Each year I host a Halloween party at Cottonwood Corner Terror House. Before COVID I put a new spin on bobbing for apples by filling a cauldron with water & a variety of shooters so guests could bob for “boos” (booze). This was put on hold for a couple years but now that COVID numbers are on the decline I plan to reinstate this party game this year! I also wanted to “refurbish” my cauldron and make it a bit easier to stick your head in. Lol.
Supplies
- Authentic looking cauldron (click for instructions)
- Stand/lazy susan/stack of scrap wood
- Bowl that fits inside cauldron
- Water
- Variety of shooters
- Flat black spray paint
- Rust colored acrylic paint (burnt orange works well)
- Spray sealant
Bowl Preparation
I used a plastic cauldron that was about 13″ deep with a 12.5″ opening and made it look old, rusty, and authentic looking, I then spray painted a white bowl that fit perfectly inside the cauldron with flat black spray paint. The bowl was about 6″ deep and 13″ wide (it fit perfectly inside the lip of the cauldron).
Faux Rust
Once dry, I “rusted” the bowl by dry brushing acrylic paint. I concentrated mostly on the bottom where most of the rust would reside. I didn’t worry about “rusting” the outside of the bowl since it would not be seen. You can mix up your own rust color by playing around with reds, yellows, browns, and black to get the shade you want. Burnt orange is also an ideal color if you want to take the easy route!
Seal the Paint
After the bowl had dried, I sprayed it with sealant.
Cauldron Set Up
I had a lazy susan a friend was getting rid of that fit perfectly inside the cauldron, so I just set that inside. (Thanks, Brian)! The dimensions were about 10″ wide and 7″ tall. You could use an upside-down flowerpot, a stack of scrap wood, or a stand of some sort – anything that will hold the bowl up to the top of the cauldron.
After the bowl had dried, I placed it on top of the lazy susan and added water. Placing in a bowl is much easier than filling up and trying to carry around a giant cauldron full of water!
Add the Booze
Next, I added shooters and was ready for bobbing! I’m certain my guests will be too! Keep in mind, that glass shooters will sink, while the plastic ones will float and are easier to get.
If you liked this tutorial be sure to give me a thumbs up and leave me a comment below! Please also check out my other tutorials on my Blog page!