How To Upcycle A Window Into A Garden Bar

With our upcycled window project, you can create a unique cocktail corner in your garden. A free “HAPPY HOUR” sign template and cocktail caddy instructions are included!

Oh, what a glorious weekend we just had! The sun was out in full force, practically begging us to host our first BBQ of the season. It was perfect. I’ve got this quaint little town garden—my slice of heaven in the summer where I love to kick back and soak up some sunshine. Lately, I’ve been getting into upcycling, giving this cosy space a bit of a personal touch with quirky, reused items.

Happy Hour Upcycled Window

I got crafty with an old window a few weeks ago, turning it into this adorable herb planter. It turned out so well that I just had to make another! Since nothing beats chilling in the garden with a cool drink, I thought, “Why not give this next window a cocktail theme?” So, I splashed on a colourful “HAPPY HOUR” sign, added a handy hook for a bottle opener, and a little shelf perfect for keeping a cocktail caddy right where you need it.

I have some good news if you’re curious about jazzing up your outdoor spot or tackling a fun DIY project. I’m sharing the sign template for free on my blog, and I’ll even show you how to whip up that cute cocktail caddy. It’s super easy and adds a fun twist to any garden party. Why not give it a try? Let’s make our gardens the place to be this summer!

How to Paint Window Glass

I painted the window the same way as my herb planter window, but with a different template!

Step 1: Click here to download the HAPPY HOUR template, complete with lemon slices and Gin O’Clock. When you print your template, check the box to print a mirror image.

Step 2: Stick the template face down on the front of your window. You will paint on the back of the window (hence the mirror image).

Step 3: Paint the glass using a small brush, following the template design. For this window, I used glass paint in black and yellow.

Tips For Painting Signs On Glass Windows

1. Clean the Glass Thoroughly: First, clean the glass to remove dust, dirt, or grease. Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water for best results. Ensure it’s completely dry before you begin painting.
2. Choose the Right Paint: Use glass, acrylic or enamel paint, as these adhere well to glass and can withstand the elements if the window is exposed outdoors. Enamel paints are especially durable for outdoor use.
3. Use Templates or Stencils: For a neater appearance and more precise lettering or designs, use templates or stencils. You can create your own or download patterns online.
4. Apply a Primer: For a more opaque and lasting finish, apply a primer specifically designed for glass. This helps the paint stick better and prevents peeling or flaking.
5. Use Fine Brushes or Paint Pens: For detailed work or smaller text, use fine brushes or paint pens designed for glass. This allows for cleaner lines and more intricate designs.
6. Seal the Paint: Once your paint has dried, seal it with a clear acrylic sealer to protect it from weather and wear, especially if the window will be outdoors.
7. Practice Patience: Allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats to avoid smudging and to achieve a more vibrant, even colour.

Transforming The Window Into A Bar

Step 4: To add more character to the upcycled window, I added a shelf and a nail to hang a bottle opener. I spotted a piece of pallet wood with a nice curve in it. I removed this from the pallet and cut it to the window’s width. The wood was then sanded and waxed with a dark wax before fixing it to the bottom of the window.

There is a good tutorial for dismantling pallets here.

How To Make A Fun Cocktail Caddy

Caught up in the thrill of upcycling, I decided to take my window project further by adding a charming cocktail caddy. Previously, I had crafted a Copper Craft Caddy, and this time, I wanted something similar but with a fresh twist. So, I opted for small tin cans, which I then whimsically decoupaged to create a fun and functional addition to my cocktail station. Each can be transformed into a delightful holder for straws, stirrers, and other bartending essentials.

Materials Used

• You need 4 little tins, like the ones you get coconut milk or tomato puree in.
• Something for a handle. In keeping with the theme, I used a broken bottle opener.
• A small scrap piece of wood.
• Decorative napkins
• Spray paints
• Decoupage and Epoxy glue
• Acrylic Varnish

Step 1: First, decorate the tin cans. To keep with the cocktail lemon theme, I spray painted them yellow on the inside and creamy white on the outside.

Step 2: Once dry, I decoupaged the outside with paper napkins. You use the top ply layer of the paper napkin when decoupaging. When finished, add a coat of varnish to protect. Check out this post on napkin decoupage for more details.

Step 3: To make the caddy handle, I drilled a hole into a piece of wood and stuck the end of the broken bottle opener in. You can use resin glue to secure it. Then, using Epoxy glue, I stuck the cans, two on each side, to the wood strip and handle.

The caddy is ready to fill with all your cocktail paraphernalia, such as straws, cocktail sticks, and those cute tiny umbrellas. Then, all you need to do is stick it on the window shelf to complete your outdoor cocktail bar.

Conclusion and Other Related Posts

I’ve already been making good use of my cocktail window, I hope this gorgeous weather we are having at the moment continues. I’m looking forward to the elderflowers coming out so that I can make my elderflower champagne which I love to use as a base in my summer cocktails.

As you can probably gather from the window, my favourite spirit is Gin, many of my cocktails are gin-based such as my Gin & Rhubarb Fizz. What’s your favourite cocktail?

I enjoyed painting a sign on the window glass so much that I even decorated a window for Christmas.

There are many more upcycled and repurposed fun ideas for the garden here.

Check out these summer craft ideas and many more fun tin can crafts.