This is our version of the Hogwarts House Points “Hourglasses”. However, ours aren’t hourglasses but the large glass cylinder vases that you can get at Amazon, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, etc. We then place a string of remote controlled lights in a smaller cylinder vase and place it upside down in the larger ones. Then each one is filled with colored glass gemstone beads (vase filler beads).
Supplies #
- 4 Large Glass Vases - 15 inches tall x 5 inches diameter (tend to be more like 5.5 inches in diameter) - Walmart
- 4 Small Glass Vases - Any size works as long as it fits in the large vase and allows enough clearance for the glass gemstone beads around it. Here is an example from Amazon.
- 4 Strings of better operated and remote controlled lights - Amazon
- Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow glass gemstone beads - Amazon (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow)
- Standard Black PLA Filament - We wanted an elegant look but you could choose different colors or paint is gold or brass. - Here is example black filament from Amazon
Directions #
- 3D print each lid
- Black PLA
- 0.4mm nozzle
- 0.2 mm layers
- Supports are needed because of the raised text, print it facing up.
- 3D print each base
- Black PLA
- 0.4mm nozzle
- 0.2 mm layers
- Supports are not needed
- 3D print the crest mascot emblems
- Use filament matching the color for the mascot, however they could be easily painted.
- Gold = Gryffindor
- Silver = Slytherin
- Bronze = Ravenclaw (Yes, we went with the book colors here rather than the movie colors)
- Black = Hufflepuff
- Paint the crest using Testors enamal model paint
- The Gryffindor crest was painted in two parts. The model does have raised edge but to keep the colors from mixing do them one color at a time and let it dry completely (at least a few days).
- Allowed to dry completely before gluing on the crest mascot emblems
We have thought of a way to make it a little easier to change the batteries. We want to 3D print a clear or transparent top to the small inner vases. Then, rather than having them upside-down, put them in opening up. That way only part of the beads have to be removed to replace the batteries. We just haven’t done it yet.
Caveats #
- Vase sizes vary, you might need to adjust the files accordingly.
- The vases were not level so I ended up 3D printing spacers with slight angles for either the top or bottom which fit inside the lid or base. This made all vases the same exact size and made the all level.
Instagram Reel Link #
https://www.instagram.com/p/DTd_RMgAYOs/
File Downloads #
| Description | File(s) |
|---|---|
| Gryfindor Lid |  |
| Gryfindor Base | |
| Hufflepuff Lid | |
| Hufflepuff Base | |
| Ravenclaw Lid | |
| Ravenclaw Base | |
| Slytherin Lid | |
| Slytherin Base | |
| All Flies |  |