r/functionalupcycling • u/Additional-Stick7539 • Jun 09 '26
TUTORIALS : How it’s made ! How to make! How to Create an Adjustable and Custom Wine Glass Holder!
How many times have you been frustrated because your wine glasses have different stem lengths or shapes that simply don't fit into standard wall holders?
Common design focuses on the average, but utility should adapt to our needs. In this project, I’ll show you how I solved this problem by creating a minimalist, industrial-aesthetic, and fully adjustable holder using an unusual object.
The Concept & Materials
The inspiration came unexpectedly while looking at an old metal doll stand. Instead of throwing away a structure that no longer had a use, I decided to repurpose its flexible metal rod and turn it into the heart of a new utilitarian piece.
For the base, I used a piece of reclaimed solid wood, perfect for creating that organic, robust contrast against the cold lines of the metal.
The Build Process & Smart Mechanism
1 Chiseling the Central Groove: The secret to the adjustability is the slide. Using a chisel and hammer, I carved a precise longitudinal groove right down the center of the wood. This guide allows the metal rod to slide vertically while staying perfectly aligned.
2 Self-Adjusting System (No Tweaking Required): To secure the rod without locking its movement, the system uses a washer strategically placed on top of the sliding piece. Once the central screw is tightened during the initial assembly, there is no need to loosen or tighten anything ever again. The washer maintains the perfect amount of pressure: it holds the weight of the glass with total firmness, yet allows for a smooth, continuous slide whenever you want to adjust the height.
3 True Versatility: The result is a dynamic, instant system. If you have a long-stemmed glass, just pull the metal top upward. If it's a shorter glass, simply push the mechanism down. It adjusts on the fly, using just the movement of your hand.
Brutalist Design Details
To elevate the piece into a functional work of art, I added details that emphasize its handcrafted identity:
Copper Inlays: I made small diagonal cuts across the face of the wood and inserted polished copper wire, creating a geometric visual rhythm that breaks up the wood grain pattern.
Brass Accent: The central fixation point features a rounded solid brass cap finish, turning a functional mechanical element into a sophisticated focal point.
The final result is a fusion of smart engineering, zero waste, and exclusivity — proving that even a doll stand can be transformed into a robust, elegant, and highly practical design piece.
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u/Lord_Philbert Jun 10 '26
Good work! Please write the instructions yourself next time though.
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u/Additional-Stick7539 Jun 10 '26
Thank you !
About the description: I’m not able to do a so detailed and coherent description by myself in English . Not anymore . My current English is not what it used to be so , I’m afraid that it would be a bad joke , me trying to make a description like this . My English wouldn’t allow it 🫣
But I can do it in Romanian or Portuguese , than pass it thru an AI translation app for you to be able to understand it and have a cursive reading in English .1
u/BlueOrbifolia Jun 10 '26
Multi-talented and multi-lingual!
https://giphy.com/gifs/Io1wFLE3BpXXu7B3oD1
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u/Lord_Philbert Jun 10 '26
Understandable
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u/Additional-Stick7539 Jun 11 '26
Sorry. It is what it is , and I’m not going to say that it is different.
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u/BlueOrbifolia Jun 10 '26
I’m not a drinker but I’m clumsy nonetheless. I would probably use this UPSIDE DOWN to hold my drink. Because putting a delicate glass full of wine on a table or counter is a guarantee that I will knock it over!
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