How To

If you go into any craft store this time of year, they are starting to bring out all their Halloween decor. I came across some awesome potion and poison bottles (fake of course) but the price was a little high, so I thought I will just make my own.

For this project you will need:

• Glass bottle(s)-  Any shape and size you want. I got mine at the craft store for very inexpensive, they also came with corks.
• Paint– I used acrylics, they tend to dry fast.
• Paper and Printer– To print out labels, for the tags I used a thicker paper, like scrapbook paper. You can also use card stock.
• Double sided tape– For stick on labels
• String/Yarn- To wrap around the bottle neck

Optional:

• Hole punch- If you want to make a tag
• Coffee or Tea- For “aging” the paper

———————————————-

LABELS:

For the labels, you can either make your own or find them on the internet. You can search ” free Halloween potion labels”, or I found a bunch of pre-made potion bottle labels on flickr.

Print out your labels then take your cup of coffee or tea (I used herbal tea, so it didn’t come out as dark) place your label inside and soak for a few minutes, or dab on with a paper towel until desired darkness.

You can either let the paper air dry, or use a blow dryer on low heat (careful not to burn yourself or the paper). While still a little damp I crunched the paper in my hand, opened it back up and continued drying. This seemed to keep the crumpled look in tact. After that you can cut, rip, tear, bend, whatever you want to do to “age” the paper.

BOTTLES:

First, wash your bottles and let dry completely.

Next, you will take your paint and poor a small amount right inside the bottle, start by slowly tilting and turning it so the paint starts to coat all the way around. Be careful around the opening that you don’t get any paint on the outside. Depending on the color you choose, you may have to use two coats.

Set upside-down on a few layers of paper towels to get the excess out.

Turn over to air dry. Acrylics will usually dry pretty quickly.

Once dry add your corks.

For tags skip this step! Take your double sided tape and center it on the bottle. Carefully place your label because it probably won’t come off after it’s on there.

Cut your string whatever length you desire, if using tags take your hole punch and make a hole where you want the string to go through, wrap around bottle neck and thats it! You’re done!

Now you have an awesome DIY decoration that looks even better then the ones in the store!