An assistant manager of a Swindon pub has been turning old alcohol bottles into gifts including candles, lights and dispensers.

Jon Ellis of Covingham has been upcycling for around four years with his side project, Ellis Illuminations.

“I give empty bottles a new lease of life by upcycling them into candles, glasses, and dispensers,” he said.

“I've been upcycling bottles now for almost five years but started making them into candles just prior to the Covid pandemic.

“I wanted a way to combine my upcycled bottles with candles and lockdown gave me that perfect opportunity to learn how to do so.”

Swindon Advertiser: Jon makes a variety of products with the old bottles.Jon makes a variety of products with the old bottles. (Image: Jon Ellis)

For those wondering where the 41-year-old sources the bottles, Jon was quick to inform that it was not solely from personal consumption.

“I do like to have a gin every now and then and I do buy gins which come in nice bottles, but I do get most of my bottles donated to me though,” he laughed.

“A lot come from a local pub, The Royal Oak in Old Town, but I also normally go over to the Isle of Wight and collect a load of empty mermaid gin bottles once or twice a year as they look stunning as lights, candles or glasses.”

Swindon Advertiser: Jon creates all of his products in his spare time.Jon creates all of his products in his spare time. (Image: Jon Ellis)

Recently the demand for Jon’s creations has been high, having over 500 sales in total and he has had people from all over the world placing orders for the Wiltshire handcrafted products.

“My bottle candles have sold locally but they have also gone abroad to Canada, USA and Italy,” he revealed.

“It makes me feel really proud and chuffed that an idea of mine is getting bigger and now being appreciated abroad.

“I always make sure that the glasses or candles are packaged well but it's always a worry whether or not they will arrive safely. So far all has been okay.”

Swindon Advertiser: Jon also makes glasses from the bottles as well as the candles and dispensers.Jon also makes glasses from the bottles as well as the candles and dispensers. (Image: Jon Ellis)

Jon has had several influences for going ahead and creating the products but he has cited television as his main source of inspiration.

“I like watching programmes like Money for Nothing and also The Apprentice,” he said.

“Both of these gave me the inspiration to do it, especially the former.”

Jon’s products range from £10 for a glass and £20 for candles, with the majority of the candles being £17. 10.

If you are interested in enquiring about any of the items, you can find Jon’s website here.