thumbnail by lizrainey
    Click the image for an enlarged view.

    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    February 4, 2007 12:09 AM

    Post #3154403

    Oh, Liz, is that your tree? I love it!

    I really like how the smaller bottles are at the top,
    giving it a nice 'trimmed' or 'pruned' look.

    Will you string lights around it for the evening look?

    I'm so proud of you!
    Rocco
    Tulsa, OK (Zone 7a)

    February 4, 2007 12:12 AM

    Post #3154413

    Liz
    That is a fine bottle tree,good job. I am collecting blue bottles for my next tree. Not only do I like the tree but also the fire hydrant. I had one at one time but a friend lusted over it and I gave it to him,bad move!
    I have a bird like the one next to the hydrant. My bird is black with a red head,yellow beak and legs. He qualifies as a piece of fine art.
    LC2sgarden
    Bolivar, TN (Zone 7a)

    February 4, 2007 4:30 AM

    Post #3155153

    Like all the bottle trees. We live along a country road and several times a mo. weather permitting we pick up OPT (other people's trash). A lot of whiskey and beer bottles get thrown out along the road. Picked up several of them and stuck them on tree branches along the rd. Budweiser came out with one that has a almost rounded top which I thought would make a pretty vase. Poured out the remaining beer (at least I hope it was beer), brought it to the house, washed it out at the faucet, poured bleach water in it and let it soak. Took off the label and I was right, it does make a pretty vase. Have some dahlias that willl look pretty in it when they bloom this summer. LIZ
    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    February 4, 2007 3:36 PM

    Post #3156285

    So funny you mentioned putting the bottles on tree limbs. On our
    road, someone put a water bottle on a branch and it has been there
    for years.

    Love looking at all of the pictures, keep 'em coming!
    lizrainey
    San Mateo, CA (Zone 9b)

    February 4, 2007 4:00 PM

    Post #3156377

    hi wuvie,

    thank you, my better half really thought up all the different angles to make it look like a prunned tree
    now i got the bug i want a green tree, lol and patience is a virtue
    i thought it would never get done..

    you have to take some of the credit wuvie i would of never thought of it!
    lights do sound good for a evening look i'll have to see what we can come up with

    liz
    lizrainey
    San Mateo, CA (Zone 9b)

    February 4, 2007 4:14 PM

    Post #3156426

    hi rocco,

    thank you, too bad you did not live closer i have a extra hydrant... lol
    my better half is a truck driver (the dirt side) and he always brings something interesting home from the demolition jobs, a fellow he knows replaces fire hydrants so he put out the word to save us the bell top style
    well you better post your tree i'll look foward to seeing it!!!

    as for the bird: funny story my inlaw found it at a garage sale around three years ago i just flipped when i saw it it was the most neatest thing i ever saw, well two weeks ago i told her she needed to paint it, and she told me to take it, i was so exicted i have looked for how to's on it but i havent quite seen anything close, some of the parts i dont have a clue what they used, would you or anyone know where i could find a pattern?????
    liz
    Rocco
    Tulsa, OK (Zone 7a)

    February 4, 2007 5:10 PM

    Post #3156665

    Liz
    I would like to have another fire hydrant but I think that the shipping charges on the one that you have would be a little out of line!
    The bird that I have uses a shovel for the body,washers and large ball bearings for the eyes. The head is a part from a sickle bar mower. The legs are made from a bicycle fork. The feet and toes are re-bar. I bought mine at a flea market. They also had small chicks to match. I don't have those. If I am able to get my camera card reader fixed,I will send a picture.

    mom2eloise
    Trabuco Canyon, CA

    April 2, 2007 6:55 PM

    Post #3348384

    Wuvie, is your bottle tree done yet? I've started collecting blue bottles and desperately want to make one but I don't know how to weld and my husband is even less handy than I am, LOL!

    I'm waiting to see how you do yours so I can use the helpful hints : ) I need to know what size drill bit you use, what type of dowels, rods, etc.


    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    April 2, 2007 8:38 PM

    Post #3348756

    Well, funny you should ask. The pole stood there naked
    all year long. Today I figured out what I was going to do with
    it, but finding time is the bigger problem.

    I'm going to attach a string to the top, then wind it around the pole,
    going down, spacing the string so far apart. Every so many inches, I will
    make a mark. Then I'm going to use rebar. Yep, I decided rebar would be
    the best.

    I'll use the cut off saw (or whatever it is called) to cut equal lengths of
    the rebar, then find something to drill at an angle and drill the holes according
    to the marks on the string.

    Give me a bit of time and I hope to have it done.

    This year.
    LOL
    bahawkins
    Canadian, TX

    April 6, 2007 1:12 PM

    Post #3361943

    I found this thread thru a search for bottle trees because I want to make one. I have read with great interest and I love the pictures. I want to make mine with all blue bottles on a rebar base and I have ordered glow in the dark paint to apply designs to the bottles. I'm going to make a 'moon garden' this summer in and around my ponds and I think it will be great to have the glow in the dark bottle trees.
    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    April 6, 2007 1:28 PM

    Post #3362013

    I was able to string the pole, and found a great source for
    the rebar in long lengths.

    Now if we can just get back our spring weather. It is cold right
    now and I'm freezing! Brrr!

    Baha, sounds like a great idea!

    darius

    darius
    So.App.Mtns.
    United States (Zone 5b)

    April 6, 2007 2:21 PM

    Post #3362152

    Sounds like fun, Ba.

    darius

    darius
    So.App.Mtns.
    United States (Zone 5b)

    April 6, 2007 2:23 PM

    Post #3362157

    Sounds like fun, Ba. Somewhere on DG (long ago) I posted a photo of a blue bottle tree done on rebar that was bent into free-form shapes. It was a friend's sister's house and I have no idea where (thread/forum) the photo was posted.
    junklady
    Cascade, ID

    April 8, 2007 9:25 AM

    Post #3367958

    I made a small bottle tree/ bush yesterday in about an hour. Got some rebar from the barn, cut it, bent it slightly in the vise, and then welded it together. Put those cute Skyy blue bottles on it. I have yet to take a picture. I just learned how to weld yesterday also, not that hard. I'm an Art teacher, so I guess doing crafty stuff comes easy. I want to make another. I think one from a fence post and some dowel rods would be good.
    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    April 8, 2007 12:40 PM

    Post #3368531

    I thought about the dowel rods, too, but I was afraid they would rot,
    then perhaps fall off in time, allowing the bottles to fall and crash,
    or smush my daylilies beneath the tree.

    Warm weather, please hurry back!

    bahawkins
    Canadian, TX

    April 8, 2007 8:28 PM

    Post #3369733

    Someone mentioned a new sport drink in blue bottles, did a search and found them, they look pretty cool. Go to bawls.com, they have a store locator so you can find it in your area.
    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    April 8, 2007 9:04 PM

    Post #3369863

    Ooh, too cool! I immediately sent the link to
    my son, who is close to a store that carries it.

    Bawls mints, too. Very funny!

    Many thanks for sharing!

    cakewhite
    Gulfport, MS

    November 8, 2007 3:54 AM

    Post #4170062

    wuvie, i just saw a picture of a bottle tree where the man used an old cedar tree, and he used 3/8" pvc pipe cut into 15" sections and placed them at a 45 degree angle in 5" drilled holes. this is something that might work for you. i plan to try this out for my tree. good luck and let me know if you try it out.
    WUVIE
    Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a)

    November 8, 2007 1:57 PM

    Post #4170961

    Hi Cake!

    Aren't they the coolest? You might be referring to this one:

    http://usadeepsouth.ms11.net/bottletree.html

    I may very well end up using such a method, as I'm too cheap to
    use long nails. However, I did learn how to use hubby's big cut-off
    saw for rebar, so that is another thought you just reminded me about.

    Many thanks! :-)

    KM
    tkelley
    Gainesville, MO

    January 12, 2008 5:31 PM

    Post #4391663

    I like all the tree's but got the most important of information from Wuvie and the link to usadeepsouth.ms11.net You see I have been wondering where in tarnation those red bottles come from. I know their out there but never had a name of anything in them. Dan's article said it was Red Rum. Never heard of it ,never seen it,never tasted it,but I will be looking for it. So Thank you bunches Wuvie for that info and for all the photos of your bottle trees everyone, Beautiful just beautiful
    denimangle
    Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)

    October 24, 2010 2:10 PM

    Post #8173511

    bump
    everyone is talking BTs again ..
    kanuallc
    Lorena, TX

    October 25, 2010 7:51 AM

    Post #8174840

    i have been wondering a lot lately where Wuvie is and so was very excited when this showed up. needless to say...disappointed it's not new from her...but love all the bottle trees and started looking. priced wine blue ones at wally's...bout $7.00...so that's out, considering we don't drink and would be pouring it down the drain!!!...so, will start someplace else...but have to have one!
    denimangle
    Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)

    October 25, 2010 3:17 PM

    Post #8175749

    GEE Thanks kanuallc sorry to disappoint you
    Guess im chopped liver... :)~~~~

    KM come out come out where ever you are
    kanuallc
    Lorena, TX

    October 25, 2010 3:40 PM

    Post #8175802

    you stole my favorite description of myself, denim! is KM Wuvie?? i'm sorry i can't remember names of all the poster's on here...can barely remember how to find DG most days!! i like to call it "stress" of raising a 15 yr old and keeping up with younger husband...but i know it's age!!!
    dahtzu
    Henderson, NC (Zone 7b)

    October 25, 2010 3:44 PM

    Post #8175812

    LOL, not to worry, don't think it was meant that way.
    J2222
    Southern California, CA

    October 25, 2010 5:12 PM

    Post #8176032

    Denim & Kannu: "chopped liver?"..lol. It's one of my favorite expressions, too. I didn't know you guys were from New York City...
    denimangle
    Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)

    October 25, 2010 5:38 PM

    Post #8176088

    kanuallc
    Just joking ..
    Yes KM is Wuvie... Karen Marie.
    I always say kids turn your brain to Oatmeal ...LOL it will get better soon
    kanuallc
    Lorena, TX

    October 25, 2010 7:06 PM

    Post #8176244

    denim, i never thought you weren't joking!!! and the only way my brain will get better is when i no longer remember when it's bad...LOL...at 67 i don't think it goes the other way!!!
    J2...texas born and bred...been using chopped liver forever...near as i remember!!! ROFLMBO.
    better quit before i forget where i started!!...thank you all for indulging me.

    jeanie
    denimangle
    Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)

    October 25, 2010 7:15 PM

    Post #8176266

    LOL but they like chopped liver in NY City... won't touch the stuff my self ...:)
    J2222
    Southern California, CA

    October 25, 2010 8:21 PM

    Post #8176408

    I never understood, if they like liver why did they develop that expression. I like chopped liver. If you ever come across a chicken liver, boil it in water, drain and mash with fork, mix with salt, mayonnaise and a little minced onion. Refrigerate. Serve cold on a cracker. Yum. Or give it to the pets...lol.
    denimangle
    Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)

    October 26, 2010 7:36 AM

    Post #8176890

    LOL The Chickens get the Chicken parts back around here
    keepingactive
    Thousand Oaks, CA (Zone 10a)

    October 26, 2010 8:17 AM

    Post #8176954

    My eldest son would put raw liver in blender with orange juice and blend and drink. Yuk. It was supposed to be very good for you at the time. (75-76)

    At Thanksgiving my husband always took the stuff out of the bag, put it in a pot, covered it, and then feed to little dogs. But before that he would chase me around the house with the heart,saying, thump, thump, thump. It was our annual thing.

    Born in Buffalo, NY but never had chopped liver, probably because I was 3 left left). And don't like liverwurst. All my kids loved liver. Baby calf liver. It was amazing. Asked what they wanted and all would yell liver. Hated it, hated cooking it, hated the smell, hated touching it, but being the wonderful mother that I was (am), they got it. I put a steak on the outside grill for me. We were all happy.
    denimangle
    Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)

    October 26, 2010 5:36 PM

    Post #8178025

    keepingactive
    OH YUCK ...LOL
    I being a good mother and always being told its good for you :( I cooked liver 1 time for my kids when they were very young .. 1 fell asleep before dinner just as a test I feed one and then the other one loved it the other hated it ...they both hate it now ...
    mom always cooked the parts and then cut them up & put them in the Gravy

    darius

    darius
    So.App.Mtns.
    United States (Zone 5b)

    October 27, 2010 6:31 AM

    Post #8178989

    I love liver, and have finally started buying it again ONLY if I can get it from a grass-fed bovine. The liver is a filter, and I wouldn't dare to even think what a filter in a confined animal feedlot operation has filtered!
    JuneyBug
    Dover AFB, DE (Zone 7a)

    October 27, 2010 1:14 PM

    Post #8179803

    We ate liver every Thursday of my life, growing up. When I got married, I asked my DH if he liked liver and when he said NO!, I didn't buy any for 15-18 years. When I did, it was because the Dr. told me that it was the only organ meat that we Should eat, and I Should eat it weekly to get the minerals and vitamins that I wasn't able to easily absorb from the other foods. Darn. Mom was right. Small framed, fair complected people Need to eat it rather than try to get by on a 1-a-day vitamin.
    Mom always bought calves liver as she said that the calf hadn't had time to eat too much bad stuff yet, but it would be much better to do like Darius says and buy organic, grass fed.

    We are what we eat.
    keepingactive
    Thousand Oaks, CA (Zone 10a)

    October 27, 2010 2:03 PM

    Post #8179881

    JuneyBug: I always bought calves liver because I found it to be less dry and tough.
    J2222
    Southern California, CA

    October 27, 2010 2:52 PM

    Post #8179979

    I thought I replied to this post this am, and now it's not here. Does that happen? Unless I added the comment to another thread? oh well-someone might be surprised to see a liver comment on their thread. lol. I thought Darius had a good point about the grass fed liver. But you're right I buy calves liver and occasionally chicken liver. We also had it when I was growing up-about once a week. I guess grass fed calves liver would be tasty, too. My GD used to say "bacon slow, liver fast" to indicate how you cooked them. we always had crisp bacon with it. My mom used to use the liver drippings and add butter/margarine and a little bit of lemon juice, parsley and pour that sauce over. Very good. It's terrible what we do sometimes when we get married. My DH told me he hated chicken and I never cooked it for years. Then, one day I decided I didn't care what he hated and I began cooking chicken. Funny-he never said a word and just eats it.

    darius

    darius
    So.App.Mtns.
    United States (Zone 5b)

    October 27, 2010 3:34 PM

    Post #8180051

    I prefer calves liver... cut into thin medallions, lightly sautéed in a mix of olive oil and butter, with a splash of sherry.

    All of the offal from grass-fed animals is very high in nutritional content, more so than steaks, chops and roasts. We've just forgotten how to prepare them, or eat them... and 'society' has taught us to turn up our noses, unless you live in France or a few other cultures.

    Even properly rendered tallow from beef has recently been proven nutritionally superior to vegetable fats (processed oils) except for olive, palm and coconut oils. Years ago McD's cooked their french fries in tallow, man were they good! Plus, beef tallow doesn't smoke at higher temps the way almost all other fats/oils do.
    J2222
    Southern California, CA

    October 27, 2010 4:06 PM

    Post #8180130

    darius , you're making me hungry.
    denimangle
    Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)

    October 27, 2010 6:02 PM

    Post #8180392

    darius
    Nope Still not eating liver .. they eat horse in France too
    Now for MickieDs fries .. cooked the old way Bring Them On !!!!
    dillansnana
    Hemet, CA (Zone 9b)

    October 27, 2010 6:30 PM

    Post #8180458

    No liver in my home, no way, no how!!!!!
    wdbevans
    Scappoose, OR

    May 19, 2011 9:47 PM

    Post #8575057

    I like all the trees I am seeing; I am a bottle tree fan. I made my own modest one last year by sticking rebar in the ground and putting wine bottles on top.

    Thumbnail by wdbevans
    Click the image for an enlarged view.

    J2222
    Southern California, CA

    May 20, 2011 9:10 AM

    Post #8575707

    wdbevans: Modest-schmodest, your tree is great!
    Lulie
    Northeast, OH (Zone 5b)

    May 23, 2011 7:56 PM

    Post #8583256

    I love this thread! It was the 1st one from DG that I ever read. I became hooked and purchased a membership. It made me crazy reading about Wuvie and her bottle tree. I made one for a friend's birthday that year (08), unfortunately she moved and now her ex has custody of that tree that I worked so hard on.

    As far as liver goes...I was forced to eat it when I was a kid. It was cut in thick slices and I think the cow must have been 20 years old...it was very tuff. I tried to choke it down by putting it between slices of buttered white bread with ketchup. I just can't get up the nerve to try it again.
    daylilydreams
    small town, MN (Zone 4b)

    May 25, 2011 1:23 PM

    Post #8586834

    We ordered a bottle tree and my DH decided it was not strong enough for the size bottles we wanted to use so he made a much larger stronger tree.

    Thumbnail by daylilydreams
    Click the image for an enlarged view.

    daylilydreams
    small town, MN (Zone 4b)

    May 25, 2011 1:28 PM

    Post #8586842

    We used the much smaller bottle tree for green bottles. On the blue bottle tree all of the bottles are from wine tall size on the bottom then regular size topped off with small size on the top. The green bottle tree is beer bottles.

    Thumbnail by daylilydreams
    Click the image for an enlarged view.

    taters55

    taters55
    (Linda Kay) Del Rio, TX (Zone 9a)

    May 25, 2011 2:22 PM

    Post #8586927

    Those are so pretty!
    J2222
    Southern California, CA

    May 25, 2011 4:35 PM

    Post #8587119

    I like the small beer bottles for a change. Never thought of using them. I wonder if beer ever comes in blue?

    taters55

    taters55
    (Linda Kay) Del Rio, TX (Zone 9a)

    May 25, 2011 5:32 PM

    Post #8587237

    Do a search for bud light bottles, some come in blue.
    Brender
    Topsham, ME (Zone 5a)

    May 25, 2011 5:44 PM

    Post #8587268

    These are all fabulous!
    daylilydreams
    small town, MN (Zone 4b)

    May 25, 2011 6:01 PM

    Post #8587313

    My DH had the idea to use the green bottles on the small tree which he also reinforced to make it a bit sturdier to withstand our winters.
    J2222
    Southern California, CA

    May 25, 2011 7:43 PM

    Post #8587567

    taters55: OK, I'll be drinking Bud lite, if I can locate blue.
    denimangle
    Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)

    May 26, 2011 5:21 AM

    Post #8587991

    Linda Blue glass Bud bottles?? ..Where did you find that...

    blue "aluminum"

    This message was edited May 26, 2011 6:24 AM

    taters55

    taters55
    (Linda Kay) Del Rio, TX (Zone 9a)

    May 26, 2011 6:05 AM

    Post #8588037

    http://www.google.com/search?um=1&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=677&tbm...

    I just googled bud light blue bottle.
    denimangle
    Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)

    May 26, 2011 6:21 AM

    Post #8588064

    ok ...Bud Light Bottle Pitcher ($17.00) is blue glass but the beer doesnt come in blue bottles only blue "aluminum"
    my son in law use to work for bud & collected bottles for me from some of the bars . I was about to strangle him if he hadn't brought me blue glass... everyone knows I crave blue glass ...lol

    taters55

    taters55
    (Linda Kay) Del Rio, TX (Zone 9a)

    May 26, 2011 6:26 AM

    Post #8588076

    Ah, sorry I did not look closer... That is a lot of money for a pitcher.
    denimangle
    Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)

    May 26, 2011 10:18 AM

    Post #8588492

    thats what I was thinking .. and in my case to smash it up ...lol
    daylilydreams
    small town, MN (Zone 4b)

    May 27, 2011 6:11 AM

    Post #8590355

    My DH said that the small blue wine bottles are the same size as the green beer bottles. The small blue wine bottles were sold as a 4-pack in a liquor store, they had two different brands.
    denimangle
    Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)

    May 27, 2011 6:25 AM

    Post #8590386

    daylilydreams
    Ill have to check to see if we have them down here when
    I do go into a liquor store I can spend a long time just looking at bottles ... we are not much on drinking ... may have to find someone to drink them ...lol

    taters55

    taters55
    (Linda Kay) Del Rio, TX (Zone 9a)

    May 27, 2011 9:01 AM

    Post #8590613

    Send the contents this way please??? LOL!
    daylilydreams
    small town, MN (Zone 4b)

    May 27, 2011 9:57 AM

    Post #8590731

    The best way to get them if you can find them is to buy them and drink the wine. A little wine is good for the heart these bottles are not that big. Not to mention it tastes great. LOL
    denimangle
    Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)

    May 27, 2011 7:01 PM

    Post #8591727

    daylilydreams
    ill have to get my girls to drink them ... DH hasn't had a drink in over 30 years ... and I might have 2 or 3 a year ...
    Linda do you think a double zip loc would hold in shipping ...lol

    taters55

    taters55
    (Linda Kay) Del Rio, TX (Zone 9a)

    May 28, 2011 5:56 AM

    Post #8592349

    LOL!

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