Credit: americangypsy via instructables.com
We've already rounded up great reuses for metal bottle caps, from game pieces to jewelry to mosaics, but Instructables user AmericanGypsy thinks even bigger: after collecting bottle caps for "what seems like forever" and transporting the growing set through four different homes in three states, this colorful, cool side table was the end result.
Once you've collected enough caps, the process is fairly simple: buy a table (or, even better, pick one that needs a makeover from a thrift store or yard sale) and lay out your design. Take your time with this step, since this is what your finished product will look like; try using multiples of the same cap as rows or edges of the design, play around with totally random distributions, or focus on the colors to make stripes or polka dots.
In this tutorial, the author covered the table with clear resin for a smooth, level top; if you decide to go that direction, then you'll need to attach the caps to the table just enough to hold them in place while you're pouring the resin (for this, the author recommends superglue). Before you apply the resin, use tape to cover the sides of your table and to close any holes in your design (so you don't get resin dripping through onto the floor). Manufacture a rim if your tabletop doesn't have one, then apply the resin, let it dry, and your new table is all set for its place of honor in your living room, game room, or bar.
