In ancient times, sailors would create things in their very limited free time. One of these creations is called a ‘ship in a bottle’, which was and still is a very popular type of maritime art. While they are called “Impossible bottles” by hobbyists, it is actually straightforward to do! Learn how to fit a model ship inside a bottle and show it off to friends and family when they visit your new River Opus home.
Note: you must already have a built model ship from a kit and a clean bottle with a cork to fit the model ship inside the bottle.
Contents
Line the wood putty along the inside of the bottle
Using a lengthy metal rod, stick a piece of wood putty on the same width and length as the bottle’s base through the bottle’s opening. This will help your model ship stay inside the bottle without falling over later.
Force the mast and sails downwards alongside the hull
The model ship must fold down along the masts and against the ship’s hull. After that, lightly force the sails and mast downwards so it can fit the bottle’s opening. The model ship should unfold itself after you push it inside the mouth.
Push the ship through the bottle’s opening stern-first
The stern is the frontmost side of the model ship, typically the closest to the upward point and the largest sails. While holding the masts downward with your fingers, slowly and carefully push the ship into the bottle’s opening until the hull touches the wooden putty lining at the base.
Seat the ship in place with a metal rod
If the ship looks lopsided or tilted, push a metal rod through the mouth of the bottle and touch it lightly against the ship to correct its alignment and secure it in place against the base.
Close the bottle with a cork
And finally, shut the bottle’s opening with a cork. If you’re using a glass bottle, put the cork through the bottle’s opening and push it inwards as far as it goes so it won’t fall out later. Corks serve as a traditional and decorative way to finish putting the model ship in a bottle!
