I have been working on a non magic project and discovered rubber molds and polyurethane casting. You can get starter stuff at Hobby Lobby - look for Alumalite. It is available on line and you can get a 40% off coupon. It makes it really easy to duplicate parts and do small production runs. The resin is easy to sand when cured (10 minutes!)

This stuff is really cool. If you never heard of it you need to check it out. My next project is to mold a pint whiskey bottle, use the mold to make a "milk bottle" insert then cast the insert in clear resin.

Look at my stuff at http://www.wack-o-magic.com. I make a lot of stuff in Urethane. My Dancing cane knobs, my walntus, the monsters from my mis-made monsters... all urethane resin or foam cast in silicone molds.

Just remember that virtually all consumer available clear resin is VERY BRITTLE... most of it shatters like glass at the most inopportune times...

I've duplicated several antique car parts out of polyurethane. It's great stuff.

http://www.wack-o-magic.com has some really nice things. Makeupguy is a very talented guy.

If you want a company that's MUCH less expensive than Hobby Lobby.. but has so much more to choose from, try
http://www.reynoldsam.com/

They have everything you need to cast, mold and finish castings. Don't forget mold release!!!

http://www.starshipmodeler.com/projects/jw_resin.htm