Wolfsbane is a potion that temporarily prevents the drinker from transforming into a werewolf. This is a tricky potion to make, as it can become poisonous if brewed incorrectly. When Professor Lupin came to teach at Hogwarts, Potions Master Severus Snape provided him with a limitless supply of wolfsbane potion that he brewed.  Ingredients I used: Small Glass BottleStyling GelBlue Food ColoringGlitter (I used shades of blue and silver – I also added chunky blue glitter)Plastic CupPlastic SpoonPiping Bag (for easy transfer)Cooking SkewerJute TwinePotion Label https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNMs9qvrq08 I skipped the glow in the dark paint for mine, which I now regret! It does add beautiful dimension to the potion. I may re-make this one in the future with the glow in the dark paint – we’ll see! I do like how shimmery it looks, though!

Draught (pronounced draft) of Living Death is a powerful substance that sends the drinker into a death-like sleep. The effects are similar to suspended animation and it is a very difficult potion to brew. Ingredients I used: Small Glass BottleRubbing AlcoholFunnelRubber CorkPearl White Metallic Acrylic PaintFunnelJute TwineGrey Suede CordingPotion Label https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zWFnpRll7k I didn’t have purple metallic paint, so I just used the pearl white metallic I had from the Acromantula Venom potion. I also didn’t have a skull for the top, so I just used jute twine and the grey suede cording. While I do like the plain look of mine, the skull in the tutorial really adds character to the bottle! If you can find a skull to place on top, I would definitely get it!

These venomous leaves come from the Venomous Tentacula plant. This plant is dangerous, as the vines branch out and grab living prey. According to Horace Slughorn, the leaves are expensive, and they are highly valuable in potion making. Ingredients I used: Metal TinSilk LeavesBlack and Metallic Bronze PaintSilk LeavesBlack Tissue PaperPaint BrushFoam BrushPotion Labels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk-VeBjF3gA In the tutorial C&CC uses spray paint to paint the metal tin. I didn’t have spray paint, so I used an acrylic black paint, and a sheen metallic antique bronze paint. I do think that the spray paint provides even coverage over the tin, but I kind of liked the imperfections created by the acrylic paint I just brushed on. It looked super aged, which was what I wanted. Have you made this potion for your collection yet?

Essence of Dittany is a healing potion. Made from dried and crushed dittany leaves and salt water, this rare solution can be used on shallow wounds to heal them instantly. Fresh skin grows over the wound and the wound appears to be several days old. Ingredients I used: 2-ounce Amber Glass Bottle With DropperRubbing AlcoholFunnelGold Metallic Acrylic PaintJute TwinePotion Label https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8azMpurLjJk C&CC did some lovely embellishing on hers with the gold chain and tiger eye charms. I opted to make mine with just the jute twine. I personally like the simplicity of it better than the chain, but if you like the charms and chain, by all means, add them. Check out the shimmery swirling effect of the metallic gold paint here. I love how the paint does this in the alcohol – it looks so magical to me!

The last potion from The Woodlands we created was pixie dust. I thought Toad Warts fit well into this series because toads are found in the forest. This potion is a little more involved than the others, since we have to make the warts ahead of time. Ingredients I used: Medium Size Glass Bottle (I like a cylinder shape for this one)Styling GelLight Green and Brown Food Coloring (I used gel food coloring)Hot GlueMossScissorsGreen and Brown Permanent MarkersPaper BowlPlastic SpoonDisposable Piping BagCooking Skewer (for placement)Jute TwinePotion Label https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UlotHPnr9M Once you have made the toad warts, you can mix the styling gel and green and brown food coloring together. If you use the gel dyes, a little goes a long way. I literally dipped the cooking skewer into the jar and added it to the gel once and it was enough color. After adding the gel to the bottle, you can use the cooking skewer to position the warts into the bottle. In my potions I use the brand Xcess (from the Dollar Tree Store) that C&CC recommends, and it does a fantastic job with suspension! I was worried the warts would be too heavy and sink to the bottom, but they have stayed in place. When embellishing, don’t skip adding moss to the top of the bottle. It gives it the perfect woodsy look!

Ahhh, veritaserum! This clear, odorless and tasteless substance forces the drinker to tell the truth. Like Snape tells Harry, three drops of it would get anyone to spill their darkest secrets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-sSaxiQBFY This potion was super easy because you’re just pouring alcohol into the green bottle. If you are using a bottle that has a cork, swap out the cork for a rubber one, since alcohol soaked in regular corks can be used to start a fire. Mine had a black plastic cap. Ingredients I used: Green BottleFunnelRubbing AlcoholGold Hot GlueBlack RibbonWax Seal StampPotion Label https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzKAmyGdUvI For my wax seal, I used a Hogwarts one because I didn’t have a Ministry of Magic stamp. I also choose to stamp the top part of the bottle, rather than place it on the front of the bottle. I just wanted to see more of the green for this one, rather than have the gold seal in the front. If this potion was real, what would you use it for?

We are first introduced to thestrals in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They can only be seen by people who have witnessed death. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Cyyb0jk7Q Thestral hair is the most difficult substance to use in wandmaking because it is unstable. However, the Elder Wand’s core is thestral hair. This was one of my favorite potions to make so far. I love the colors and embellishments on the bottle. And it just feels…magical. Ingredients I used: Tall Square Glass BottleBlack HorsehairTeal Acrylic PaintFoam BrushThestral CharmSilver BeadsBlack ThreadBlack Suede CordingBlack Hot GlueDeathly Hallows Wax Seal StampCooking SkewerPotion Label https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nnat5YZhpg I didn’t deviate too much from the tutorial for this one. I think the teal paint really adds the perfect pop to the bottle. As for the horsehair and charm used, C&CC has links to them in the description box of her video. Both can be purchased on Amazon. Have you made this potion yet? Let me know in the comments down below!

Acromantula Venom is a highly prized substance in potion making. It comes from the Acromantula spider and is impossible to extract while the spider is alive. Because the venom dries up quickly after death, the witch or wizard collecting it must do it fast. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Horace Slughorn attends Aragog’s funeral and harvests the venom from the spider. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOxQF01GJhM Ingredients I used: Small Glass BottleStyling GelPearl White Metallic Acrylic PaintPiping Bag (for easier transfer into the bottle)Cooking SkewerJute TwinePotion Label https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l005gqduEJA I ended up mixing the styling gel and pearl white paint in a paper bowl before adding it to the piping bag so I would have even color. C&CC mixes hers in the piping bag, but I found it easier to use the bowl then scoop it into the piping bag. You can get a good look at Slughorn’s label and the milkiness of the potion here: