Upcycled bottle drinking glasses

Market shoppers, online gift buyers, local bars, breweries, restaurants and gift shops looking for distinctive, locally made glassware.

Sell sets of glasses at craft markets and online, and wholesale larger batches to shops and venues at a lower price per piece. Branded or custom bottle sets for bars can bring bigger orders.

• Patient, careful hand work
• Eye for design and finishing
• Sourcing bottles from bars and restaurants
• Basic online selling and photography

• Eye protection, gloves and a dust mask or respirator are needed, since glass shards and fine glass dust are real hazards
• Check with the FDA and your state about rules for items sold for food and drink use, and make sure rims are fully smooth
• Check whether your city requires a home occupation permit, and check HOA or lease rules before setting up a workshop
• Product liability insurance is worth getting, since glass can chip or break
• Register for sales tax with your state if you sell directly to customers

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on your tools, safety equipment and how you set up your workshop. Product liability insurance is worth pricing too, since glass can chip or break.

Check with the FDA and your state about rules for items sold for food and drink use, and make sure rims are fully smooth. Also check for a city home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules, and sales tax registration.

You need patient, careful hand work, an eye for design and finishing, and a way to source bottles from bars and restaurants. Eye protection, gloves and a dust mask or respirator are needed, since glass shards and fine dust are real hazards.