In every mad scientist's laboratory, you'll probably encounter dangerous chemicals. I wanted to have a bottle that would have only a poison logo on it. I also had to think about what I would put into it to give the impression that poison was in it.
I chose to start with an empty Tabasco bottle. I figured you would only need a small bottle of poison if it was really that dangerous. Next I had to decide what type of label to put on it. You can make a label to look antique by downloading something someone has already done (search the internet for potion bottle labels) or design one yourself, print it, then age it in several different ways. While I intended to do that for some of the other bottles, I decided to use Dave Lowe's tutorial on sculpting a relief onto the bottle. I used a couple of skull and crossbones images as reference as I designed and sculpted to logo onto the bottle using polymer clay. I baked the bottle at a much lower temperature than instructed by the clay's directions to prevent the bottle from breaking. I left the sculpt unpainted. I added twine to the neck of the bottle (inspired by Dead Spider). I wanted to sculpt something onto the top of the bottle or at least paint it a different color but ran short on time, so the bottle top stayed a classic red.
When I think of classic "movie" style poison, I think of something thick, viscous and black. Blackstrap molasses was the perfect choice. When filled, it looked perfect behind the white skull and crossbones.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Glowing liquids
I wanted to have a mad scientist bottle and jar display as part of my decorations this year. I also wanted to make use of my old black light if possible. There are many substances that glow in UV light. I tried three things this year.
My first and simplest was to combine liquid soap and water. Many sites recommend specific soaps/detergents but I had to find something that I already had to work with. I ended up using a little shampoo. Unlike the clothes detergent I have, it did not cloud or color the water plus it smelled nice ;). I then added a small amount of blue food coloring. In regular light it looked like a basic blue liquid but would then glow when the lights went out and the UV was turned on. My wife liked this one best.
The second I tried was from inspired by a scientific website. Take some fresh spinach, muddle the leaves and add enough rubbing alcohol to cover. Let steep for a few hours and then strain. The liquid should be a dark but clear green. (I did two batches to fill the bottle I chose without diluting the color with more alcohol or water.) Under a black light, the green changes to a deep, almost blood red. The effect was very cool but the way my lighting was set up, it was hard to see. After about two weeks, I noticed the green was slowly turning brown. I went ahead and dumped it out to try something else so I didn't get any photos but will try to get some later.
The last experiment I did was based on several recommendations found on the web using highlighters. I bought a four color pack at Wal-Mart because I wanted as many colors as I could get (if it worked). I took the highlighter apart and soaked the insert in cup of hot water (others have suggested alcohol). The blue and green didn't work as well as I hoped but the yellow was intense. It was so bright it overshadowed everything else that glowed. Next year, I'll have to dilute it down a little.
Once you decide on a liquid, you'll have to put it in an appropriate bottle. I've had several in my shop that I've had various other plans for, so I just pulled those out. Specifically, I used a mini sake bottle, a Chambord bottle, a Martinelli's apple bottle, and a Orangina bottle. All chosen for their shape and with their labels removed. If I had more time, I would've finished the bottles with faux antique scientific labels and maybe some other customization. I think I did well with the little time that I was able to put into them.
My first and simplest was to combine liquid soap and water. Many sites recommend specific soaps/detergents but I had to find something that I already had to work with. I ended up using a little shampoo. Unlike the clothes detergent I have, it did not cloud or color the water plus it smelled nice ;). I then added a small amount of blue food coloring. In regular light it looked like a basic blue liquid but would then glow when the lights went out and the UV was turned on. My wife liked this one best.
The second I tried was from inspired by a scientific website. Take some fresh spinach, muddle the leaves and add enough rubbing alcohol to cover. Let steep for a few hours and then strain. The liquid should be a dark but clear green. (I did two batches to fill the bottle I chose without diluting the color with more alcohol or water.) Under a black light, the green changes to a deep, almost blood red. The effect was very cool but the way my lighting was set up, it was hard to see. After about two weeks, I noticed the green was slowly turning brown. I went ahead and dumped it out to try something else so I didn't get any photos but will try to get some later.
The last experiment I did was based on several recommendations found on the web using highlighters. I bought a four color pack at Wal-Mart because I wanted as many colors as I could get (if it worked). I took the highlighter apart and soaked the insert in cup of hot water (others have suggested alcohol). The blue and green didn't work as well as I hoped but the yellow was intense. It was so bright it overshadowed everything else that glowed. Next year, I'll have to dilute it down a little.
Once you decide on a liquid, you'll have to put it in an appropriate bottle. I've had several in my shop that I've had various other plans for, so I just pulled those out. Specifically, I used a mini sake bottle, a Chambord bottle, a Martinelli's apple bottle, and a Orangina bottle. All chosen for their shape and with their labels removed. If I had more time, I would've finished the bottles with faux antique scientific labels and maybe some other customization. I think I did well with the little time that I was able to put into them.
Halloween 2010
This Halloween was the first year that I really did something to decorate. Prior years we had gotten a small collection of odd and ends that we considered Halloween related. A few Halloween Barbies, a Zero and Jack that my wife's work produced, and some random miscellaneous things come out as our decorations in past years. This year I decided to spend a little and get a few more things. There were restrictions. I had to watch the budget (which I did spend a little more than originally intended), there could be no reference to anything referred to as evil in the Bible (e.g. witches, devils or similar things) and everything had to be kid friendly (no blood).
I got a little carried away. I've gotten inspired by a variety of blogs and sites describing how to make your own decorations. So I ended up spending a little more than the Mrs. would have preferred. You've got to start with something and while I have tools, I didn't have much in the way of supplies. So I bought some spider webbing, a bag of bugs/skeletons/bats, and a Blucky at Big Lots. At Michael's, I bought a giant spider, battery powered tea lights and some foam pumpkins. Later, I stopped into Party City and couldn't resist some squishy eyeballs and a plastic skeleton garland. I picked up some rubber worms (fishing lures), highlighters, candles and white Sculpy at Wal-Mart. More about how all these items were used in follow up posts. (Trying to take advantage of post Halloween sales, I also bought a Michael Myers mask, wighead, prop hands and a Midnight Syndicate cd). Total for Halloween (other than pumpkins for pie, Halloween themed drinks for the adults and candy) came to about $150. I try to be detailed on this list not to annoy the reader but more to remind me what I spent. My wife would have liked it if we spent less but she justified it saying that out of the ten years we've been married, we have spent very little on Halloween.
I have always had a do-it-yourself bug, though. Following Halloween, I have discovered sites like Stolloween that makes use of papier mache to make all of the decorations for very little money investment. So next year, my plans are to maybe pick up another Blucky or electrical/mechanical parts and everything else be made by yours truly.
I got a little carried away. I've gotten inspired by a variety of blogs and sites describing how to make your own decorations. So I ended up spending a little more than the Mrs. would have preferred. You've got to start with something and while I have tools, I didn't have much in the way of supplies. So I bought some spider webbing, a bag of bugs/skeletons/bats, and a Blucky at Big Lots. At Michael's, I bought a giant spider, battery powered tea lights and some foam pumpkins. Later, I stopped into Party City and couldn't resist some squishy eyeballs and a plastic skeleton garland. I picked up some rubber worms (fishing lures), highlighters, candles and white Sculpy at Wal-Mart. More about how all these items were used in follow up posts. (Trying to take advantage of post Halloween sales, I also bought a Michael Myers mask, wighead, prop hands and a Midnight Syndicate cd). Total for Halloween (other than pumpkins for pie, Halloween themed drinks for the adults and candy) came to about $150. I try to be detailed on this list not to annoy the reader but more to remind me what I spent. My wife would have liked it if we spent less but she justified it saying that out of the ten years we've been married, we have spent very little on Halloween.
I have always had a do-it-yourself bug, though. Following Halloween, I have discovered sites like Stolloween that makes use of papier mache to make all of the decorations for very little money investment. So next year, my plans are to maybe pick up another Blucky or electrical/mechanical parts and everything else be made by yours truly.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Man and Woman, pt. 2
The divorce rate in the United States is at approximately 50%. I come from a family who has been divorced. Yet, I am very much in love with my wife (call me a romantic). So through rough times and good, we have made a commitment to stay married. Don't get me wrong, it hasn't been easy.
We got our wedding rings weeks after we actually got married. Within weeks, we had an argument and I ready to get divorced. We were in a grocery store parking lot. I pulled off my ring and threw it to the ground. I heard it bounce as I stormed home. My loving wife, in an amazing moment of humbleness, searched for and found my ring, then followed me quietly home. I think her humble attitude and quietness shocked me and made me realize that she was wanting to stay together as a married couple.
We got our wedding rings weeks after we actually got married. Within weeks, we had an argument and I ready to get divorced. We were in a grocery store parking lot. I pulled off my ring and threw it to the ground. I heard it bounce as I stormed home. My loving wife, in an amazing moment of humbleness, searched for and found my ring, then followed me quietly home. I think her humble attitude and quietness shocked me and made me realize that she was wanting to stay together as a married couple.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Man and Woman, pt. 1
Throughout my life, I have heard several different interpretations of the Adam and Eve story. The story starts out with Adam needing someone to help him, a companion (Genesis 2:18-20). The concept of woman, having been created from part of man, leads to the idea that man and woman shall join together to (re)make the one flesh (Genesis 2:21-23). This is the original idea of marriage (Genesis 2:24).
Most know of the (in)famous Tree of Knowledge (Genesis 2:17). It was mentioned before God even created Eve. Now the serpent comes along and tempts Eve. "Come on. Surely God won't kill you if you eat the fruit off that tree." (My paraphrasing). Eve eats the fruit and "gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat" (Genesis 3:6)
One version of this story has Adam being tricked by Eve to eat the fruit as if she was as evil as the serpent. Another version may paint Adam as a dufus not recognizing the fruit and eating it when she hands it to him. I believe he knew and chose to eat it. (This idea was taught originally by the pastor of our church.)
What is love? What do you do when your in love? Would you give up everything even if you knew it was wrong?
Adam was told that he would die if he ate of the fruit of that one tree. I wonder if he ate it because she had already eaten some. Did he love her so much that he would sacrifice himself beside her? When God comes and asks Adam about the 'incident', he does not lie. "And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." (Genesis 3:12) The woman given to him. He loves her and feels responsible for her actions. He does not say he was tricked. Adam instead admits that it was his choice.
There are things that have happened in my life where I have let my wife make the choice, even though I may have felt uncomfortable about it. Do I regret the choices I let her make and the consequences that followed? Some of them. Here's the thing though. It's not something that will make me despise her. It does not keep irritating me, like a splinter in my hand that I can't get out.
I used to get bothered by some of the little things that she did. I found that if I truly value our relationship together, I should not dwell on them. I love her. And I would give up everything in my world for her (and daughter).
"When a man loves a woman
Can't keep his mind on nothing else
He'll trade the world
For the good thing he's found
If she's bad he can't see it
She can do no wrong
Turn his back on his best friend
If he put her down"
('When A Man Loves A Woman' by Percy Sledge)
Most know of the (in)famous Tree of Knowledge (Genesis 2:17). It was mentioned before God even created Eve. Now the serpent comes along and tempts Eve. "Come on. Surely God won't kill you if you eat the fruit off that tree." (My paraphrasing). Eve eats the fruit and "gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat" (Genesis 3:6)
One version of this story has Adam being tricked by Eve to eat the fruit as if she was as evil as the serpent. Another version may paint Adam as a dufus not recognizing the fruit and eating it when she hands it to him. I believe he knew and chose to eat it. (This idea was taught originally by the pastor of our church.)
What is love? What do you do when your in love? Would you give up everything even if you knew it was wrong?
Adam was told that he would die if he ate of the fruit of that one tree. I wonder if he ate it because she had already eaten some. Did he love her so much that he would sacrifice himself beside her? When God comes and asks Adam about the 'incident', he does not lie. "And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." (Genesis 3:12) The woman given to him. He loves her and feels responsible for her actions. He does not say he was tricked. Adam instead admits that it was his choice.
There are things that have happened in my life where I have let my wife make the choice, even though I may have felt uncomfortable about it. Do I regret the choices I let her make and the consequences that followed? Some of them. Here's the thing though. It's not something that will make me despise her. It does not keep irritating me, like a splinter in my hand that I can't get out.
I used to get bothered by some of the little things that she did. I found that if I truly value our relationship together, I should not dwell on them. I love her. And I would give up everything in my world for her (and daughter).
"When a man loves a woman
Can't keep his mind on nothing else
He'll trade the world
For the good thing he's found
If she's bad he can't see it
She can do no wrong
Turn his back on his best friend
If he put her down"
('When A Man Loves A Woman' by Percy Sledge)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Fascinating, energetic speaking
I have been complimented by some of my students about my teaching style. Common descriptions will include words like energetic, passionate, caffeine overdose (from a co-worker). I just try to make it something that people will pay attention to, rather than be lulled to sleep by a monotone.
I ran across this post at my favorite links blog, Neatorama. It's a video clip of a talk by Clifford Stoll. He may not follow the "rules" of how to give a good speech but his style keeps you watching. Now, I don't necessarily believe I am in his league as far as the energy and passion (let alone intelligence) he shows in this clip, but I realized that my classes occasionally looks like this clip.
I ran across this post at my favorite links blog, Neatorama. It's a video clip of a talk by Clifford Stoll. He may not follow the "rules" of how to give a good speech but his style keeps you watching. Now, I don't necessarily believe I am in his league as far as the energy and passion (let alone intelligence) he shows in this clip, but I realized that my classes occasionally looks like this clip.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Crazy, man. Crazy.
Things that have happened since my last post:
- CM has decided to start climbing me like an indoor rock climber while I hold her. She digs her toes into my belt and grabs hold of my shirt. I can literally move my hands/arms away from her and she will stand there, the little cliff climber.
- People give me more courtesy when I have her. People let me through doors first, they let me in line first at the checkout, etc. I'm not saying I don't get my share of rudeness, but prior to CM, I didn't get much politeness either.
- My parents are spending a great deal of money on CM. We'll get about one box (or more) per week w/ clothes and/or toys in it. Mrs. and I knew that this stuff does cost money but we didn't know how much until one of the vendors sent the prices on the receipt w/ the order. I'll leave it at that. (Side note: Mom, save some money for the next grandkid or two, also!)
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