bje Posted August 18, 2017 Posted August 18, 2017 Any ideas please on an inexpensive way to make a larger than normal jelly that wobbles? It needs to last for 6 performances, and probably for some rehearsals (which means it will have to be stable enough to be carried in my car). Thanks for any suggestions.
Dave m Posted August 18, 2017 Posted August 18, 2017 Does it need to be translucent?Something papier mache but set on springs might wobble enough? A generous amount of shaving foam as an extra.You could model it using balloons if you want the transparency
andy_s Posted August 18, 2017 Posted August 18, 2017 Real jelly is very cheap and easy to make. Use less water than the instructions suggest to get a more robust jelly. I speak from experience, having toured with a show which opened with a man singing an improvised hymn to a green jelly. PS keep in the fridge until the last minute and get it back in the fridge asap when it comes off stage and it will last for more than one performance.
Jivemaster Posted August 18, 2017 Posted August 18, 2017 For the cost of a jelly each night is it worth making a dummy??? Fridge it to keep it!
bje Posted August 19, 2017 Author Posted August 19, 2017 Thanks for all your suggestions. I did wonder about using real jelly, but wasn't sure whether it would be robust enough, it's encouraging to hear that it's worked for someone else. I think being able to wobble is more important than being translucent, springs is an idea but I'm not sure papier mache would produce the right sort of wobble
Owain Posted August 19, 2017 Posted August 19, 2017 Depending on the shape required, children's seaside sand buckets may be suitable moulds, or even real buckets. If you suspend one bucket inside another you can get a skin of 'strong' jelly; fill that with 'weak' jelly and you should get something that wobbles all over the place. Some glitter or other reflective trimmings will shimmer under lights and emphasise wobbleyness.
the kid Posted August 19, 2017 Posted August 19, 2017 Remember the coloured cubes are pre made with sugar and flavous. I would make using Agar or just plain geletine sheets and food colour. "less" attractive to mould/bugs.
smalljoshua Posted August 19, 2017 Posted August 19, 2017 Isn't agar used in some applications specifically as it's friendly to germs? Josh
the kid Posted August 19, 2017 Posted August 19, 2017 Isn't agar used in some applications specifically as it's friendly to germs? Josh Yes. I do not beleive that "domestic" agar is with nutrients though. Also in doing some looking Agar melts at higher temp, Geletine melts at about 35c, stage wont get 35c but might get a bit ... soft
bje Posted August 20, 2017 Author Posted August 20, 2017 I might have thought of using gelatine rather than bought jelly cubes, but I'd never have thought of agar as I didn't know anything about it. Having just looked it up, it seems it can be reheated without melting (so no risk of softening on stage) and can be cut into shape (not sure why I'd want to do this but useful to know). Just one thing I wonder about - if it's that solid will it still wobble? However, sounds like a great idea - thank you. Going to be doing some experimenting. If / when I find the perfect solution I'll report back.
the kid Posted August 21, 2017 Posted August 21, 2017 I might have thought of using gelatine rather than bought jelly cubes, but I'd never have thought of agar as I didn't know anything about it. Having just looked it up, it seems it can be reheated without melting (so no risk of softening on stage) and can be cut into shape (not sure why I'd want to do this but useful to know). Just one thing I wonder about - if it's that solid will it still wobble? However, sounds like a great idea - thank you. Going to be doing some experimenting. If / when I find the perfect solution I'll report back. When making stuff at home I have found its both sold and wobbly. Jelly always seems like it could over wobble ?
Jivemaster Posted August 21, 2017 Posted August 21, 2017 From a friend's experience of using jelly for a week, it smells pretty rank by the end of the seventh day unless it's kept seriously cold as long as possible. Making several jellies should be considered.
Superpants Posted August 21, 2017 Posted August 21, 2017 A project I was involved in where a number of jellys were needed outside on a relatively warm and sunny day used Gelatine made up at about 10%. Gelatine comes in a number of strengths, typical supermarket jelly is around 120 Bloom. This project used 300 Bloom which you can get from food ingredient suppliers- plenty of places online. Food colour can be used to get the colour, but in this instance I think the flints liquid concentrated colour was used. Unfortunately the job never saw the light of day, but it was a memorable one- the sight of 6 adults wobbling jellies and then running away...
Junior8 Posted August 22, 2017 Posted August 22, 2017 Reading these replies I'm reminded of the advice in Michael Green's early guide Stage Noises and Effects (London Herbert Jenkins 1958) 'to simulate the noise of a tray of crockery being dropped take a tray of crockery and drop it'. If you want a wobbly jelly make one, they are all wobbly. If need be make one every day - it's only a few minutes work. Keep it chilled, use it in the performance - then eat it for supper. (With the ice cream you've also put in the fridge with the cold beer)
andy_s Posted August 22, 2017 Posted August 22, 2017 Reading these replies I'm reminded of the advice in Michael Green's early guide Stage Noises and Effects (London Herbert Jenkins 1958) 'to simulate the noise of a tray of crockery being dropped take a tray of crockery and drop it'. If you want a wobbly jelly make one, they are all wobbly. If need be make one every day - it's only a few minutes work. Keep it chilled, use it in the performance - then eat it for supper. (With the ice cream you've also put in the fridge with the cold beer) I wouldn't eat it afterwards, you don't know who's been prodding it to ascertain its wobbliness.... a bit like the complimentary peanuts on the bar.... :roll eyes: (ed. for spelling) Also I saw Michael Green's "The Art of Coarse Acting" live on stage at the NSDF in 1981... many true things said therein.
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