It all started with an idea.
Almost every deck includes at least one additional card - a double backer, a duplicate, or a blank face card for magicians. Having a bunch of them lying around, I wanted to make use of them in a cool way.
Once while browsing the Internet, I came across glass bottles with cork lids. People used them for spices in their kitchens or just as decorations. I originally wanted to fill them with colorful liquids but soon discovered they were meant to be for playing cards! That's how the idea came to life back in February 2019.
A bit later, right around the middle of March, I posted them for the first time on my Instagram. Also came up with the name “card potion” - as if there was a design magically trapped inside of that small bottle...
Two initial posts featuring card potions gained quite a bit of attention, and people seemed to enjoy them, which made me very happy!
Nevertheless, I was not finished with improvement just yet...
Finally, an authentic appearance?
I wanted to make card potions more characteristic and unique. A change that helped achieve that was a handmade label that is tied to the bottle by a string.
Even this small label went through its evolution before I was happy with it. The latest version has everything written by hand for a distinct look, featuring two drawings of trees to honor the previous version of the label. My Instagram logo is printed on photo paper and then glued next to the text to complement it.
You can see the previous iteration and the new one in the picture below.
Comparison between versions of card potion labels (old on the right, new on the left)
Let's push it even further!
As time passed, I soon realized that just the label would not do it.
Assigning a unique serial number will hopefully allow card potions to become true collectible items. It took a while to develop a numbering system, and where to put that serial number so it is easy to read but doesn't distract the overall look of the card potion.
A certificate of authenticity with matching numbers will be included with card potions from now on. This business card size certificate is made from recycled paper to match the card potion labels and will be validated by a rubber stamp and signature.
If you want to know more about what different parts of the serial number mean and also about The Book Of Card Potions, visit this site and read on!
A serial number placement inside the bottle
A certificate of authenticity
The Book Of Card Potions in an electronic form
I am still working on making card potions the best I can so you can enjoy them as much as possible!
Thank you for ALL YOUR SUPPORT!