DIY Magic Potion Bottles for Kids + Potion Name Ideas

The quick version: To make DIY potion bottles with kids, fill clean glass or plastic bottles with water (or corn syrup for a thicker potion), add a few drops of food coloring, and drop in extras like peppercorns or plastic beads. Then make an old, mysterious-looking label from torn cardstock with inked edges, write a potion name on it, and glue it on with decoupage glue. Most of what you need is already in your kitchen and craft drawer.

Imaginative play and creative crafting are wonderful for children’s and tweens’ development. This magic potion for kids craft is a great way to incorporate both. You can make this craft alone with your child or as a group activity. You can also mimic potions from your favorite story or create your own potions.

Magic Potions for Kids Craft

Supplies

• Glass or plastic bottles – You can also repurpose bottles destined for the recycling bin. Look for bottles with interesting shapes and in a variety of sizes. 
• Card Stock Paper – We used cream to add to the aged look of the label.
• Permanent Marker – Black or Dark Brown
• Brown Ink Pad or Marker
• Decoupage Glue
• Sponge Brush
• Water
• Corn Syrup
• Food Coloring
• Corn Starch
• Pepper Corns
• Plastic Beads

Step 1: Mix the Potions

Decide with your child what color of potions you want to create. This is a great opportunity for  lesson in creating and mixing colors. Use water for a thinner consistency and corn syrup for a thicker consistency.

Step 2: Add a Little Extra Magic

Adding corn starch is another way to thicken the potion. The corn starch tends to separate over time so the bottle will have to be swirled or shaken to mix the corn starch back into the potion. This adds as extra bit of magic to the potion.

Adding plastic beads is an easy way to add another dimension to the potion.

Step 3: Make an Aged Label

Cut a slightly larger label than you want for the bottle. Tear the edges to make the label look more rustic. To age the label, color just the edges of the label with a brown stamp ink pad or a brown marker. To obtain an aged look rather than a solid colored look, brush the edge of the label across the ink pad or marker instead of using the marker to color on the label. Practice with scrap paper until you figure out a technique for the look you want.

Step 4: Name Your Potions

Using the permanent marker add mystical names for each potion. You can use names from your favorite book or movie or create your own. I recommend that if your child is writing the potion names, have them practice first on scrap paper the approximate size of the actual label. This lets them figure out sizing and centering before writing on the label. There’s a list of potion names below.

Step 5: Glue on the Label

Let the ink dry several minutes. Use the brush to spread a thin layer of decoupage glue to the back only of the label for a more ancient matte look. If you plan on pouring the potions out of the bottle then add a layer of decoupage glue to the front of the label to protect it. Let the glue dry for 20 minutes to an hour. If your bottle is so curved that the label isn’t sticking, use rubber bands to hold it in place until the glue dries.