I am so happy it is finally summer! I have so many happy memories of summer. Running through sprinklers- and then warming up on the hot cement sidewalks. The delicate balance of eating Popsicles before they melt, but without getting a “brain freeze.” And of course, making a secret, heartfelt wish, and then blowing dandelion fluff to make it come true.
No one has figured out a way to bottle the carefree days of summer, but I have figured out how to bottle dandelion wishes!
You only need a few (very inexpensive) supplies to make your own wish bottle necklace:
- Ball Link Chain (I used silver, 18″)
- “Wish” Silver Charm
- Bottle Charm (cork top) or
- Bottle Charm (rubber stopper)
- Jump Rings
- A nice and lucky looking Dandelion
- Envelope or plastic baggie for gathering the dandelion
The first thing you will want to do is find a good dandelion. 🙂 I enlisted the help of my daughter. This time of year, it is not so hard to find quite a lot of fine looking specimens if your yard looks like mine.
Collect your dandelion in an envelope or baggie. It will not make it back to the house if you just pick it and run. Just saying.
Select your bottle charm. I liked both the cork topped kind and the rubber stopper kind. Seriously, how adorable are these? Remove the top of the bottle you choose.
Then, insert the individual dandelion fluffs. I found it helpful to use a skewer to get them distributed evenly in the bottle.
Re-insert the bottle topper. If you are concerned with the topper falling out of the bottle, you could apply a thin layer of glue to the topper before you re-insert it.
Then, using jump rings, attach your “wish” charm to the bottle stopper, and attach the bottle to the ball link chain.
That’s it! I think this would make an adorable and unique gift- for under a couple bucks.
And also very handy for those winter months, when dandelions are in short supply, but you really need to make a wish!
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Shaunte is a 30-something, chocolate-loving, SAHM from Utah. She has been scrapbooking since 1997, the dreaded era of photos cropped with deco scissors. Since then, her work has evolved into a clean, linear, photo-focused style. Her favorite subjects to scrap are her husband and five kids (never a lack for subject material there).
Has anyone used the dandelion spores without drying them or anything? What about spraying with hairspray or ?? to get it to “stay?”
Anyone???
I’ve used them right from the dandelion and they are fine. Once you pack them in the bottle, they do not move and even if they do, that’s fine. Be sure to use a spot of glue (E6000) on the cork to keep it in place…Have fun.
So, did they decay??? Or did they stay fresh? Would it be possible to like clear glue them into place? Maybe? 🙂 thank you for all help 🙂
This is such a wonderful idea! I was just wondering, though, if I decided I wanted to keep one around for a while, would the seeds rot?
Hi Olivia, While I don’t know for sure, I would think the seeds would dry out like a normal flower, as long as there is no moisture in the bottle. They may not always hold their shape though. I would try it to find out! If you’re not wanting to use the seeds, consider using star sequins and glitter.
Love this and I plan to make some for gifts! Great idea! Tana :o)
I love all your little bottles and cannot wait to make some of my own. They will make fantastic Christmas (or any holiday) gifts! Thank you for sharing your beautiful creations and becoming my inspiration to begin crafting again!
Hey I live in Norway and I’ll arrange Dandelion march for children’s rights. And’d love to make this. But where can I order / get hold of in Norway?
so did the dandelion seeds go bad? did they wither into icky brown sludge? or dried brown tidbits? or did they stay pretty and fluffy? i’d really like to know before i try making these, thanks!
What you could do is to paint them with some glue and style the feathers of the dandelion c:
Etsy etsy etsy. For bottles, charms.. everything you need!
I’m just imagining how “delighted” friends and family who don’t have dandelions in their area will be when they pull out a “puff” and blow it into the wind with their wish…only to have it grow into a dandelion “farm” in their yard. Sort of as excited as the people down south are that somebody brought kudzu in to solve erosion problems!
Other than that, I think it’s a marvelous idea! So sweet and cute and a reminder of many warm summer days wishing upon dandelions as a child! I’ve got some little bottles and have wondered just what to do with them and now I know!
I put little tiny stars in mine, as don’t have acess to dandlions either and the make a wish charm goes along with the theme and people I have given them too, just love them..
Hi! I was just wondering how long the dandelion seeds will keep in the jar? Will they start to decay after some time?
Only one problem, we don’t have dandiions here… Is there anything else that could be used for making a wish???
@ruth- Really? You are sooo lucky! Dandelions are a hearty weed on the west coast! I would replace the fluff with stars. Wish upon a star. Here are some small star sequins that would look absolutely adorable in the bottles: http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/basics-sequin-embellishments/10038-11
Have fun! 🙂
Thank you for telling me about the tiny stars, they look adorable, added a little glitter too for a little extra bling. Love your ideas and so appreciative that you answer us.
Smiles and Hugs and Happy Crafting…. Ruth
Do you have thistles in your area? Don’t thistles have the same kind of seeds…only larger?
I don’t know I will have to ask my gardner neighbor….thanks for the tip….
You could use petals from flowers, craft glitter to use as fairy dust, charmy stones or beats c:
Where could I get the cute miniature glass vial with the clear (maybe plastic) top that is used in the demo. I only see cork top bottles. I want to make these as gifts for my coworkers when I retire the end of this year. Thanks.
Janice, you can buy the rubber stop charm bottles here: http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/jewelry-findings-charms/1956-12
Just click the orange text in the supply list to purchase all the supplies used.
I love these, what dollar store for the bottles please.
All of the supplies and sources are listed in the post- just click on each item! 🙂
Please share where you found the oval wish charm.
@ Jodie I am sorry- I have no idea. I have had charms in my craft supply stash for years that occasionally I will dig out- this is one of those. :/
I saw tiny glass bottles at the Dollar Store yesterday and wondered what someone would do with them….now I know. Great idea!
That is such a sweet idea! I LOVE IT!! I’ll be waiting a few months before the dandelions start appearing again but I can’t wait to try this!
Absolutely adorable!
Awh, this is such a sweet idea!
Did you ever in your crafting career imagine that you would be stuffing dandelion fluff into tiny bottles? 🙂
What a sweet idea. My daughter will love this.
Portable, cached, dandelion wishes for all those who are close!
Thank you for this wonderful inspiration and taking the time to document your process.
Great idea!! I’d better get some supplies and get those puffs before they are all gone!!!
What an awesome necklace…..I will have to give it a try!