Black-and-White Potion Bottles with Candles

$3 - $5 (based on 2018 prices)

Makes two bottles

For the witch den, which was part of my office’s annual decorating competition, I unified the theme by incorporating alchemy symbols into many of the props. These potion bottles were part of this endeavor and I created two versions to accent the altar: a version with fake candles and a version with twine wrapped around the bottles’ necks.

• Two glass bottles in varying sizes
• One pack of forty- to sixty-grit sandpaper
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in flat black
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat black*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in cream*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat white*
• One 0.44 oz. bottle of clear nail polish*
  

1. Thoroughly wash and dry the bottles. If there is any sticker residue, use rubbing alcohol to remove it (soak a paper towel in the solution, let it sit over the area for a few minutes, and wipe away the remaining glue). After cleaning the bottles, roughen their surfaces with coarse sandpaper to help the paint adhere.

2. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, give the bottles an even coat of black spray paint. I used one coat, but you can apply more based on your desired coverage.

3. Draw alchemy symbols onto the bottles with white paint. You can add the markings randomly or put them in strategic places. While I elected to use alchemy symbols to unify the haunt’s theme, you could modify the prop by writing spells across the surfaces or using patterns of your own design.

4. Using hot glue, fashion fake candles on the tops of the bottles. To create this, build up layers and pipe drips of glue down the sides and onto the bottles. The process works best if you move in stages, applying one layer at a time and allowing the glue to cool between each application. Also, I found that pumping the glue along the top of the candle and allowing it to naturally run downward creates the best results. If you want the candle to have a wick, insert a toothpick into the glue while it is still hot and build up layers around it.

5. Apply three coats of cream paint to the candles and a light brushing of white to add depth. I used three coats, but you, of course, are free to use fewer (or more) based on your chosen appearance for the prop.

6. To make the candles look waxy, cover the paint with a layer of clear nail polish. If you want the candles to seem old and unused rather than freshly melted, do not add the nail polish, but give the candles a light brushing of brown paint to simulate dirt and dust.

7. If you have chosen to incorporate the wicks, cut the toothpicks at an angle and give them a few even coats of black paint.

8. If you plan to display these props outdoors in windy conditions, give them additional weight by pouring sand or rocks into the base before creating the fake candles.

*You will not use the entire bottle’s content for this project.