Bottoms up!

Clocks, lamps, lamp shades, bed lamps, bowls, trays, ash trays, platters, candle holders and plant holders — all made out of used alcohol bottles. How spirited does that sound?

A few like-minded hobbyists came together, under Glass Hoppers, providing customers attractive and delectable upcycled bottles.

“Sterilised bottles are bought from a dealer, heated to different temperatures in a small furnace, and remoulded into hand crafted, desired shapes,” says Ronson Anthony, about their work at Glass Hoppers.

A gift…

When Dhanya, Ronson’s wife received a gift of an upcycled bottle from a friend, the art and technique amused the MBA graduate couple. Their curious minds explored this artistry, which culminated in Glass Hoppers, with some of their friends joining in.

With each one coming from varied professions and backgrounds, this venture for the last nine months has seen gradual growth. “After a party, we saw the big line-up of used up bottles and decided this was the time to experiment with them. Ever since, we haven’t retracted and have been unceasingly innovating and experimenting. Some have clicked, and others have bombed,” says Ronson.

The group at Glass Hoppers are not artists, with MSc, BCom and MBA graduates at its core. When asked if not having a professional training in arts is a handicap, Ronson is quick to say, “Education has nothing to do with creativity. Creativity is an inbuilt quality.”

Products range from Rs. 300 to Rs. 12,000. “We sold a chandelier for Rs. 12,000. We undertake specific orders.”

A clock made from Grey Goose Vodka bottles with LED lights, has been the most sought-after product, says Ronson. “Rarer the bottle, better its reception. Some prefer the labels retained and others like the bottles plain.”

They started off with their target group being youngsters. Of late though, “Elders, mostly ladies, have made a bee line for our products,” he says.

They customise their products to one’s personal needs. These products are available at their store in Indiranagar, on 100 ft road, 4133, 13th A main, HAL 2nd stage. Call 9741010001. They are also available in 100 ft. Boutique Restaurant and afday.com.