Getting Crafty With Harry Potter By Nancy Cavanaugh 6 Busy Parents Online suggested crafts!

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On June 21, 2003, the latest book featuring the adventures of Harry Potter was released. Here are some magical crafts to go with the book!

Note: These projects are intended for children ages seven years and older. Some adult supervision may be required.

Gross Chemistry

Create a little magic with these ingredients and gross out your parents or younger siblings.

Slimy Goo

What you need:

1/3 cup very warm water
1 tbsp. Borax
Yellow and blue food coloring
2 cups Elmer's glue
1 1/2 cups water
Two containers (one 8 oz. and one 48 oz. -- plastic, glass or metal)

How to make it:

1. In small container, mix 1/3 cup of very warm water with 1 tbsp. of Borax until it dissolves.

2. Add a couple of drops of yellow and blue (green) food coloring.

3. In large container, mix the Elmer's glue with the 1 1/2 cups of water.

4. Add the Borax mix to the glue mix and stir. Keep watching and a rubbery blob will emerge! (Should take less than 15 minutes.)

Magically Fashionable

Dress in warlock style with this easy-to-make paper wizard's hat. You can use a velvety towel draped over your shoulders for a cape and a long, straight stick to complete the look.

Wizard Hat What you need: Large sheet of construction paper in black or dark blue White or yellow construction paper Pencil Scissors Glue Scotch tape

How to make it:

1. Roll the large sheet of construction paper to create a cone shape. Tape in place.

2. Cut off the tail ends to create a smooth edge.

3. Using the pencil, draw several stars and crescent moons on the white or yellow construction paper.

4. Cut out the shapes and glue onto the hat. Allow to dry.

Flying Accessories

No desk would be complete without these magic wands and brooms made from pencils with a papier-mache cauldron to store them in.

Magic Wands

What you need:

Pencil
Double-stick tape
Black acrylic paint
Paintbrush
Gold star garland
Wire cutters

How to make it:

1. Paint the pencil black.

2. Cut off a piece of double-stick tape long enough to wrap around the metal part of the pencil eraser, then wrap it around.

3. Take the gold star garland and start wrapping around the pencil where you put the double-sided tape, pressing as you wrap to adhere it to the tape.

4. When you reach the end of the tape, use the wire cutters to cut the wire (you may want a grown-up to help with this), and tuck the end inside under previously placed garland.

Warlock/Witch's Broom

What you need:

Yellow or natural wood-colored pencil
Double-stick tape
Natural/tan raffia
Scissors
Gold star garland
Wire cutters

How to make it:

1. Cut some raffia about 3" long.

2. Cut off a piece of double-stick tape long enough to wrap around the metal part of the pencil eraser, then wrap it around.

3. Lay ends of raffia around the pencil, pressing to adhere to the tape, with ends sticking up above the eraser.

4. Cut off another piece of double-stick tape long enough to wrap around and adhere to the top of the raffia, directly above the other piece of tape.

5. Lay ends of raffia around the pencil, pressing to adhere to the tape, with ends sticking up above the eraser. Repeat two more times.

6. Take the gold star garland and start wrapping around the pencil, pressing as you wrap to adhere it to the tape. When you reach the end of the tape, use the wire cutters to cut the wire (you may want a grown-up to help with this), and tuck the end inside under previously placed
garland.

Cauldron Broom/Wand Holder What you need: Plastic 8-quart Kool-Aid container Sharp scissors Sandpaper Flour Water Newspaper, cut into strips about 1" wide by 4" long Tacky glue 3 large wooden beads Paintbrush Black acrylic paint Wax paper or plastic bag (to protect work area)

How to make it:

1. Remove label; wash, rinse, and dry container.

2. Using sharp scissors, cut below threads on container. Cut all the way around. Be sure to cut smooth to prevent any burrs or sharp edges. Discard cut-off piece. If there are any burrs or sharp edges, use the sandpaper to lightly sand them away.

3. Lay out wax paper or plastic bag (turn wrong side out) to protect work surface.

4. Mix equal parts of flour and water to create a milky texture.

5. Cover the container with wax paper. You can tape the paper to the inside as that will remain dry.

6. Dip the strips of newspaper into the mixture and cover the Kool-Aid container with two coats of newspaper. Allow to dry, then remove the Kool-Aid container.

7. Add several more layers to the cauldron to make it nice and sturdy. Allow to dry completely (this could take a couple of days, depending on how moist the air is).

8. Paint container and beads with black paint. Let dry. You may need to apply an additional coat.

9. Turn container upside down and glue on beads, evenly spacing them around the outside bottom of the container. Let dry.

Marking Time

Bookmarks

You can create quick and easy bookmarks by printing out some of your favorite scenes from the movie on heavy printing paper. Cut out the bookmark about 1" wide by 6" long.

Have fun crafting and may the force, I mean, magic be with you!

 

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Nancy Cavanaugh, is a stay-at-home mom and avid crafter. You can find lots more fun crafts for kids, ages three to seven, at her site: Kids Holiday Crafts www.kidsholidaycrafts.com