5

Still working on my costume

Previous question

I would like to know a method for crafting fake potion bottles for shows, i want the bottles to be:

  • Approximately the size of an apple
  • Resist the pressure of being transported in bags
  • Resist weaker impacts
  • Don't leak any liquid
  • Not considerably heavy

Aditional info:

  • It doesn't need to be made of real glass
  • It doesn't need to contain real liquid
  • I don't pretend to craft the "bottle" itself, but I want to know what may be used to represent it (A light bulb, a medicine bottle, etc...)

Visual representation:

Visual exemple

PS.: I'm not sure how to tag it so feel free to edit it

Improve this question

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
4

for the bottles consider perfume or liquor bottles for home bottling they come in a wide variety of materials, shapes, and sizes. Make sense toys in the UK has some plastic play potion bottles on various sizes and colors.

enter image description here

for a "liquid" gel for gel candles could be a good choice, you will never find a truly lightweight liquid but it looks very realistic and is fairly cheap. it also comes in an infinite variety of colors and transparencies.
enter image description here

Of course you can always just put a little paint in the bottle and turn and spin it around until it coats the sides that works for making fake milk bottles.

enter image description here

Improve this answer
1
  • Good selection of ideas!
    – Erica
    Commented Jan 21, 2018 at 0:27
8

For a few reasons, I'd go with holiday ornaments. These are available in clear plastic, rather than glass, which is less of a breakage worry. They're also cheaper and lighter than glass jars. And they're already nicely spherical!

clear plastic holiday ornament
an example from Michaels craft store

  1. Ditch the metal collar and ring.
  2. Fill with a colored epoxy resin.
  3. Add a decorative cork.

The main advantage of this is that it wouldn't spill. Also, if it does crack from being dropped or struck, the epoxy would hold the pieces together, reducing the chance of injury or mess.

But if you want the internal liquid to slosh about and look very potion-like, that's also feasible:

  1. Ditch the metal collar and ring.
  2. Fill with colored liquid.
  3. Add a decorative cork, and glue securely in place.

That shouldn't spill either, assuming it's well-glued.

Improve this answer
7
  • Good idea, but would it resist the pressure of being transported in bags?
    – AshenCrow
    Commented Jan 17, 2018 at 15:59
  • I have made ornaments with these and dropped them several times from a table without them breaking if that is any indication
    – Matt
    Commented Jan 17, 2018 at 16:03
  • 1
    @MoonKnight98 Probably. Depends on how many are in the bag, what else is in the bag, what you've filled them with (epoxy vs. liquid). To be really safe, I'd recommend a lining of bubble wrap in the bag (protects against drops/impact from outside), and if they're liquid filled, consider a waterproof bag.
    – Erica
    Commented Jan 17, 2018 at 16:31
  • 1
    @Matt This is a very good point; a wrapping of twine around the collar might help both disguise variation in the form, and make it look a little more "potiony".
    – Erica
    Commented Jan 17, 2018 at 16:32
  • 1
    I suggest a wax sealed top (which you could also do with coloured hot glue) instead of the twine. A suitable stamp might be a nice finishing touch.
    – Chris H
    Commented Jan 18, 2018 at 11:54
3

Just for the filling, why not use jelly (Jello/gelatine)? It's available in a wide range of colours (or get plain and use food dye) and won't leak.

You can take this idea a bit further:

  • Bubbles using soda water
  • A slightly runny mix (higher water content than usual) so it moves more
  • Use more than one colour, or plain and coloured
  • A top layer of clear with a little evaporated milk imperfectly mixed in for a smoking potion
  • Mix in phosphorescent dye/paint so it glows in the dark (not fluorescent unless you know there will be UV lights around -- if there is UV, tonic water works well)
Improve this answer
8
  • That would set very nicely! And it's available in a wide range of bright colors, too...
    – Erica
    Commented Jan 18, 2018 at 12:00
  • It would only be good in the short term, and would be prone to liquefying (and thus leaking) at moderate temperatures... but this would be a good idea for making edible potions for parties, or for a one-time use that doesn't have to be transported.
    – Allison C
    Commented Jan 18, 2018 at 14:33
  • 1
    When you say gelatin, do you mean edible, (like brand name jell-o) or craft gelatin? Edible might mold over in the long run...
    – Wimateeka
    Commented Jan 22, 2018 at 13:14
  • 1
    @Chris H I don't know of any brand or type off the top of my head, I just assumed that there was a "type" of gelatin that was not edible that you could use for crafts (kind of like how there is edible and non edible glitter). Looking online though, it looks like the majority is edible and animal/plant based.
    – Wimateeka
    Commented Jan 22, 2018 at 13:57
  • 1
    @AllisonC I was thinking of theatrical costumes; this would be fine for runs of a few weeks.
    – Chris H
    Commented Jan 23, 2018 at 15:14

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .