Drugstore Glass Bottle

Answering Five Critical Questions Can Simplify Selection of a Functional Closure

In order to select a functional closure for a new or repackaged product that satisfies the packager’s budgetary and branding requirements, the retailer’s needs, and the ultimate consumer’s preferences, closure specifiers must allow sufficient time to weigh the options early in the selection process. During these early stages, it’s also vital to solicit input from others, to gain a fuller understanding of the product and its lifecycle, including how it’s to be packaged and capped, how it will be transported and stored, and how it will be used and by whom. In addition to representatives from the various functional areas within the brand owner’s organization, it’s essential to get input from outside players like the bottle, label, and closure manufacturers. Many of these outside companies have experience with similar products, so they can help by identifying potential packaging pitfalls and making recommendations.

Packaging serves three major functions: (1) safely containing the product, (2) communicating the product’s brand messages and claims to the consumer, and (3) ensuring ease of access to the product itself by the consumer. When creating a new package, thinking about a very small detail may make a difference in the success of a new product or a repositioned brand. Bottle, label, liner, dispensing closure, overwrap, cardboard box or clamshell, or any other secondary packaging elements impact not only consumer perception of a product’s quality but also affects production line efficiencies, storage and transportation economics. Consider a small detail: the dispensing orifice of a closure on a salad dressing package. If the salad dressing is of a creamy consistency, the ideal orifice would be large, allowing the dressing to flow freely. However, if the dressing is a Balsamic Vinaigrette, one would want to use a smaller, elongated orifice shape to allow for a smooth flow and greater control by the consumer to avoid dispensing too much. All these details need to be thought out and experimented with before making a final decision.

As you can see, it’s essential for brand owners to ask themselves some crucial packaging questions early in the process. The focus of this white paper is on the selection of closures, because my long-term observations forced me to conclude that far too often, closure selection is an afterthought in the overall package selection process. Hence, what follows is a set of questions that we recommend asking as part of new-package decision-making.

Question 1: Does the overall packaging concept take into account the brand owner/marketer’s most pressing concerns/needs? Does it reflect the product category’s standards?

The overall packaging design must be reflective of the marketer’s overall brand identity. For many consumer product categories, like grated cheese, creamers, liquid condiments, etc., brand owners typically want to look as much as possible like the leader in that category.

Household chemicals pose a variety of challenges in closure selection, depending on whether they’re dry (e.g., dry fertilizer that can be shaken or broadcast on a lawn) or wet (carpet cleaner), intended for indoor or outdoor use. From a consumer perspective, the first priority is that it should allow using the product effectively without the need to come into physical contact with it, so the package/closure combination must allow them to avoid touching the product with their hands. From the brand owner’s perspective, it must also contain the product securely to prevent leakage or spillage during transportation or storage.

Personal care products such as body washes, shampoos, conditioners, bath salts, etc. come in a wide range of textures and forms; package designs change frequently as brand managers strive to stay in touch with changing consumer preferences. Typically, brand managers for these products are often most interested in enhancing their curb appeal to consumers through the use of unique package shapes and attention-grabbing graphics. Dispensing packages became a norm in the personal care market. One sees lots of closure innovation in this segment around the form and color, while the dispensing and other functional features (i.e., ease of opening, safe re-closure) of the package are rarely changed. Broadening the selection of closure types will most definitely improve functional features of personal care packages.

In the category of pet foods, treats, and nutritional supplements, while manufacturers tend to focus on controlling packaging costs, consumers care most that the dispenser keeps the product fresh after opening, contains the smell of the product within the package (because these products often have very strong aromas), and is easy to open and reclose.

Other important concerns for brand owners/mangers include shaping the “defining moments” of a consumer’s interaction with the product. Executives at Proctor & Gamble, the consumer products giant, have written about the company’s concepts of the “first moment of truth” and “second moment of truth” in relation to consumer products packaging design.1 The first moment is essentially the consumer’s first encounter with and reaction to a product in the retail environment that draws him/her to the specific shelf space. It’s the retail equivalent of “curb appeal” in real estate. The marketer wins if the consumer decides to purchase. This moment of truth is often based on package shape/color/contrast, sometimes on the design of the closure. The second moment of truth is the impression the consumer forms through the process of using the product. Every subsequent usage continues to shape this second moment of truth. When thoughtfully selected, closures can play a huge role in shaping this second moment, thereby building and maintaining the brand loyalty, and either confirming or negating the purchase decision the consumer made back in the store.

In choosing closures and other elements of the overall package design, brand managers/owners also must give significant consideration to their target audience’s requirements, such as those associated with child-resistant packaging, which must be easy enough for elderly consumers to use while preventing children from gaining access to the product inside. Similarly, a poorly chosen dispensing closure can make a significant difference in a meal experience for anyone, but especially for someone who has difficulty in handling the package or closure with confidence. For example, salad dressing spilled by a child or an arthritis sufferer—or, actually, anyone who’s just momentarily distracted—can easily ruin a whole bowl of salad, casting a pall over the whole meal experience and creating a negative second moment of truth for that product.

Sustainability is another important brand owner consideration, as managers seek to reduce unnecessary elements of the overall packaging, such as overwraps, liners, or cap designs that require more plastic to manufacture. However, it’s important to consider what level of functionality or consumer confidence may be lost by eliminating such packaging components. For example, liners typically serve two purposes: (1) ensuring the product’s freshness and potency by keeping out moisture and oxygen, thereby extending its life and (2) providing tamper evidence. Some categories of products don’t require a liner (such as many household chemicals), but they’re often used to enhance the perception of quality or to prevent odor leakage during transportation and storage. In consumer focus groups that Weatherchem has conducted on closure designs, roughly half of the focus group panelists reported that they disliked liners, considering them just another barrier preventing them from getting to the product inside; the other half were strongly in favor of their use because of concerns about the potential for product tampering.

Question 2: How difficult will it be to integrate a specific closure design with the manufacturer’s production/packaging processes and other elements of the overall packaging design?

As outlined previously, a dispensing closure used must be chosen in the context of the overall packaging design. The bottle, label, liner, closure, overwrap, cardboard box (often used for nutritional supplements or over-the-counter drugs), or clamshell package must all function together as a unit. For example, the bottle and closure must fit together perfectly with a matching thread pitch and profile, or the package design will fail in its mission of containing the product and preventing product leakage or sifting during transportation. If the product is to be further protected with a liner, the liner must integrate with the bottle and closure to allow closing the package securely, both on the packaging line and after the liner is removed by the consumer.

Today’s increasingly popular heat-shrink labels represent another challenge in the overall packaging design process. For example, closure specifiers must balance the size of the thumb indent on an easy-open flip-top closure with the requirements of the heat-shrink label. If the thumb indent is too large, the label may burn at the indent point on the closure during the heating process. If the thumb indent is too small, it won’t provide the consumer with enough leverage to open the closure easily.

Dispensing closures are often slightly taller than regular screw-on caps. For a manufacturer that uses an outer packaging element such as a cardboard box (for extra space for marketing messages or use directions) or a clear clamshell package (to provide an extra layer of tamper evidence), a change from a regular screw-on cap to a dispensing closure may require a change to the outer package to accommodate the greater height. For many manufacturers, what might have seemed like a relatively insignificant change could lead to a very large capital expense if this consideration is not factored in early.

Closures must always be evaluated in terms of how they will integrate with the brand owner’s existing production and packaging lines, including any size or shape limitations imposed by the capping equipment, the speed at which bottles are filled and caps applied, the ability to incorporate a liner during the capping process, methods of delivering closures to the capping lines, etc. Particularly when a new closure design is intended to replace a previous one, packaging engineers may need to make some adjustments or additions to the capping equipment and the induction sealing equipment used in adding liners. Fortunately for brand owners, Weatherchem’s Technical Solution Group offers technical expertise that can be invaluable during this conversion process. This service can save brand owners thousands of dollars by preventing many packaging problems before they arise.

Shipping specifications must also be taken into account in the closure selection process. For example, as mentioned previously, when converting from a traditional screw-on cap to a dispensing closure, the height of the overall package may increase. This may necessitate a change to a larger shipping carton in order to accommodate multiple layers of product, or alternatively a reduction of layers in the carton, which in turn leads to the reduction of product quantities and increased shipping costs. Or, consider what might happen if the brand owner decides to introduce a very distinctive package and closure combination in order to boost consumer interest, as is often the case with products like dairy and non-dairy creamers. If the previous closure had a flat top and the new one has a contoured one, this can complicate top loading because it will be more difficult to pack layers of product securely in the shipping carton. It may also make it difficult or impossible to get the same number of items into the same size carton, increasing shipping costs.

Question 3: Given the necessity of minimizing the brand owner’s legal liability, have all relevant safety and regulatory issues been taken into consideration?

For many categories of consumer products, but especially for those related to personal health care, brand owners have to be able to prove that the claims made on their labels or packages remain valid until the product’s expiration date. Choosing an appropriate combination of bottle, liner, and closure is often critical to maintaining a proper seal, which is in turn critical to maintaining the product’s potency and extending its shelf life.

Government regulations on ingredients listings, dosage recommendations, warnings, and other required wording often mean manufacturers are left with extremely limited space on the label for the product’s branding messages. For products with larger closures, the closure itself can offer additional real estate in which these branding messages can be located. Look for closure suppliers that offer the flexibility to incorporate brand identity elements or instructional information into the closure’s design, such as

through custom colors, special shapes, or embedded logos or taglines. For example, Weatherchem’s Flapper®, LiquiFlapper®, NutraGen II®, and FlapMate™ closures all offer product manufacturers the opportunity to build their brands by incorporating embossed logos into their products’ dispensing caps.

As mentioned previously, the first major function of a package design is to contain the product safely, particularly during later packaging stages, transportation, warehousing, etc. The bottle and closure must work together to prevent product from spilling or sifting out during handling, especially in products without a liner under the closure.

The need for a liner is largely determined by the product inside the package. For example, most food items are packaged with liners, even though they aren’t always absolutely necessary for dry products like spices and seasonings that will be used up relatively quickly. The closure manufacturer typically punches the liner material into the cap, and then the whole liner/closure combination is attached to the bottle on the capping line. Even though liners can add significantly to packaging costs, they are often integrated into the overall design because they tend to heighten consumers’ perceptions of quality and product safety. In fact, liners can represent as much as 20 percent of the total closure cost.

It’s always important to balance the brand owner’s need to reduce legal liability with the consumer’s desire for convenience. For example, for nutritional supplements or other products that don’t absolutely require child-proof caps, closures should be evaluated to determine if they allow someone with arthritis to open and close it easily. By the same token, they must provide sufficient difficulty in opening to be safe enough for use in households with small children. Weatherchem offers a variety of user-friendly closures to satisfy these needs.

Question 4: Does the overall package design, including the closure, take into account the retailer’s business realities and preferences?

In retail environments like supermarkets, drugstores, and discount stores, the amount of shelf space available is always severely limited, and packaged products that don’t sell quickly may lose their high visibility shelf positions to more popular competitors. Retailers will also consider how efficiently a product utilizes the shelf space it occupies, including the overall height of the packaged product. A taller functional closure (or the taller box needed to accommodate it) may make it necessary to move a product out of its usual shelf space.

Not surprisingly, retailers are most interested in selling products that turn over quickly, so they tend to allocate more shelf space to them. Branded products are under additional pressure since the recent recession made the private-label brands more visible and acceptable by consumers. So here lies an interesting question for marketing managers and packaging engineers: can we increase a product’s consumption rate through subtle packaging changes? For food staples like salad dressings, many consumers prefer packages with closures with small to medium openings that control the amount of dressing dispensed at one time. In contrast, closures with a full round orifice or a screw-on top will allow for faster flow of product during dispensing, which of course increases the consumption rate but likely frustrates the users. If the brand owner is watching the new development in the dispensing closure segment, he or she is seeing new dispensing solutions that may help them provide to their consumers controlled dispensing without impairing the dispensing rate.

Functional package features like a dispensing closure can increase a product’s popularity and generate new consumer trials as well. A package with visual stopping power that combines an arresting shape or color with a convenient closure design can often help shape that first moment of truth mentioned previously.

Growing concerns with sustainability and recycling have made retailers increasingly interested in minimizing or eliminating packaging materials that don’t add value to the consumer’s experience. Many are anticipating that if European-style environmental regulations are implemented in the United States, retailers may become the entities bearing the cost of recycling and reducing waste.

Question 5: Does the closure work with the overall package design to establish and maintain consumer brand preference?

Consumers often base their initial perception of product quality in part on how well the closure and the package work together as a unit. Can they hold and open the package with just one hand? Is there an audible snap when the cap is reclosed? Closures that provide these advantages help build customer loyalty by providing greater user convenience and confidence that the package is securely closed.

Consumers also care about packaging that helps keep the product fresh over the long term, prevents moisture penetration (especially for products like dry creamers and fiber supplements), helps ensure product safety, and dispenses the product easily and cleanly. A variety of closure designs have been developed to address these concerns for various categories, including closures that seal the package against outside air, are compatible with tamper-evident liners and protective overwraps, and provide controlled dispensing.

Ease of dispensing can be critical to maintaining brand preference, such as when the closure’s orifice (opening) helps minimize drips and spillage during use. A poorly thought-out closure choice may lead to product dripping out of the package or on to the consumer’s hands, or dispensing more product than desired—a perfect example of one of those negative second moments of truth discussed previously. Such an experience may mean that consumer never purchases that brand again because of the negative associations that come with seeing the package. In contrast, a well-designed closure can create a much more positive second moment of truth.

Although a closure with a round orifice may be appropriate for thick liquids such as honey or molasses, which are often squeezed from a bottle, less viscous liquids like salad dressings, syrups, creamers, or sauces typically work better with an elongated orifice designed to provide better control over the volume dispensed, and to reduce the risk of spills, spatters, etc., especially when being used by young children. Weatherchem’s LiquiFlapper® closure features a unique teardrop-shaped orifice and sharp cut-off lip to provide controlled directional flow of these types of liquids, preventing drips and spills that could otherwise leave the bottle unsanitary or sticky to the touch.

Similarly, for powdered fiber supplements, the orifice should be designed to make it easy for the consumer to dispense just the right amount of product. Dispensing closures like Weatherchem’s Flapper® design make it convenient to pour the supplement directly into a glass or spoon, eliminating the need to dip a used spoon back into the package, which raises the likelihood of contaminating the product.

Another way in which packaging can build consumer brand preference is by offering multiple dispensing options, such as for grated cheese, with a shaker top on one side and a larger opening for spooning or pouring on the other. Grated cheese, once sold in cardboard composite packages with a rotational top, is now more typically sold in PET containers with dual-sided flip-top closures, such as Weatherchem’s Flapper® closure, which provides a vapor seal to keep the cheese fresher longer, as well as a concave sift surface designed to make the lid easier to close by eliminating product buildup.

Summary

Obviously, no single functional closure solution can be right for every packaging challenge. However, with careful planning, thoughtful input from all the parties involved, and good advice from outside vendors, brand owners can choose closures that balance their needs and cost constraints with the preferences of retailers and consumers.

About the Author

 

Anna Frolova-Levi is the VP of Marketing for the Weatherchem Corporation. Weatherchem Corporation is an innovative manufacturer and marketer of convenient plastic dispensing closures and controlled access packaging. As the creators of the original Flapper® dispensing closure, Weatherchem now offers one of the industry’s most innovative closure product lines. To learn more about Weatherchem Corporation, contact the Marketing Department at 800.680.3412, marketing@weatherchem.com,or weatherchem.com

Provigil Canada

Vintage 10″ Clear Glass Apothecary Drug Store Pharmacy Candy Storage Jar Lid $50.00

Vintage 14″ Clear Glass Apothecary Drug Store Pharmacy Candy Storage Jar Lid $150.00

Vintage 10″ Clear Glass Apothecary Drug Store Pharmacy Candy Storage Jar Lid $50.00

Vintage 10″ Clear Glass Apothecary Drug Store Pharmacy Candy Storage Jar Lid $50.00

VINTAGE LIQUID LUSTRE CREME SHAMPOO IN FANCY GLASS BOTTLE NEW/OLD DRUG STORE $0.99

3 MINI HALL’S DRUG STORE WELLSVILLE NY P.R. RYAN PHARMACIST MEDICINE BOTTLES $12.00

1930′s Glass Medical Bottle GH Nollen S Side Drug Store Newton Iowa Ia $9.00

vtg Repro Tall clear glass w/ stopper Apothecary show display Drug store Bottle $35.00

Pill Pharmacy Brown Jar Apothecary Amber Drugstore Tall Glass Bottle Antique Old $45.00

GLASS BOTTLE RUBEN’S INC DRUG STORE STRAND THEATRE BUILDING LAKEWOOD NJ ca1900 $30.00

VINTAGE DRUG STORE GLASS PENNY CANDY APOTHECARY DISPLAY JAR W/ WOODEN LID $21.99

6 Pieces of Recovered Antique Drug Store Glass Bottles, Utica, NY $9.99

15 Antique Vtg Glass Bottle Lot Noxzema Vicks w/ Lid Stopper Medicine Drug Store $9.99

ANTIQUE CORKED GLASS CAMPHOR BOTTLE- E P McINTURFF DRUG STORE DAYTON OHIO $11.99

1880 LABEL UNDER GLASS LIN.SAPONIS DRUGSTORE APOTHECARY BOTTLE WITH STOPPER $32.00

Antique Drug Store Millville 46 Bottles Lot Apothecary Glass, Herbalist, Medical $499.88

2 Vintage Drugstore Amber Glass Bottles Pharmacy Apothecary Liquid Corked 1930s $9.99

Vintage Drug Store Style Candy Dish Hand Blown Glass $49.99

VINTAGE APOTHECARY/ CHEMIST BOTTLE from an 1875 Drug Store Ground Glass Stopper $19.95

Vintage 10 Panel Decagon Tall Drug Store Pharmacy Apothecary Glass Jar Bottle $9.99

Antique Clear Glass Pharmacist/Drugstore Bottle, T.P. Taylor & Co, Louisville Ky $4.99

Vintage Clear Glass Apothecary Drug Store Candy Jar w/ Lid 8″ $9.99

Glass Apothecary Large Hand Blown Jar Bottle Antique VTG Lot Pharmacy Drugstore $9.99

Glass Apothecary Large Hand Blown Jar Bottle Antique VTG Lot Pharmacy Drugstore $9.99

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS TREE SHAPED APOTHECARY CANDY VANITY DRUGSTORE GLASS JARS $8.99

VINTAGE LARGE CHRISTMAS TREE SHAPED APOTHECARY CANDY VANITY DRUGSTORE GLASS JARS $9.99

VINTAGE SNOWMAN CHRISTMAS APOTHECARY CANDY VANITY DRUGSTORE GLASS JARS $7.99

VINTAGE LOT 2 SNOWMAN CHRISTMAS APOTHECARY CANDY VANITY DRUGSTORE GLASS JARS $12.99

VINTAGE SNOWMAN SHAPED CHRISTMAS APOTHECARY CANDY VANITY DRUGSTORE GLASS JAR SM $7.99

3 Vintage Clear Glass Jars, 1 Hazel Atlas, 1 Webb’s Drug Store Lid, 1 Waterman’s $8.99

VINTAGE SNOWMAN SHAPED CHRISTMAS APOTHECARY CANDY VANITY DRUGSTORE GLASS JAR LG $8.99

VINTAGE LOT 3 CHRISTMAS TREE APOTHECARY CANDY VANITY DRUGSTORE GLASS JARS LIBBEY $14.99

VINTAGE LOT 2 CHRISTMAS HOLLY BERRY APOTHECARY CANDY DRUGSTORE GLASS JARS LIBBEY $8.99

ANTIQUE APOTHECARY LABEL UNDER GLASS PULV ULMI FULV BRITISH DRUGSTORE BOTTLE OLD $40.00

2 Apothecary Pharmacy Drug Store Bottles Labels Under Glass Antique $170.95

16″ Glass Footed Apothecary Jar Drug Store Display Candy Terrarium w/ Cover $99.99

2 Glass Footed 9″ Apothecary Jars Drug Store Display Candy Terrarium w/ Covers $99.99

3 Vint. Amber Brown Glass Apothecary Drugstore Storage Canister Jars Ground Lid $32.99

ANTIQUE DRUGSTORE SACCHARUM LACTIS GLASS BOTTLE JAR $85.00

RALPHS PHARMACY APOTHECARY JAR GLASS BOTTLE DRUGSTORE MARKET GROCERY STORE AD $9.99

ANTIQUE VTG 1890s 1900s DRUG STORE BOTTLE GLASS ZINGIBER ROOT OLD MEDICINE $70.39

1919 Illinois Glass Medicine Drug Store Bottle Ad $2.00

Antique Bottle & Glass Collector Magazine-Nov. 07-Drug Store Variety- $9.99

Vintage Eli Lilly Amber Glass Bottle Pharmaceutical Drug Store OLD BOTTLE $9.99

Antique Early Blown Glass Apothecary Medical Laboratory Drug Store Bottle $31.45

ANTIQUE VINTAGE LG AMBER GLASS APOTHECARY BOTTLE JAR CHEMISTRY DRUG STORE BOTTLE $112.50

RARE CHURCHILLS DRUG STORE FS ACKERMAN GLASS BOTTLE $249.99

LABEL UNDER GLASS INDICUM APOTHECARY DRUGSTORE BOTTLE $27.00

LOT 4 VINTAGE 8OZ GLASS BABY BOTTLES HYGEIA BY BALL & HOOK’S DRUG STORE W/ LIDS $26.99

Vintage Original AMBER BROWN GLASS CP Medicine RX Bottle w Brush 1930s Drugstore $24.95

VINTAGE DRUG STORE PHARMACY MEDICINE OR CHEMICAL BOTTLES BROWN GLASS NR $9.95

old Peoples Drug Store white mineral oil glass bottle $12.99

Old Vintage Antique Medicine Bottle Blue Glass Stockholm Wisconsin Drug Store $37.49

ANCIENT DRUGSTORE SACCHARUM LACTIS GLASS BOTTLE * $66.00

Pair of Apothecary Jars Beautiful Glass Jars Candy Drugstore $58.99

Pair of Apothecary Jars Beautiful Glass Jars Candy Drugstore $39.99

Apothecary Jar Jars Beautiful Glass Jars Candy Drugstore $89.99

Vintage B Glass BADLANDS FLASK from the WALL DRUG STORE of SOUTH DAKOTA 2/5 PINT $9.95

ANTIQUE DRUG STORE APOTHECARY BROWN GLASS BOTTLE ENAMEL CAMPHORA MONOBROMATA $99.99

ANTIQUE DRUG STORE APOTHECARY GLASS BOTTLE ENAMEL NATRIUM PHOSPHORICUM SICCUM $99.99

ANTIQUE DRUG STORE APOTHECARY GLASS BOTTLE ENAMEL PHENACETINUM $99.99

ANTIQUE DRUG STORE APOTHECARY GLASS BOTTLE ENAMEL CALCIUM GLYCERINO-PHOSPHORICUM $99.99

ANTIQUE DRUG STORE APOTHECARY GLASS BOTTLE ENAMEL LABEL LITHIUM BENZOICUM $99.99

ANTIQUE DRUG STORE APOTHECARY GLASS BOTTLE ENAMEL ACIDUM TARTARICUM $99.99

ANTIQUE DRUG STORE APOTHECARY GLASS BOTTLE ENAMEL TINCTURA CAPSICI $119.99

ANTIQUE DRUG STORE APOTHECARY BROWN GLASS BOTTLE ENAMEL PROCAINUM 3 1/2″ tall $99.99

ANTIQUE 19c DRUG STORE APOTHECARY GLASS BOTTLE ENAMEL $149.99

2 Large Vintage Glass 12″ Apothecary Jars Drug Store Display Candy Terrarium $119.99

Antique “Lancaster PA” labeled Drug Store Flask Bottle “SPIRITS TURPENTINE $29.00

Vintage Glass Bottle Wilsons Drug Store Oil Wintergreen $9.99

Bottle Art $8.95 Reuse and Recycle Using glass bottles in your art beautifies the planet, your home, your work spaces and you. Includes 61 creative projects. Call your family and friends to the table with a cheery jingle of a bell chime. Serve drinks in unique glassware. Make a chalkboard bottle to describe the menu as your guests marvel at stylish painted glass centerpieces and sumptuous tableware. Other projects include bottle wind chimes, candlelight sets, and dazzling glass jewelry set.

Drugstore Hell $12.49 Drugstore Hell

Psychedelic Drugstore $7.49 Psychedelic Drugstore

17 Votive Bottle Hanger $11.95 Set the mood by turning your glass bottles into art. Made of heavy gauge steel and copper plated. 17 high. Includes glass cup and tea light candle. Painted bottle project shown below created by artist Robin Dempsey. Mosaic bottle project shown below created by artist Julie Haan. Creative Images Color Slide bottle project shown below created by artist Kayleigh McGrath.

Bottle Sagger Mold $35.95 Reusable mold is predrilled and can be fired many times. Create recycled art and slump a bottle, or use fusible glass to create this bottle shape. Mold must be kiln washed before use. Measures approximately 10-1/8 x 4-1/2 (body 9-1/4, neck 1).

Scroll Texture Bottle Mold $34.95 Create recycled art by slumping and adding texture to a 750 ml bottle, or use fusible glass to create this textured bottle shape. Reusable mold can be fired many times. Mold must be kiln washed before use. Measures approximately 16-1/2 long x 4-1/2 wide.

13 Bottle Slump Mold $29.95 Create recycled art and slump a bottle, or use fusible glass to create this bottle shape. Reusable mold is predrilled and can be fired many times. Mold must be kiln washed before use. Measures 13 x 4-1/2 x 2 deep.

Small Bottle Sagger $22.95 Recycle your old soda and beer bottles with reusable small bottle sagger mold. Can also be used with fusible glass to create colorful, unique bottle shapes. Must be kiln washed before use. Measures approximately 11 x 3.

Flat Top Wine Bottle Stopper $6.95 Add a touch of glass to your kitchen with a beautiful glass art wine bottle stopper. Make the perfect conversation piece for a holiday party or an unforgettable gift. Stylish stopper features a blank specially made for fused or stained glass. When not being used, keep your glass art stoppers on display with stand 63973 (sold separately). Features a thicker stainless steel outer shell so they can be used for extended storage without pitting. Food safe. Flat Top bottle stopper shown below with 63931 Round Top bottle stopper and displayed in a wine bottle. Little Flowers Bottle Stopper project image courtesy of Diamond Tech.

Bottle Neck Adapter For Bottle And Jar Cutter $8.95 Use this adapter with the Ephrem and 39;s Bottle Cutter ( 5121) to create taller projects. Designed to cut on the tapered sides of bottles, it and 39;s possible to remove just the bottle and 39;s neck. Create long, distinctive vases and more with incredible ease. The included instructions make installation easy, and explain how to get the best results with this durable, metal tool. The image below shows the adapter installed and ready for use with the Bottle Cutter. Delphi Tip Set up the bottle cutter on an inclined board with 25 to 30 degree angle. This will keep you keep the bottle firm against the adapter cone as you rotate the bottle around the cutting wheel. Create outdoor lamps from bottles. Project below from Mosaics Piece by Piece book 6647.

Bottle Holder – Fireworks $9.95 Unique one-piece bottle holder will clamp onto the edge of just about any table to securely fasten down your MAPP or propane gas bottle. No slipping. No scratching. Use with Hot Head or Fireworks torch heads.

16 Bottle Slump Mold $27.95 A stylish way to recycle, this mold fits a 750ml bottle. Or, use fusible glass to create your own clever serving tray for snacks. Makes a perfect housewarming gift. High quality slumping mold from Creative Paradise. Measures 4-3/4 x 16. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Apply kiln wash before use. Images courtesy of Creative Paradise. For larger bottles, try 18 Bottle Sagger 62787.

Wine Bottle Panel $45.95 Add Color and Excitement to Even the Dullest Window The bright colors and fun design of this wine bottle will bring a bit of cheer to your day. Handmade suncatcher features real stained glass and bright nickel plating that will shine for years to come. Measures 8 x 8. Sold finished.

Large Contour Bottle Slumper $39.95 Create recycled art and slump a bottle, or use fusible glass to create unique hors d and 39;oeuvres plates and serving trays. Reusable mold is predrilled and can be fired many times. Measures approximately 13-1/2 long x 6 deep. Images courtesy of IMD Ceramics.

Applicator Bottle Set $9.95 The Easy Way to Work with Frit Includes three applicator bottles ideal for applying fine or powdered frit for detail to glass projects. Excellent to use with Colour de Verre casting molds, and when applying frit detail to any fusing project, such as plates. Each bottle is approximately 4 long and holds 1 oz. of frit.

Best Bottle Book Ever $23.95 Unlock the hidden potential of glass bottles. Boyce Lundstom explains the technical aspects of fusing with bottle glass, techniques for cutting and breaking bottles to get the most out of them, and firing schedules for success. Create incredible, whimsical art and functional forms from discarded bottles and discover the true beauty of recycling. Contents Include Bottle Cutting and Breaking Techniques Compatibility, Testing, Firing Facts and Fusing Schedules Drilling and Engraving Project Ideas from Mobiles to Dishes, Light Catchers and More. 48 Pages, soft cover with full-color photos.

Beadable Bottle Stopper $10.95 So Versatile and Unique. Add a touch of glass to your kitchen, create a conversation piece for a holiday party, or give an unforgettable gift. The Beadable Bottle Stopper allows you to showcase your fun and fabulous beads by easily attaching them to the loop on top. When not being used, keep your glass art stoppers on display with stand 63973 (sold separately). Artist Karen Thomas created the fun projects below. NOTICE Bottle stoppers are for multiple short term use not to exceed one week at a time. They are for display and serving not long term storage which can cause pitting and flaking of the plating due to acidic buildup in the wine from oxidation.

Ephrems Bottle Cutter $32.95 Recycle glass bottles and jars and create functional art at the same time. Create your own glass sculptures, suncatchers and ornaments easily with this metal cutter. Sturdier and easier to use than plastic models, this highly durable metal bottle cutter will have you cutting bottles perfectly in 5 easy steps. Simply place your bottle on the support device, apply pressure, and rotate. Heat the score over a candle flame and cool with ice. The results will amaze you, clean breaks nearly every time. Even thick champagne bottles break easily and smoothly. Kit comes with the classic Ephrem and 39;s Bottle and Jar Cutter, an 18 page instructional booklet with over 22 project, a 4 page quick-start guide (click on View User Manual to preview online), candle, polishing paper and compound. This is a must have for anyone interested in recycling or re-purposed crafts. Get step-by-step projects for use with your bottle cutter in Bottle Art item 6288.

Luminary Bottle Art Kit $7.95 Turn old bottles from trash to treasure. Create a unique one of a kind trendy upcycled bottle luminary with this fun and easy to use project kit. Includes instructions and supplies for one project, just add your favorite bottle cutter (sold separately).

Max Splash Shield With Bottle $52.95 Water Right Where You Need It. Fits around your grinder to contain water spray from bits or disks. Water bottle has a regulator valve to control the flow of water to bits or disk.

Three Small Bottle Slump $38.95 A stylish way to recycle, this mold fits three bottle. Or, use fusible glass to create your own clever serving tray for snacks. Makes a perfect housewarming gift. High quality slumping mold from Creative Paradise. Measures 13 x 7-1/2. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Apply kiln wash before use. Image courtesy of Creative Paradise.

Small Contour Bottle Slumper $21.95 Create recycled art and slump a bottle, or use fusible glass to create unique hors d and 39;oeuvres plates and serving trays. Reusable mold is predrilled and can be fired many times. Mold must be kiln washed before use. Measures approximately 7-1/4 long x 3 deep. Projects shown below courtesy of IMD Ceramics.

Large Divided Bottle Slump $48.95 A stylish way to recycle, this clever mold slumps a 1.75 l. bottle and shapes two cavity areas in the bottle to make a innovative appetizer tray. Makes a perfect housewarming gift. High quality slumping mold from Creative Paradise. Measures 17-1/2 x 6. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Apply kiln wash before use. Project image courtesy of Creative Paradise.

Round Top Wine Bottle Stopper $7.95 Add a touch of glass to your kitchen with a beautiful glass art wine bottle stopper. Make the perfect conversation piece for a holiday party or an unforgettable gift. Stylish stopper features a blank specially made for fused or stained glass. Stopper top measures 1 in diameter. When not being used, keep your glass art stoppers on display with stand 63973 (sold separately). Features a thicker stainless steel outer shell so they can be used for extended storage without pitting. Food safe. Round Top bottle stopper shown below with 63932 Flat Top bottle stopper. Project created by artist Melanie Churchill using 1 pre-cut Clear and Ivory Circles ( 24630, 24632) and Floral Fuse Art decals 427867.Artist Kayleigh McGrath used 1 pre-cut circles with 427844 Mixed Colors Confetti.

Replacement Turrets For Ephrems Bottle Cutter $14.95 Package of two replacement turrets for Ephrem and 39;s Bottle and Jar Cutter. (item 5121).

10-1/2 X 5 Bottle Sagger $32.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. Create recycled art and slump a bottle, or use fusible glass to create this bottle shape. It and 39;s never been so simple to create custom home décor. Finished project makes a great gift. Always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 10-1/2 x 5.

15-3/4 X 6 Bottle Sagger $41.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. Create recycled art and slump a bottle, or use fusible glass to create this bottle shape. It and 39;s never been so simple to create custom home décor. Finished project makes a great gift. Always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 15-3/4 x 6.

Bottle Opener $11.95 A Practical Way to Display Your Beads Create the perfect hostess gift. Stem measures 2-1/4 and will accept beads made on a 3/32 mandrel. 5 overall length. Stainless steel plated. Beads not included. Artist Val Oswalt.

Tiger Stripe Texture Bottle Slumper $28.95 Create recycled art by slumping and adding texture to bottles, or use fusible glass to create this textured bottle shape. Reusable mold can be fired many times. Mold must be kiln washed before use. Measures approximately 17 long x 6 wide.

Large Bottle Swirl Texture Slumper $48.95 Create recycled art by slumping and adding texture to bottles, or use fusible glass to create this textured bottle shape. Reusable mold can be fired many times. Mold must be kiln washed before use. Measures approximately 17-1/2 long x 6 wide.