With the fall season upon us, it's time to start thinking about Halloween crafts! But who says you need to stick to classic Halloween costumes and jack-o'-lanterns? With our tutorial for mini potion bottle necklaces, you can add a subtle touch of festive flair to any outfit, whether or not you're wearing it to a seasonal gathering (and whether or not you're working on any witch's brews!).
This quirky Halloween project includes three potions: "pickled eyeballs" made of polymer clay and paint, "poison" made of sparkly green crystal beads and a "lucky potion" made of chunky star glitter (complete with a star-shaped bottle!). Our easy Halloween craft tutorial also includes free printable labels that are exclusive to ehow.
But remember—you're not limited to our exact instructions. Feel free to use different "ingredients" for each potion bottle, such as beads in different colors or materials. You could even mix and match supplies for a totally personalized DIY Halloween craft.
Ready to mix up something magical? Read on!
Video: Potion Bottle Pendants Brewed Up in Time for Halloween
1. Pickled Eyeball Potion Bottle Necklace
Things You'll Need
Glass bottle pendant
Chain
Jump ring
Jewelry clasp set (optional)
White polymer clay
Acrylic paint (black and eye colors of choice)
Craft tweezers (optional)
Thin paintbrush
Parchment-colored paper (8.5 by 11 inches)
Decoupage glue, like Mod Podge
Super glue or tacky glue
Scissors
Jewelry pliers
Printer
Tip
Bottle pendants can be found in many sections of the craft supply store. In most cases, they’ll be sold in the jewelry section, though they might also be available in the scrapbooking section. During the holidays, you might find them among fall and Halloween items.
1. Prepare labels
Print labels on parchment-colored paper, adjusting scale based on the size of your pendants. For reference, we printed our labels at 32% scale.
Tip
To determine the best label size for your bottle pendants, do a test print on scrap paper. From there, you can adjust scale as needed. You could even print labels at a larger scale for other Halloween decoration ideas, like regular-size potion bottles, trick-or-treat bags or paper crafts.
2. Apply to bottle
Cut out your desired label. For this necklace, we used "pickled eyeballs." (The printable features a range of classic Halloween icons, like spider webs and cauldrons, so you can easily customize your craft project!)
Using a thin paintbrush and decoupage glue, apply label to bottle. You might need to gently press down corners to help them stick to bottle.
Set aside pendant to dry.
3. Make clay eyeballs
To make mini eyeballs, roll white polymer clay into small balls.
Bake clay according to package's directions. Most versions need to be baked at 275°F for 15 minutes per 1/4 in. of thickness. Since the eyeballs are very small, consider baking them for less time (about 10-12 minutes) to avoid burning.
Let clay cool. Next, using thin paintbrush, paint a circle on each ball. This will represent the iris of each eye. Once paint has dried, paint a black circle inside the first circle. This will be the pupil. Let dry completely.
Tip
Use a pair of craft tweezers to hold each ball steady as you paint.
4. Fill bottle
Glue cork top and let dry. Add mini eyeballs to bottle.
5. Add chain
Thread chain through loop of bottle pendant. If you're using an extra-long strand of chain, simply connect ends with a jump ring. Alternatively, attach a clasp set to ends.
Make an eyeball centerpiece
This potion bottle project can be easily adapted into a last-minute DIY Halloween decoration! Instead of clay, paint eyeball details on white foam balls or ping-pong balls. You’ll be able to add more detail this way, as the eyeballs are bigger. Next, add painted eyeballs to a Mason jar or vase from the dollar store and display as a Halloween centerpiece. It also works great as table decor for Halloween parties.
2. Lucky Potion Bottle Necklace
Things You'll Need
Glass bottle pendant
Chain
Jump ring
Jewelry clasp set (optional)
Gold chunky glitter
Gold star glitter
Thin paintbrush
Parchment-colored paper (8.5 by 11 in.)
Decoupage glue, like Mod Podge
Super glue or tacky glue
Scissors
Jewelry pliers
Printer
Tip
To emphasize the “lucky potion” vibes, we used star-shaped potion bottles. They’re available on Amazon.
1. Prepare labels
Print mini bottle labels, making sure to adjust scale as needed.
2. Apply to bottle
Cut out "lucky potion" or wand label. Apply label to bottle using a paintbrush and decoupage glue. Set aside to dry.
3. Fill with glitter
Once label has dried, fill bottle with gold glitter. We recommend placing the bottle in a small container to catch excess glitter.
Glue cork topper and let dry.
Glitter potion decorations
You’ll likely have leftover glitter after making this piece. For a fun Halloween craft, add extra glitter to a large cork bottle and seal the top with hot glue. (You can find these types of bottles at the dollar store and craft store.) Print labels at a larger scale and then decoupage one to the bottle. Another option is to create a design using glass paint and a stencil. When it’s time to display the bottle, place tea lights around it. Flickering light will make the “potion” look extra sparkly!
4. Add chain
Add bottle pendant to chain. Depending on length of necklace, you can connect ends with a jump ring (for longer versions) or add a clasp set (for shorter versions). Your cute Halloween necklace is ready to shine!
Tip
Turn this easy DIY into a Christmas necklace by skipping the “lucky potion” label.
3. Poison Potion Bottle Necklace
Things You'll Need
Glass bottle pendant
Chain
Jump ring
Jewelry clasp set (optional)
4-millimeter green crystal beads
Thin paintbrush
Parchment-colored paper (8.5 by 11 in.)
Decoupage glue, like Mod Podge
Super glue or tacky glue
Scissors
Jewelry pliers
Printer
1. Prepare labels
Print labels on parchment-colored paper. Keep in mind that labels need to be scaled down for mini bottle pendants.
2. Apply to bottle
For a "poison" potion bottle, cut out skull and crossbones label.
Apply label to bottle with a paintbrush and decoupage glue. Leave to dry.
3. Fill bottle
Add beads to bottle.
Glue cork topper and let dry.
4. Add chain
String pendant onto chain of your choice. Connect ends with clasp set or if making a long necklace, a jump ring.
What to make with extra mini potion bottles
After making these necklaces, there’s a good chance you’ll have bottle pendants left over. Aside from creating necklaces for friends and family, you can repurpose them for other DIY projects. For example, filled bottles would make perfect embellishments for an eerie Halloween wreath. You can also turn bottles into a Halloween garland (just be sure those tops are glued on!) or string one onto ribbon and then wrap it around a witch hat.
Wear your completed pendants while passing out Halloween candy on the front porch, pumpkin-decorating with the family or as part of a complete costume. Frighteningly fashionable!