How to Make Barnacle Bottles
Barnacles are members of the crustacean family found on shorelines around the world. Sedentary animals, barnacles spend the majority of their lives fixed to landmasses, plants and man-made refuse where they fish for small and microscopic organisms. Although there are many varieties of barnacle with different physical traits, they all share a similar conical shape, having a wide base and narrow opening. Barnacles can be a nuisance to sailors and fishermen, as they damage hull coatings, causing rust, corrosion and decreased speed. However, artists and found art enthusiasts collect barnacle-encrusted items for their striking appearance and texture.
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Instructions
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Soften the edges of the barnacles with a fine-grit sandpaper to make the encrusted bottle easier to handle.
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Sand a frosted bottle using the diamond sandpaper to add a weathered texture. Work in sections and create an uneven surface.
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Glue the barnacle skeletons to the bottle as desired. Break overlarge clusters of barnacles into smaller sections using a wide chisel and mallet.
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Sprinkle sand over the barnacles, hiding the joints and seams where glue might be visible.
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Tips & Warnings
If you can't find barnacles or barnacle skeletons, make your own. Use polymer clay and bake it in your oven. Or, for a more realistic texture, mold crustaceans with bisque-fired red clay.
Use recycled bottles for this project by removing the paper label and sanding the glass surface. Multiple bottles may be prepared in a slow tumbler with sand or gravel agitators.
Look for barnacles on the shoreline, which is their natural habitat. Ask local boat owners if you can clean their hulls for unlimited access to barnacle colonies.
Barnacles are sharp. Use caution when gathering and handling materials for this project.
Wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself while sanding.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit barnacles image by Tiffany Cooper from Fotolia.com
