I have been having so much fun behind the scenes here. I have been non-stop busy as a bee and delighted to be able to finally be at the show and tell step of my little one woman mad house...
There are two parts to what I have to share. The first one being...
Hauntingly exciting pigment ink sticker labels that I designed for your very own spell ingredients...
In my Shop you will find a set of 10 pre-cut jar labels...
Because the labels are printed with pigment ink, if they get water droplets sprinkled on them they will not run or bleed.
I have been having so much fun with these...
For the most part, I used regular old jars that were in a box headed for recycling. A little hot glue and other supplies and voila! Your own Shoppe of Spells ;)
Before I show you some of my jar tricks - I want to show you the new cards that can now be found in my shop as well. Cards for the enchanted autumnal season that looms...
The back sides are quite fun. Take a peek in my shopling for more details about each one...
Now, how about some magic?
Soooo, let's get started with some ideas for decorating your lids and filling the jars with their ingredients... (of course, these jars are intended to be made "just for fun")
The first thing I did was choose my jars, and then peel and stick my labels onto them...
I like to put on some of my labels without care, so they get a few crinkly creases. You can then smooth the creases out with a burnishing tool or a popsicle stick. It gives an authentic flair to the label...
The next thing to do is to find some paper of your choice to top your jars. I happen to wash out all of my disposable coffee filters after I use them. I like to keep them around for wrist corsage making and such.
In this case, they work beautifully with their coffee stains. I do believe that brown paper lunch bags would work nicely as well.
The next thing I am going to do is to put some hot glue on my jar lid. Please remember the metal lid and the jar's glass will get super HOT.
I use a popsicle stick instead of my fingers...
The wonderful thing about hot glue and coffee filters is that, the glue ends up looking like beeswax paste through the filter. Very old world authentic looking in my opinion...
You can singe the edges of your paper for a spooky effect (adults should only do this part, and with great caution).
You can tie twine or bits of rope around your jar, and if you have letter sealing wax and a metal stamp, you can add some to the front of your rope tie. (see above in "Dragon's Breath" image)
How about the super fun part about what sort of things to put in your jars??? In the poison jar above I used a tablespoon of soy sauce, water and some sprigs of rosemary.
Something edible, in case someone decides to open it and drink. YIKES!
But what about ideas for mermaid hair and more?
You can use a multitude of fibers you might have lying around. The best thing is to be inventive with things you can find out in the yard ;)
Rope bits worked wonderfully for mermaid hair...
Fake butterflies and moss make me smile in the Butterfly Kisses Jar...
For your Wool of Bat jar, just take black feathers apart and smoosh them up with your fingers...
The jars start looking more like a witch's apothecary shelf with every ingredient...
You can use fancy apothecary jars if you wish. Just know, any kind of jar can be made to look magical ;)
For Eye of Newt, I would have used tapioca balls if I had had them. Instead I used some seeds that looked veiny. Anything round, mixed with a little water and dirt, does the trick in my book...
Did you know that the best ingredient for your spells is...
Ear of Troll !?!
Speaking of trolls. I went trolling around the composte heap today for this ingredient.
A perfect troll's ear!
Okay okay, it isn't a "real" troll's ear ~ don't get your extra ruffled knickers in a twist ;) But it is a genuine dried out moldy cantaloupe skin, with some dried leaf embedded in it. I found that dried avocado skin halves and dried orange peel works too. Just rub the orange peel in the dirt a little before it dries ;)
Oh and one of my faves! A discovery made by accident last year! How do you make dragon's breath???
Simply cut a few hearty weeds and stuff them in your jar. Seal your jar tightly, and in minutes, you will have a steamed up jar!
Also, I have included 2 "potion" labels with a blank number, for any curious ideas that pop into a person's head...
As for the "Magic Spell" jar.
I think this is a fun jar to fill with sparkles, maybe a key and a spooky old tin type photo. A few vintage beads will work too. Oh, and of course, flower petals to bind your spell ;)
So, there you have it! There is magic spell making (of the fun and not real variety) waiting for you. Your very own Witch's Spell Apothecary Shoppe...
Lots of free tips for your jar making. All you have to do is pick up your labels in my wee shop ;) and I will ship them out right away.
My first spell below (of the photo shopped variety)... Bwahahaaaa!
I know it's feels early for spooksville, but really, it isn't that early. We only get Halloween once a year, right?
Let the season of magical enchantment and haunting adventures pour in!
My banana bread is ready! Must be off for now ;) See you sooooooon! This is going to be a super fun holiday season! I can feel it already! ;)
♥,V
ps: Ooops, almost forgot. The Curious Playroom - Land of Enchantment, is also now in postcard form as well as archival print... In my shop.
pss: Potions labels and spell ingredient jars are intended to be used merely for "make believe" purposes.
psss: Mad Tea Party love (and a little interview) over at the lovely, IloveLolliBlog...
