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Have you ever been scrolling through Pinterest, looking for a way to add something whimsical to your space?

Let me share something I discovered: magic doesn’t need to be elaborate to feel real. Sometimes it’s something much smaller, like a simple potion shelf.

Start Small

You only need a few things to get started. A bookshelf, a corner of your dresser, a hanging shelf, or your windowsill. Just a small space to build from.

Next, find 3-5 items for your shelf. You could add:

• Books

• Candles or fairy lights

• Trinkets like crystals, keys, or tiny objects you’ve collected

Search your home for meaningful treasures; aim for items with a story tied to you.

Add Bottles

Bottles and jars are what start to bring everything together. Different shapes, sizes, and colors of glass make your shelf feel like it was collected over time.

You can find bottles at Amazon, craft stores, thrift stores, and upcycled bottles from around your home (wine bottles or pasta jars).

There’s no right combination. That’s part of what makes it enchanting and unique.

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Fill Your Jars

This is where it starts to feel magical. When it comes to filling your bottles and jars, you can be as creative as you want.

You might try:

• Dried flowers or moss

• Tea, herbs, or spices

• Colored water or color-changing potions

• Beads, stones, or small jewelry pieces

You can mix textures or layer colors; even the simplest combinations can feel charmed once they’re placed inside a bottle.

Add Labels

Adding labels elevates your bottles and jars. Now, each jar has a name, each bottle has a purpose, and they all tell a tale.

If you want to create your own labels, you can keep it simple:

• Design something in Canva and print it at home. Or, stain paper with tea or coffee and draw your designs by hand.

• If you’d rather not start from scratch, I made a set of free printable potion label templates you can edit in Canva.

  • → ✦ Get the free potion labels here

• If you find yourself wanting more variety, like unique names and styles, I’ve created a larger collection of potion labels you can explore.

  • → ✦ Browse the full label collection

Enjoy the Whimsy

Once you’ve built your initial potion shelf, you can sit back and enjoy the magic you’ve crafted. You don’t need a full room to feel like you’ve created something magical.

Just a few objects and a little intention can create something like a small piece of another world.

If you find yourself wanting to add to your shelf, I’ve left a few pieces and labels in my shop for you to explore.

Explore My Shop

Listen on Spotify

When it comes to potion making, my musical mood changes depending on the potion I’m creating.

Songs like “Soldier, Poet, King” by The Oh Hellos bring out my hedge witch side. They’re the kind of songs I listen to when crafting my apothecary jars, like Frog Slime and Eye of Newt.

When working on darker potions, like Blood of My Enemies or Vampire Blood, songs like “Fruits” by Paris Paloma help me channel my inner dark cottagecore witch.

Sometimes the workshop is quiet except for the sounds of potions clinking on shelves as I clean my art studio. Other times, music fills the room while I measure ingredients, stir strange liquids, and seal bottles with wax. These are 25 songs that often echo through the workshop while new potions are being crafted.

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1. Harpy Hare - Yaelokre

2. Wolf - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

3. Soft Universe - AURORA

4. Soldier, Poet, King - The Oh Hellos

5. Spellbound - Siouxsie and the Banshees

6. Crystal - Stevie Nicks

7. Fade Into You - Mazzy Star

8. Me and the Devil - Soap&Skin

9. I’d Love to Change the World - Ten Years After

10. House of the Rising Sun - Lauren O’Connell

11. From Persephone - Kiki Rockwell

12. Daffodil - Florence + The Machine

13. the fruits - Paris Paloma

14. Full Moon - The Black Ghosts

15. Kiss Me - Sixpence None The Richer

16. Cherry-coloured Funk - Cocteau Twins

17. How Soon Is Now? 2011 Remaster - The Smiths

18. Toes - Glass Animals

19. Eyes on Fire - Blue Foundation

20. Millie, Warm the Kettle - Rabbitology

21. The Moon Will Sing - The Crane Wives

22. The Chain - Fleetwood Mac

23. Mermaid - Skott

24. Lavender Moon - Haroula Rose

25. Season Of The Witch - Lana Del Rey

    Listen on Spotify

Do you have a favorite song that makes you feel like a witch working on your next spell? I’m always looking for new music to add to my crafting playlists.

The Hidden Workshop is where I’ll be sharing things that never make it to the “main floor,” such as early ideas, half-finished experiments, techniques I’m still testing, and a closer look at what it’s like running a magical small business.

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One of the questions I get asked the most is how I create my potion labels, so I’ve made this crash course, breaking down my potion label-making process, so that you can make your own creations.

My biggest tool for designing potion labels is Canva. Because I use Canva, I don’t have to worry about dying my paper with coffee or tea to get the right color. I have Canva Pro, but I didn’t when I first started potion making. All of the tips I am going to share with you can be used with a free account, and you can filter searches for any elements and photos to the free options.

Backgrounds

When I start a label, I drop a frame onto the page (frames automatically crop and hold images), and then I drag a photo into it.

When searching for backgrounds, I use keywords such as “vintage paper,” “aged paper,” “old paper,” and “scrapbook paper.” I prefer my labels to have a vintage look, which is why I use aged paper. However, if you prefer a more modern look, you can use a simple box element and fill it with a solid color.

Tip: Use photos, not elements, when looking for vintage backgrounds. Photos will always automatically snap into the frames, whereas some elements do not.

Borders

There are a few ways to add borders to your potion labels. The easiest way is to search for terms such as “vintage border,” “antique border,” “filigree border,” “baroque border,” “vintage corner,“ and “vintage frame.” These will give you vintage, fancier borders that give that classic potion look.

If you want even more control over your border style, you can also create your own. Using a basic shape, make the inner color transparent, and then select a border color that matches your label.

My two favorite ways to make the borders more unique are layering borders and changing the border’s stroke weight. By combining one larger vintage border with another smaller vintage border, a unique layering effect is created on the labels. To adjust the border stroke weight, click the three-line icon in the top toolbar (the Stroke Style settings).

Graphics

When it comes to graphics, I either choose from what Canva has available or scour Public Domain sites to find what I’m looking for. Search terms in Canva, such as “mythical sketch,” “anatomy sketch,” “animal sketch,” “medieval creatures,” “skeletons,” and “skulls,” yield a multitude of interesting graphics that skew towards a vintage and classical aesthetic. When it comes to the Public Domain, I search on platforms like Public Works and Public Domain Review, as well as museum digital archives, to find images ranging from medical to medieval in nature. If you’re interested in some more Public Domain sites, check out my article: “Finding Public Domain Images”.

Fonts

Typically, anything under the “vintage” font filter will give you an elegant look. However, I have some go-to fonts I like to use for my vintage labels:

• Engravers’ Old English

• Chapbook

• ITC Blackadder

• IM Fell English SC

• Isabella

• Essays1743

• EFCO Brookshire

• Obra Letra

Another trick I use to make fonts look unique is to alternate between uppercase and lowercase text. Some fonts are unreadable when they are capitalized, and their lowercase versions appear more readable.

Extras

My next step in creating potion labels is adding extras, such as banners, swirls, and flourishes. These little added touches give your labels an extra layer that makes them feel unique and authentic. For example, I’ll add a small ribbon banner behind the potion name to give it a more vintage apothecary feel. These can be found using search terms like “vintage banner,” “vintage labels,” “flourish,” and “filigree.” Another interesting effect is to copy the element and offset it slightly, creating a shadow or border effect.

Aging

This is my secret sauce for designing my labels. Adding aging elements gives the labels an old and worn look without actually distressing them. You can find these elements by searching for: “ink splash,” “speckles,” “aging noise,” “rough texture noise,” and “distressed textured paper.”

By adding these elements, layering them, adjusting transparency, and changing colors, unique and intricate effects are created for the labels. For example, making a blood potion that has either speckles or ink splashes in a bright red color, then choosing a different splatter pattern while changing the color to deep red and the transparency to 50%. Doing this creates the effect of aged blood.

Quick Tips

• Double elements to deepen the color and make them look darker.

• Duotone can recolor graphics that you can’t change using the toolbar.

• Adjust spacing for readability and style.

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Canva Template-Click Here

You’ve now got everything you need to start designing your own potion labels. To get you started, I’ve created free Canva potion labels and templates you can use right away. If you use the templates, feel free to tag me; I’d love to see what you create.

If you’re interested in making color-changing potions, check out my article: “6 Things You Need to Make a Color-Changing Potion.” Or, if you want to see some behind-the-scenes of my potion-making process, check out my YouTube Channel.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase products through my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps sustain my small business

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When I discovered my passion for potion making, I didn’t realize how small a niche it was. What started as a creative experiment quickly became an obsession that required a lot of digging, guessing, and trial and error to master. There wasn’t much information about creating color-changing potions, leaving me to scour the internet to piece things together. Mistakes were made. Getting to where I am now was much more complicated than expected. Here are some of the top lessons I’ve learned the hard way when it comes to potion crafting.

#1. Always Wash Your Potion Bottles

When I first started potion making, I had issues with my bottles growing mold, clumping, or finding random things floating in them. One day, I grabbed a potion bottle that I’d just gotten from the store, and was about to start pouring the liquid in it when I realized there were tiny pieces of cork on the bottom. I quickly realized that despite my potion bottles looking clean at first glance, some weren’t.

Even contaminants you can’t see can ruin a potion, and the easiest way to fight this is by cleaning your bottles. Warm water, dish soap, and letting them air dry can stop issues from arising in your magical creations. Since I started washing every bottle, most of my early potion issues disappeared.

#2. Don’t Use Tap Water

Tap water typically contains chemicals and bacteria that can mold in sealed environments. Every potion I made with tap water grew mold within the first week, like clockwork. I quickly started researching items like snow globes or liquid-filled tumblers to find out what others were using that caused them to stay in pristine condition for years. After much research, I realized that the number one suggestion was to use distilled water, which you can get relatively cheaply at your local grocery store.

Distilled water doesn’t 100% guarantee that your potion won’t mold or clump, but it greatly decreases the odds. Because it isn’t a sure thing, some potion makers use isopropyl alcohol as a liquid base, which is a good option as long as you have your cork situation figured out (using a standard cork with alcohol can cause the cork to become flammable).

My go-to mix: 50% distilled water + 50% isopropyl alcohol, sealed with twist caps or rubber corks.

#3 Standard Corks Are Flawed

Note: This section is about using standard corks with liquid/color-changing potions. I use standard corks with my apothecary jars that often contain viscous liquids such as corn syrup, soap, and gel.

Speaking of corks, let’s get to one of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn, which is that standard corks (the ones that come with most potion bottles) suck. These corks are not airtight or waterproof; using them as is will cause leaking, evaporation, and possible contamination in your color-changing potions.

I ruined so many potions trying to make standard corks work. So what can you do? Luckily, there are better options.

• Screw Top Bottles: My go-to choice; the only drawback is that the bottles don’t have that traditional look, but I often cover up the tops with sealing wax.

• Rubber Corks: Check carefully that they are sealed well, and sit something heavy (like a few books), on top of the potion immediately after sealing them, because the corks will move/pop up.

• Sealing Corks With Resin: Gives you the classical potion look, but allows the corks to hold up over time. This option requires using PPE and some trial and error to get the corks coated.

• Solid Corks: These are whole corks, cut to size, not the same as the standard corks you get with your potion bottles (these standard corks are called agglomerated corks). You can find some solid cork options on Amazon (but they are harder to find there), or you can go through companies like Widgetco, which sells corks. These corks can be more expensive and still have some defects, such as holes and gaps.

#4 Mica Matters

Mica is expensive, so I used the cheapest brands I could find on Amazon when I first started creating potions. It worked well, but I quickly realized that some of my potions weren’t holding up over time. Some would clump or some would leach color, so I decided to invest in better mica.

I choose to use the mica brands Meyspring and EyeCandy.

Meyspring has bolder and brighter mica colors, allowing me to create unique color combinations. EyeCandy’s larger particle mica gives a more glittery look, while their color-shifting powders add depth and movement to potion swirls. After switching brands, my potions kept their color and shimmer months later.

#5 Write Down Your Recipes

It’s so easy to start experimenting with color combinations, but when you’ve finally found the one you want, you realize you can’t remember which shade of blue you used. Writing down your potion recipes is necessary to replicate the exact look multiple times. I use recipe cards or a Notion template that keeps track of the base colors and brands of mica I use.

I also realized it was difficult figuring out how much mica I used in my potions, so I switched to using 0.15g (150mg) cosmetic scoops to measure my mica instead of simply winging it, making my recipes more precise.

#6 Don’t Use Candle Wax

If you want that classical bottle look, you know the one with the thick wax dripping just the right way down the bottle, then you want to ensure you don’t use candle wax. When I started making potions, I went to the best place to find DIY info: Pinterest. I found a bunch of pins about using candle wax and crayons for potions. So I tried it, and the results were a messy potion that looked more like a melted crayon experiment than an arcane magical item. Candle wax is too thin—it cracks, flakes, and runs instead of forming that rich, dripped texture. I did more research and realized there are different types of waxes, and the one used in potion making is sealing wax.

After getting my first sealing wax kit from Amazon, I fell in love with wax seals, and it became my favorite part of potion making. I love it so much that I even make wax seals to add to my packaging. If you’re interested in the different types of sealing wax you can use for potion crafting, check out my article: The Best Sealing Wax for Potion Bottles.

#7 Don’t Seal Your Potions With Hot Glue

If you want your potions to last longer than a couple of weeks, you’re going to want to seal your potions with something stronger than hot glue. All of my beginner potions sealed with hot glue failed because they were not water-tight or airtight. I quickly realized I needed something more substantial and found my go-to: E-6000.

Some potion makers use UV resin to seal their potions, and it depends on your preference. UV resin is an excellent alternative if your potion uses an alcohol base, since alcohol can slowly break down E-6000 over time. Again, when using something like UV resin, ensure you use PPE in a well-ventilated area.

#8 Be Careful What You Add To Your Potions

One of my first potion experiments was a small bottle with water, craft moss, and beads. I was going for a cottagecore vibe, and it looked so cute. I used distilled water and set it on my bookshelf with some of my other experiments. Two weeks later, I realized half the water had evaporated, and mold was growing in the bottle. Another potion I tried earlier on was a love potion-a pink potion with colored glass shards. A month later, the potion had turned a different shade of pink, and the glass shards were no longer multi-colored.

I’ve not had a lot of luck adding additions to color-changing potions, but other potion makers don’t have the same issue. It’s about finding the right materials and knowing how they will react with your liquid. The cottagecore potion grew mold because I did not thoroughly clean the beads, the bottle wasn’t airtight, and the moss was not meant to be submerged for long periods. The shards in the love potion leached their color because I was using 100% alcohol as a liquid base.

Every material reacts differently, so always test first. Let your potions sit for a few weeks to a couple of months to ensure no unwanted reactions.

#9 Sticker Paper Saves Time (and Sanity)

There are two ways to make potion labels, and each has its own appeal. You can create your design, print it on printer paper, age your paper (using paint, tea, or coffee), and then add the label using a glue like Mod Podge. Or, you can create your design with color and invest in sticker paper, making adding the label to your bottle much easier and faster.

Initially, I tried using regular paper and glue, but one day I picked up one of my bottles and the label fell off. I hadn’t attached it as well as I thought-a problem that sticker paper would have prevented. You can buy sticker paper for as cheap as $10 on Amazon, and then hand-cut the labels or use a cutting machine.

I use Canva to create labels and add vintage paper as a background to give the label that aged look. I also seal the tops of my labels with Mod Podge, which gives the flat label a textured look that feels more authentic.

#10 Don’t Waste Fancy Bottles

Potion bottles can be pricey-usually $3-$6 at craft stores. When it comes to potion crafting, I always repurpose bottles to experiment with or use for ingredient storage. I keep Orbeez on hand for my Spider Eggs and Eye of Newt Apothecary Jars and store them in old pasta sauce jars. Most of my potion experiments are done in upcycled sauce bottles.

Now I’ll be the first to admit that I am a bottle/jar hoarder, but it works itself out because I always have one when for when I want to experiment with a new potion idea. Reusing bottles isn’t just cost-effective, it keeps your creative experiments sustainable. When you finish with one experiment, reuse it to make another potion.

Tip: Clean bottles in the dishwasher or by using warm soap and water. Remove labels by soaking bottles in hot soapy water or using Goo-Gone.

Potion crafting has been such a rewarding adventure-every mistake taught me something new. I hope these lessons make your potion-making journey smoother (and a lot more magical).

If you’re interested in more about making color-changing potions, check out my article: 6 Things You Need to Make a Color-Changing Potion. Or, if you want to see some behind-the-scenes of my potion-making process, check out my YouTube channel.

To find what I use for potion making, check out my Amazon Storefront or my Small Business Resources Guide.

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This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase products through my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps sustain my small business!

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There’s something enchanting about coming home after a long day and sinking into a space that feels like you. Whether that’s a cozy cottage, a witchy nook for spellcasting, or a hobbit hole full of books and warmth, having a magical little haven to unwind in is essential.

The only problem? Creating that vibe can feel overwhelming and expensive—especially when you don’t know where to start.

Whether renting a tiny studio, decorating a dorm, or just wanting to add a bit of whimsy to your home, here are five ways to bring magical aesthetics into your space.

1. ENCHANTED LIGHTING

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to create a cozy, magical vibe.

Fairy Lights

Fairy lights or string lights add an ethereal glow to any space and can be found at dollar stores, craft stores, or Amazon. Drape them over bookshelves, string them along the wall, or tuck them inside glass jars for a soft, glowing accent.

Candles & Candle Holders

Candles instantly bring warmth and atmosphere. Thrift stores are goldmines for unique candle holders—look for metal, wood, or glass. Metal and wood create a rustic feel, while glass adds minimal elegance. You can even spray paint holders in bold colors for a more eclectic touch.

In my studio I have a set of plastic gold sconces that I thrifted for $5. I’ve paired them with some battery-operated candles from Amazon that use a remote to control the light level, and give off a realistic flicker.

2. ADD AN ACCENT WALL

Transform one wall into a magical focal point with these easy ideas:

Gallery Wall

A gallery wall adds personality and can grow over time. I always hunt for vintage frames when thrifting (even if I don’t have art ready yet). You can pair similar frames (ex., all wood frames), paint frames in bold and unique colors, or leave them as is for a more rustic appeal. I usually put on some command strips or command hooks when hanging the frames-a renter-friendly option that also makes it easier to swap the pieces around. Not into frames? Use sticky tack or washi tape to hang art directly on your walls, creating a unique layout of your favorite art.

But what kind of art should I use? A few ideas would be vintage botanical illustrations, moth and insect prints, hand-painted landscapes, and classical or gothic architecture. I even have a small section in my studio with my potion labels displayed as art prints.

You can get free artwork like the ones described (Van Gogh & Monet paintings, flora and fauna sketches, and more) from Public Domain sites. If you want to know more about what Public Domain sites I recommend, check out my article: Finding Public Domain Images.

Book Page Wall

When decorating my art studio, I created a book page wall using old novels. The result was the perfect cottagecore/ dark academia backdrop. It’s now one of my favorite parts of my studio and I use it for backgrounds in product photos and a lot of my videos. Some other ideas would be using sheet music, floral magazines for a botanical collage, or maps from places you’ve been or want to go.

Want some inspiration? Check out my article on how I made my book page wall: Glue Sticks + Goodwill: Crafting a Cottagecore Backdrop on a Budget.

Bonus Ideas:

• Drape thrifted fabrics to create a tapestry wall

• Create a “frame wall” with empty or mismatched frames for quirky charm

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3. BOTTLES AS ELEGANT ADDITIONS

Jars and bottles can be found everywhere—and they’re a magical decor secret. You can find small vials at the dollar store or repurpose wine bottles, spice jars—even old pickle jars to make unique bottle crafts.

Potions & Apothecary Jars

Use small vials or large bottles to build a potion shelf or apothecary display. Fill them with colored water, moss, herbs, glitter, beads, fake flowers, shells, or crystals. Label them with fantasy names or potion titles, and stack them among books and trinkets for a witchy vibe. I actually keep a whole shelf of my own potions in the studio—it makes the space feel like a little apothecary whenever I’m working on new projects.

Bottle Craft Ideas

• Fill bottles with fairy lights for a soft glow

• Paint glass jars with a mix of baking soda and paint for a stone-like texture

• Decoupage jars using Mod Podge and floral paper napkins

• Wrap jars or bottles in twine or ribbon for a rustic cottagecore look

• Use glass bottles as tiny vases for fresh or fake flowers

Tip: Soak bottles in warm, soapy water or use Goo Gone to easily remove labels.

4. MAGICAL STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Storage doesn’t have to be boring—it can still fit your aesthetic.

Repurpose Baskets , Tins, & Ceramics

Thrift stores often have wicker baskets, vintage tins, and random ceramic finds. Use baskets to hold florals, blankets, or art tools. Metal tins can be cleaned, painted, or decoupaged with paper napkins for a vintage apothecary feel. Ceramics can be re-purposed into vases or used as unique storage for random trinkets. I recently purchased some fall florals and added them to a random canister I had and now they make an elegant fall display.

Cardboard Box Makeovers

Don’t toss those Amazon boxes! Wrap them in thrifted fabric, paint them, or decoupage them to create custom storage bins. You can even reshape or resize boxes depending on your needs.

5. DECORATE WITH BOOKS

Books are not just for reading—they’re perfect for styling your space.

Styling Tips

• Stack beautiful books on tables or shelves-simple & elegant

• Try color-coding your stacks on bookshelves (green, brown, and purple tones for that witchy touch)

• Arrange your favorite reads in little clusters throughout your space

Book DIYs

• Hollow out a book to hide trinkets inside

• Paint and craft new book covers for old books. Example: Find an old encyclopedia, add the word “SPELLS” to the cover with rope or puffy paint, then paint it black and drybrush gold over it for a mystical antique look.

• Decoupage books with wrinkled tissue paper for a worn leather journal look

You don’t need grand renovations to make your home feel magical. The real enchantment comes from intention and creativity—how you curate your space, the energy you bring, and the small details that make it feel like you.

With a bit of imagination, and maybe a glue stick, you can turn any space into a cozy sanctuary of creativity, comfort, and magic. That’s exactly what I’ve done with my studio—it’s not perfect or expensive, but it’s become my favorite magical hideaway where I create and dream up new ideas.

If you’ve ever wished you could bottle a spell, color-changing potions might just be the closest thing. These magical elixirs don’t just shimmer—they transform, adding an enchanting flair to any fantasy-inspired decor.

But first-what is a color-changing potion?

A color-changing potion starts as one color when settled, but when shaken, it creates a mesmerizing swirl effect—often transforming into an entirely different shade. As part of my fantasy decor small business, Goose Devil Collections, I make these magical potions, and I wanted to share the basics with you. Here are the 6 things you'll need to create your own color-changing potion.

1. Glass Bottles

A glass bottle is the first thing you need to create your magic potions. I usually source mine at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or Amazon. If you want fancier ones, you can find places like GlassNow, which sell wholesale glass bottles (be aware that shipping is quite expensive).

One of the lessons I've learned the hard way is that the standard corks that come with potion bottles are very flawed. They don't seal well and cause leaking and/or evaporation. Because of this, I use rubber corks or bottles with screw top caps with all of my color-changing potions. If you want to keep the classic look with corks, you can find solid corks (different from agglomerated corks/standard corks) on Amazon or even places like Widgetco.

Tip: Some potion crafters coat their corks with UV resin to stop them from breaking down. If you are going to do this, just make sure you research UV resin and wear the proper PPE.

2. Liquid Base

You can use two main liquids for your liquid base: distilled water or isopropyl alcohol. Each has its pros and cons. Distilled water has a chance to grow mold if you aren't careful with your potion making, and alcohol can cause regular corks to become flammable. I prefer to use a 50/50 distilled water and alcohol mix.

Tip: Do not use regular tap water if you want your potion to last. Tap water can cause mold to grow in your potion or cause clumping.

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3. Base Color

Your base color will be the color that shows when the potion is settled. You can color your base liquid with food coloring, ink, or dye. I use liquid food coloring because it's the easiest to mix into the liquid base and comes in a variety of colors.

4. Mica Powder

Mica powder is what makes the magic happen in a color-changing potion. The mica powder moves when you shake the potion, causing an ethereal swirl effect. Mica powder is relatively cheap, and you can get a variety on Amazon if you are just starting to get into potion crafting.

Better quality mica powder lasts longer, creates better effects, and you don't get issues like clumping in your potion. I use Meyspring and EyeCandy brands because they have the most unique and vibrant impact. EyeCandy in particular has mica powder with larger particles, like a 14K Nugget Gold, which gives your potion more sparkle and depth.

5. Wax

Adding wax and/or a wax seal to your potion gives it a vintage look. You will want to use sealing wax, which is thicker and provides a cleaner look than candle wax. In fact, I have a whole article about the different types of wax you can use for potion making: The Best Sealing Wax for Potion Bottles. In general, I use sealing wax beads and glue gun wax. I usually get both of these, along with my wax seals, from Amazon.

6. Potion Label

The last step to making your potion is adding a potion label. Canva is my go-to for creating labels. You can layer vintage script fonts over a parchment background, and add borders or filigree that match the vibe of your potion. I also use public domain images in my labels and you can find my favorite places to source these in my article: Finding Public Domain Images. When it comes to attaching your labels, you can either print them on sticker paper or use regular printer paper and adhere them with Mod Podge.

Potion making can seem like it’s all magic, but it’s actually pretty easy and super fun. Whether you're just getting started or looking to add flair to your fantasy decor, I hope this guide brings helps you in your potion crafting journey. Subscribe for more magical DIYs and let’s make some magic together.

To find what I use for potion making, check out my Amazon Storefront or my Resources and Manufacturers List.

If you want to see some behind-the-scenes of my potion-making process, check out my YouTube channel.

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Let's be real, sometimes you want to support your favorite small business or content creator, but you just don't have the funds. Times are tough, and the prices of everything from groceries to gas are increasing daily. You may love the small businesses you follow on Instagram or YouTube, but your budget just doesn’t have the wiggle room.

Here's the thing, while small businesses love orders, that's not the only way to show your support. So here are some ways you can support your favorite small business for free!

1. Follow Them

You're probably already following your favorite small businesses; if you aren't, you should be! Following is the easiest way to support them and stay in the loop with what they’re working on. You'll get to see their work behind the scenes, from creating the art to even packaging the orders. You'll also get to connect with them. Most small businesses share aspects of their life and creative process, which lets you appreciate their work more deeply.

2. Like Their Post

It happens to all of us. You binge scroll, get to the end of the cool post, and then swipe to the next one without thinking. But going back and liking that post is the easiest way to show your support. Likes tell the unholy algorithm that the post you watched was interesting and should be recommended to others. This gives their video a boost and broader reach, which is what small businesses need. It's simple, but it adds up, especially on platforms like YouTube, where small businesses can earn revenue through AdSense to diversify their income.

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3. Comment

As small business owners, we love comments because they show people care. Whether it's an encouraging word (which, trust me, always lights up someone's day) or asking a question, comments can be a way to connect with the small business in a way that builds community. Sometimes, creators use comments to create more content they know their audience wants to see, such as answering commonly asked questions or showing the technique they used. I created my Blood Alchemy article because so many people kept commenting on my Vampire Blood potions wanting to know the liquid I used.

4. Share A Post

Sharing a post is another way to show the unholy algorithm that this person's content is important and should be pushed out to more viewers. Even copying the link or saving a post can sometimes help boost its visibility, depending on the platform. Some of my followers re-post my videos, which I love because it lets people find me through their content and gives me a bit of a boost.

5. Tag A Friend

Tagging a friend is another way to boost the person's video. Tagging a friend can introduce someone new to the creator—and sometimes even help connect creators to each other

Bonus Support

Join Their Newsletter

Most small businesses have newsletters. Even those who don't have their own website and sell through places like Etsy, you can often go to their link page and find their newsletters. Subscribing allows you to keep up to date on the small business in a way that's different from social media. Small businesses often announce shop drops and sales through their newsletters before posting them on social media. Also, with most newsletters, you get a signup discount or bonus that you can use on your next order.

So the next time you're scrolling, think about helping out the small businesses that interest you. A like, comment, or share may seem small—but to us, it’s everything. Your support helps us grow, stay inspired, and keep doing what we love!

Watch It on YouTube

My latest YouTube video shares the origin story of my handmade business—how I left a draining 9–5 and followed my love of magic into something entirely my own.

Honestly, making this video was harder than I expected. But in revisiting my journey—the uncertainty, the chaos, the quiet wins—I realized just how far I've come in the last 2.5 years.

Running a small business isn't easy, and I didn't go about starting it the best way. But despite everything, this path has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding things I've ever done. It's given me room to grow, create, and build something that feels like me.

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If you've ever dreamed of starting your own thing, or you're in the thick of it already, I'd love for you to watch the video, and hopefully, it will give you some inspiration. And if you feel like sharing, tell me about your small business journey—or the dream you're working toward. I'd love to hear it!

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Running my small business from a single room meant juggling everything—crafting, packing orders, creating content, and storing inventory—all in one cramped space. By the end of last year, I knew I needed a dedicated craft room.

I wanted a room that sparked creativity and inspired me to create content. Posting on social media and promoting your work is challenging when boxes are stacked in the background. So I went to Pinterest for different inspirations, dancing between dark academia and cottagecore themes until I realized that most DIYs were still out of my budget.

The blank walls needed something, but painting was too much work for a rental, and wallpaper was too pricey. Then it just came to me; a book page wall.

And here's how I did it for under $15

Step 1: Wrap Your Wall (Optional)

I used Christmas wrapping paper and painter's tape to wrap the wall before attaching the pages. This step is optional, but I didn't want to worry about tearing down the individual pages when it's time to move. It took 1 and 1/2 rolls of wrapping paper to cover the wall.

Step 2: Get Some Books

When I'm looking for old books, I always start at Goodwill. I was lucky to find a Complete Edition of Edgar Allan Poe and The Picture of Dorian Gray—two books that perfectly fit my love for Poe, whimsigoth vibes, and dark cottagecore. These made up most of the wall. I also picked up a copy of Peter Pan and a few Reader's Digest volumes to use around the edges and as filler layers.

Step 3: Tear Up Your Books

Honestly, this part was both horrifying and cathartic at the same time. Videos I posted about this had mixed reactions, with a few people getting very upset because of the destruction of the books. However, none of the books I used were in great condition, and we all know how long books sit discarded on Goodwill shelves. This project allowed me to re-purpose these forgotten books and give them a new life.

Tip: Save the unique pages (title pages, unique text or fonts, chapter pages, etc.) for the top layer to make the wall more unique.

Step 4: Glue the Book Pages

I used a glue stick to attach the pages to the wrapping paper. Using the glue stick allowed the pages to dry quickly and without a mess.

The Results

This was one of those DIYs you have to fully commit to and trust the process. It took a lot more time and pages than I expected. In the end, I used most of Peter Pan, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and a large chunk of Poe—but damn, it looks good.

I didn't expect this DIY to have such a personal impact. It's helped me in my small business—I'm more confident filming videos, and now I have a go-to background for product photos.

More than that, it's made me feel creative again. The wall is the first thing I see when I enter the room, reminding me that following through with my ideas can lead to something beautiful. I overthink every small choice in my art and business. But this project taught me I can create without second-guessing and that I need to trust my vision.

Who knew $15 and a few torn-up books could make such a difference?

You're missing out if you're a small business owner and not taking advantage of the free packaging around you.

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When I started my business, I saw a lot of advice on how to package items beautifully and securely. But I didn't know the cost breakdown attached to the unique unboxing experience most small business owners strive for. As someone who sells glass items, I must ensure my products arrive safely—but packaging supplies can be surprisingly expensive. Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and eco-friendly alternatives all add up fast, and many sustainable options are simply out of budget. That's why one of the easiest (and most cost-effective) things you can do is reuse the packaging you already receive from online orders.

Lately, I've noticed that many of my Amazon packages arrive in oversized boxes stuffed with brown packing paper. Instead of tossing it, I save and reuse it as filler for my own shipments. The same goes for the thick paper craft stores use to wrap glassware—I keep it because it makes excellent padding.

How to Build a Recycled Packaging System

Many small business owners repurpose packaging without realizing it- we naturally start hoarding useful packaging. But, I want to talk about some ways small business owners can be more intentional about doing this:

• Ask friends and family to save packaging for you. Many people throw out useful materials without a second thought, but they'll happily pass them along if you ask.

• Reuse cardboard boxes. Cut them up for shipping inserts, use them for stationery or sticker backing, or repurpose oddly shaped boxes to fit your orders. Some boxes look new when you remove the tape and label; you could even turn them inside out and re-assemble them.

• Reach out to local businesses. Many companies receive tons of packaging materials they don't need. See if they're willing to give them to you instead of throwing them away.

• Shred materials for crinkle paper. Tissue paper, computer paper, and Kraft paper can all be shredded to create eco-friendly filler. There are even shredders explicitly designed for cardboard (they can be pricey, but it could be a worthwhile investment).

• Save protective packaging. Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, Styrofoam sheets, and air pillows can be reused to pad fragile items.

• Repurpose decorative elements. Ribbon and decorative twine or string can be used to add embellishments to your own packaging. I've even received online orders with extra thank-you stickers or gift tags and have used these to add a special touch to my packaging.

Don't Be Afraid To Tell Your Customers

Let your customers know why their packages might have mismatched elements. Add a "package with recycled material" sticker, or mention it in your thank you card/note. This small touch sets expectations, encourages sustainability, and may inspire them to reuse the materials.

Recycling and repurposing packaging has saved me a lot since implementing this strategy. Despite shipping fragile items, I've not had to buy many packaging supplies since starting my small business. But it isn't just about saving money—it's about reducing waste and making your small business more sustainable. With so many online orders coming in and out, small businesses have access to an endless supply of packaging materials. Why not take advantage of it?

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I use sealing wax in my business for potion bottles and apothecary jars. I even include wax seals in my packaging. While I'm not an expert, I have some experience with sealing wax and want to share what I've learned.

When I started making potions, I wanted to know what wax was used on the potion bottles. In my initial research, I found several Pinterest pins saying you could use candle wax or crayons to make wax seals. So, imagine my surprise when my first attempt at sealing a potion bottle ended in failure—runny candle wax that wouldn’t stick at all. I didn’t even make it to the crayons.

I did some more digging and learned about Sealing Wax. The wax responsible for those gorgeous drip effects on classic potions. Since learning more about the subject, I've tried the three main sealing waxes, and I'd like to share with you which ones are the best for potion crafting.

Sealing Wax Beads

If you want to add unique coloring to your potion bottle or make custom colors to match your project, you will want to use sealing wax beads.

Using a wax seal spoon, a wax seal warmer, and a tea light, you melt the wax seal beads and then use the spoon to pour them onto your potion. Beads come in a variety of different colors, which is what makes this wax type so unique. You can add multiple colored beads in the spoon, and when poured, they will swirl together to give a unique marbling effect. You can also stir the beads together to make a completely unique color.

Something to note about sealing wax beads is that you will need between 2-6 beads per spoon, depending on your potion project.

Glue Gun Wax

Glue gun wax gives you more control and is perfect for small details and covering larger areas.

Glue gun wax is shaped like hot glue sticks; you can use it in any low-temp hot glue gun. There are more limited colors with these, and you can't really mix colors. With glue gun wax, you can control the flow of the wax to get better coverage. Sometimes, when using wax seal beads, you can get gaps or bubbles in your wax that are not easy to remove. However, with the glue gun wax, you can easily use the nozzle to tidy up these areas.

A few things to note about glue gun wax: It has a different consistency than hot glue; the best way to describe it is more runny, and you have less time to work with it before it dries. As I said, mixing colors can be an issue; I use a different hot glue gun for each color (I get my hot glue guns from the dollar store or for $5 at Hobby Lobby). If you're interested in mixing colors using glue gun wax, check out Made of Honour Co on Instagram and Betsy Goodman on YouTube. They have gorgeous wax seal videos showing different ways to use multiple colors with glue gun wax.

Sealing Wax With Wicks

Sealing wax with wicks will inevitably pop up when looking up wax seals. You light the wick, tipping the sealing wax stick downward to melt the stick as the wick burns. While this method has an old-world charm and works well for decorative wax seals on letters or stationery, I found it impractical for potion-making.

I am not a fan of this type of wax. It takes a long time to melt, it can be hard to control the wax flow, and the wax can cool too quickly on your potion before you add the finishing touches.

I understand their appeal and love the aesthetic videos of dripping wax and adding a stamp. Still, they are not worth the money for potion making. I ended up cutting down the pack I ordered, melting them in my wax seal spoon, and using them like sealing wax beads.

Honorary Mention

When I went down this rabbit hole to find the best wax for my potions, I stumbled across colored hot glue sticks (which, up until that point, I'd never heard of). I choose to avoid them for potion making because of the consistency of the glue. The colored hot glue is slower to pour and takes longer to cool on the bottle. These also cause stringing like regular hot glue, which can be messy and create more cleanup of your bottle.

I wanted to mention this option because it may be what you are looking for, or you could use it on a different type of craft.

What I Use

Depending on the potion, I use wax seal beads and/or glue gun wax.

I used sealing wax beads when making my Skull Poison Bottles because I needed a different color for each color-changing potion.

I use glue gun wax on my bigger bottles like Snake Oil by going around the edges of the cork with the glue gun wax and then working my way inwards. This creates a dipped effect, which is great because fully dipping the bottle wastes a lot of wax and can be messy.

Sealing Wax Kits

When I started making potions, I invested in a sealing wax kit on Amazon for under $25. This kit came with a wax seal spoon, a wax warmer, sealing wax stamps, various sealing wax beads, stationary, a silicone mat, gold pens for accents, and a few other things I've forgotten. I still use this sealing wax kit; the warmer is my go-to, and I still have some of the beads. I use these colors I don't need for potions to create the wax seals I use for my packaging.

I suggest buying a sealing wax kit if you are just starting out. This option is cheaper because of the many items these kits come with.

If you are interested in the sealing wax I use, you can check out my Amazon Storefront. I have the specific brands I use linked below.

Sealing Wax Kit by Chuhuayuan: https://amzn.to/41rNnm7

Sealing Wx Beads by Thamleid: https://amzn.to/3Frlwej

Glue Gun Sealing Wax by Artellius: https://amzn.to/4i6YPdQ

Would you like another post on sealing wax tips for potion-making or how I use wax seals in my packaging? Let me know in the comments!

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I’ve been asked how I make my potion labels or where I get the images I use in my craft projects. The answer is a combination of Canva and public-domain images. Public domain images are such an untapped resource for artists and creators, so I thought I'd take a moment to share some of the best places I've found to source fantastic images that you can use for craft projects, inspiration, or add to your own work without worrying about copyright issues.

First, What is the Public Domain?

Public domain refers to creative works no longer under copyright protections and can be freely used by anyone for any purpose (yes, this also includes commercial use). Works pass into the public domain when copyright expires, or a creator intentionally places the work in the public domain. To better explain the Public Domain, check out the Public Domain Review's article: What is the Public Domain?

Top 10 Public Domain Sites

1. Public Domain Review: Image Archive

   The Public Domain Review houses a wide selection of works, from essays to blog articles. The highlight is the Image Archive Search Engine, which allows you to easily search the vast collection of historical and vintage imagery.

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2. Flickr: The Commons

   The Flickr Commons boasts an impressive collection of historical photography and is affiliated with several institutions, including the Library of Congress.

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3. Library of Congress

   The Library of Congress's Digital Collections not only houses a large quantity of images but also manuscripts and audio recordings.

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4. Flickr: The Biodiversity Heritage Library

   The Biodiversity Heritage Library is the world's largest resource for biodiversity literature and images. Their website links you to the Biodiversity Heritage Library's Flickr page, which has a vast collection of images of historical flora and fauna.

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5. The Art Institute of Chicago-Public Domain Collections

   Explore art, images, books and writing at The Art Institute of Chicago. You will have to filter to find their public domain collection, but it's worth it. Note: Read their Open Access Image instructional page for guidance on searching for public domain artwork.

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6. Smithsonian: Open Access Collection

   The Smithsonian has an Open Access Portal that allows you to search over 5 million pieces of 2D & and 3D digital items in their collections.

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7. Public Work by Cosmos

   Public Work is a visual-based search engine that pulls from various public domain resources. Its search function and layout can take a bit to get used to, but its unique visual layout sets it apart from other sites on this list.

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8. National Gallery of Art

   The National Gallery of Art has an open-access search engine for public domain works, including masterpieces from celebrated artists such as Monet and Van Gogh.

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9. Wikimedia Commons

   Wikimedia Commons is a media repository that houses many images, media files, audio, and video. Quick note: Not everything in the Wikimedia Commons is within the public domain. However, they are very good at linking their sources and defining copyrights for all their images.

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10. The Met: Open Access Collection

    The famous Metropolitan Museum of Art has an open-access collection of over 400,000 images, including famous works by Katsushika Hokusai and Rembrandt.

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Notable Mentions

I only listed websites I've used before, most specializing in vintage works. While digging around the internet on this particular subject, I have come across a few website names that I haven't researched much, but I wanted to mention them so that you can look into them for yourself.

• Unsplash

• Pexels

• Pixaby

Public domain images open up endless possibilities for creativity. Whether designing, wanting to add artwork to your home, or simply looking for inspiration, these resources are right at your fingertips.

This list is just a starting point—SO many public-domain image sources are out there. Take some time to explore beyond these recommendations and find the sites that best fit your needs.

Have you found other great public domain sites that weren't mentioned here? Drop a comment and share your favorites!

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One of my best-selling potions is Vampire Blood and when I share videos showing the making process I get the same question. What is the liquid? Let me introduce you to the secret behind making this thick apothecary jar that looks like blood in a bottle: Corn Syrup.

Yep, the basic corn syrup you can get at Walmart or the Dollar General. When I was searching for ways to make blood, corn syrup kept coming up because of its thickness. In addition, corn syrup doesn’t break down over time, so you can have a long-lasting potion that keeps for years. It also doesn’t stick to the bottles. Part of the appeal of the Vampire Blood Apothecary Jar is that the liquid moves in the bottle, but it doesn’t stick to the sides.

Coloring

Liquid food coloring is my go-to for dying corn syrup. First, start with a red base using 4-5 drops of red food coloring. Then, darken the blood using either brown or purple food coloring, depending on the type of blood potion you are making. Adding brown tends to create a more natural blood color while adding purple tends to give it a two-toned magical effect.

Unfortunately, I don't keep track of how much brown or purple coloring I use for jars. Instead, I add a few drops at a time, stir in the second color, and then repeat the process until I get the desired effect.

Corn Syrup Alternatives

If you don't want to use corn syrup here are some alternatives:

Clear Dish Soap

Clear Dish soap is a cheaper alternative that has a gooey effect. You can also use the same food coloring techniques to dye the dish soap to your desired look. I use clear dish soap for my Spider Eggs and Eye of Newt Apothecary Jars because it has a unique consistency. However, the viscosity just isn’t the same as corn syrup, the main difference being it moves more slowly in the bottle.

What About Hand Soap?

You can use clear hand soap, but I’ve found dish soap works better. You get more bubbling with hand soap, and I’ve had it happen a few times that an apothecary jar was ruined because the hand soap turned watery while the dish soap kept its same consistency. I think the reason for this is the different thickening agents in hand soap versus dish soap. But I am not an expert so you can do the experimentation for yourself to see how you like the results

If you interested in seeing more behind the scenes of making blood potions. Check out my YouTube Vlog.

Making blood potions is all about finding the right texture, movement, and color to create something that looks eerily real. If you decide to make your own, I’d love to see how they turn out! Tag me on TikTok or Instagram (@goosedevilcollections) or drop a comment—let’s keep the magic flowing.

Hi, I’m Christina, and welcome you to this little corner of curated chaos. I run a small business, Goose Devil Collections, specializing in handcrafted decorative potions, apothecary jars, and magical miniatures (with a splash of DnD accessories too).

The journey to where I am now has been filled with creativity, challenges, and a whole lot of passion. That’s why I decided to start this Substack—to invite you behind the scenes of my small business and give you a peek into my world.

I plan to share crafting guides, DIY projects, small business tips, and behind-the-scenes insights into my creative journey. I also hope this becomes a place for like-minded crafters to connect, share, and get inspired.

Thank you so much for being here! I’m thrilled to have you join me as I take you on this creative journey. Expect sneak peeks of what goes on behind the curtain, some DIY magic, and all the little bits of life that go into running Goose Devil Collections.

Let’s craft