Don't throw out your plastic bottles. Here are 17 nifty ways to reuse them instead

Not only is repurposing plastic bottles great for the environment, it's also a great way to get your hands on some excellent crafting material. Despite their innocent appearance, plastic bottles can transform into some stunning craft pieces. With a little love (and a bit of paint and glue), these plastic bottles take first prize in the makeover competition!

Check out these awesome ideas to repurpose those plastic bottles from the recycling bin, and make sure to share these ideas with your friends on Facebook.

This transformation quite literally makes the world a more beautiful place. After cutting off the top of your plastic bottle, coat your favorite fabric choice with Mod Podge to create an attractive covering. Try adding embellishments like jewels or ball fringe. Add some soil and flowers for the perfect porch decor. Get the full tutorial here.

This idea is perfect if you want to grow herbs or flowers but you don't have a lot of space! Use old plastic bottles to grow your garden along the wall. After cleaning the bottles and cutting a whole in the side, hang them with rope or wire. Try looking for PET bottles.

Another variation of the vertical garden with plastic milk bottles:

As crafters, we all love yarn but know how messy it can be. Using a plastic bottle, you can always make sure your colored yarn is separated!

It can be hard to find a unique accent piece that invites conversation the moment a guest enters the room, but this lamp has all the bases covered. The neutral color of the rope makes the lamp fit with the decor of any room. If you want something with a bit more color, however, choose an unbleached cord and dye it. Get the full tutorial here.

Plastic is bad for the planet. Instead of throwing it away, turn it into something useful. For example, you can use this DIY to convert old plastic shampoo bottles into brightly colored hanging containers. Punch a few holes to thread hanging wire through them and add some decorative touches to finish the job. Get the full tutorial here.

6. Gnome house

There's no place like gnome. At least, there's no place like a gnome home. This fun craft is a little house to go along with a gnome display. The tutorial design makes the home look like a mushroom, but if you're not a fungi fan, you may create any design you like. Get the full tutorial here.

Pull double duty with your recycling responsibilities with this creative project. You'll use a large plastic bottle, plastic spoons and an old lamp to create the ultimate conversation piece for your room. Comments on the Handimania tutorial suggest using energy-efficient bulbs to prevent the lamp from overheating.

For another type of look, check out this light. You might not believe it was made starting with a plastic bottle!

Now you see it?

Turn an old 2-liter (or even smaller) plastic bottle into adorable fashion accessories on a dime! Charisa Darling's pattern calls for 1-inch-wide by 5-inch-long strips for kid-sized bracelets. You can shrink the bracelet by wrapping it in a rubber band and allowing it to warm in the sun.

At first glance, you wouldn't believe that this adorable jewelry holder is made from old pop bottle bottoms. You'll need bottles in varying sizes (2-liter, 1-liter and 20-ounce sizes) for balance and design. This sweet project from EPBOT takes about 2 hours from start to finish.

If you have a stash of old water bottles on hand, try out this whismical DIY by Crafts by Amanda. This is a fun craft to do with keys. The end result make great table and backyard decor.

11. Drip catcher

While this one isn't quite as pretty as some of the other ideas we've featured, it's super functional and perfect for those summer parties (and it's cheaper than buying one at the store!). All you need to do is cut a hole to fit over the spout of your drink dispenser, and leave the bowl of the bottle intact to catch the drips. Craft Your Happiness provides a full tutorial. ​

Recycle the plastic bottle caps and tops for a cheap and innovative storage solution. Plus, it makes pouring out of plastic bags way easier!

Believe it or not, plastic bottle repurposing isn't just for home use. A professional office can use it, too! Tell your boss or co-workers about this neat idea to build a plastic bottle wall.

The picture here says it all. Build your own serving platter and fill it with candies or other snacks. You can even paint it your favorite color! Your guests will be impressed every time they go to grab a bite.

Cut a hole in your plastic bottle so your hand can easily reach in and make a grab. Hang the bottle up on top of a board to create your own storage rack. Store anything from nails and tools to candy!

Even the hummingbirds will be happy with you.

This is a fun hack for all the cooks out there!