Category: DIY

20 Fun Frugal Fall Activities

The official start of autumn is still days away. Cooler nights, harvest time, and the subtle changes to the landscape are signs of the fall season. Due to the pandemic, fall is different this year. Numerous community events are canceled. Social distancing and other guidelines are still in place. But even on a budget, you and your family can enjoy the changing season.

Family Fall Activities

  1. Play a game of toss football.
  2. Go apple picking
  3. Try an apple cider slushy
  4. Eat a Carmel apple
  5. Go for a hike (Your dog can go too.)
  6. Go for a nature walk (Don’t forget your camera)
  7. Go on a Sunday drive just to look at the changing leaves.
  8. Collect brightly colored leaves
  9. Rake leaves into a pile and simply jump in. (Great fun at any age)
  10. Bake an apple pie. Or bake two, one to keep and one to give away.
  11. Decorate your home with a fall theme.
  12. Wax leaves
  13. Make your favorite homemade soup or try a new recipe.
  14. Collect pine cones for crafts
  15. Go stargazing
  16. Have a fall picnic.
  17. Have a bonfire on a chilly night.
  18. East S’mores
  19. Have a fall-themed craft day.
  20. Go to the farmer’s market.

Despite canceled events, fall is still a fun season. Spend time with your family. Or grab your bestie and head out for the day.

Going Back to Hogwarts

Harry Potter fans worldwide celebrate September 1st as the day to return to Hogwarts. Since social distancing and restrictions are still in effect for many areas, finding small ways to celebrate is essential. Are you wondering how to celebrate going back to Hogwarts? Check out the following ideas for inspiration.

Celebrating Going Back to Hogwarts

“Whether you come back by page or by the big screen,

Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.”

J.K. Rowling

Return to Hogwarts in your own way by participating in different family-friendly activities.

  • Watch the Movies: Make some popcorn, order pizza, and pick your favorite Harry Potter movie to watch. Choosing a favorite may be difficult; you can always binge-watch the entire series over the next couple of days.
  • Re-Read the Series: Curl up under your favorite blanket and spend time re-reading the series. Or read the series together as a family.
  • Listen to the Audio Versions: Do you have other work to do? Turn on the audio version of the series.
  • Make Wizarding World Themed Food: In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Remus Lupin stated, “Eat, you’ll feel better.” Of course, this was after an encounter with a Dementor. But the sentiment still holds up for returning to Hogwarts. Make chocolate frogs, coins, or a complete meal based on the food from the Hogwarts’ feast. Don’t forget the cake.
  • Have a Craft Day: Pull out your crafting supply stash and make Wizarding World themed crafts.
    Melt pony beads on old pizza pans to create large Harry Potter inspired sun catchers.

    There are numerous easy crafts to make, including owls, plaster frogs, coins, ornaments, and more. Of course, you will need your own wand.

  • Participate in Online Events: With all the restrictions in place due to the pandemic, many sites, including the Wizarding World, are hosting online events.
  • Listen to a Podcast: Find a new or re-listen to Harry Potter-themed podcasts.
  • Play Games: From video games to board games, play Wizarding World and Harry Potter themed games.

Do you want to know the best way to celebrate going back to Hogwarts? Have fun. Enjoy time with your family. Or curl up with your dog and dive back into the Wizarding World by reading the very first Harry Potter book.

Happy 40th Birthday, Harry Potter!

Today, July 31st, 2020, is J. K. Rowling’s character, Harry Potter’s 40th birthday. If you do not know by now, J.K. Rowling’s birthday is also today. So, here is wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to Harry Potter, “the boy who lived” and the author who brought magic alive for millions of fans.

Why celebrate? Well, the real question is, “why not celebrate.” Stay at home orders, social distancing, and other restrictions lead to canceled plans for you, your friends, or your family. Finding little things to celebrate is a great way to make memories during this current health crisis.

Ways to Celebrate Harry Potter’s Birthday

Are you looking for simple ways to celebrate? Well, binge-watching the Harry Potter series is one of the best ways to celebrate. For extra fun, make popcorn, order pizza, or host a watch party online.

For the love of a fandom

Other ways to celebrate include:

  • Read: The new illustrated editions draw you right into the Wizarding World.
  • Join a Group: Social media hosts numerous groups, including Adult Fans of Harry Potter. Connecting with other Harry Potter fans is a beautiful way to chat about the growing fandom.
  • Subscribe: GeekGear and other monthly subscription boxes brings your love of the Wizarding World right to your doorstep.
  • Listen to a Podcast: Finding a new podcast or listening to an old favorite provides insight into the world of Harry Potter.
  • Do Crafts: Let your creativity shine.
  • Make Food: Pinterest has thousands of recipes relating to the Wizarding World. Maybe you can discover your inner chef.
  • Host a Zoom Session: Invite friends to chat with you about Harry Potter.
  • Write Fan Fiction: Put your pen to paper or start typing to write a story about the Wizarding World, Hogwarts, or the characters in the books.
  • Join a Cause: The Harry Potter Alliance advocates different worthy causes. Learn different ways to transform your love for Harry Potter to real life situations.

Celebrate July 31st; small occasions can quickly turn into lasting memories for you and your family.  For millions of fans, the day is just the beginning of Harry Potter’s magical tale.

10 Days of Harry Potter: Ornament Craft

Are you searching for another craft to keep your children busy? Making Harry Potter themed ornaments is an excellent way to pass the time. The ornaments will make a great addition to your Christmas tree later in the year. Or, you can display your ornament creations on your bookcase, curtain rod, or other noticeable areas.

Materials Needed:

  • Clay (The type of material used is completely up to you. You can purchase baking clay at your local supermarket or craft shop. Or you can look up a recipe on Pinterest to make porcelain or salt dough.)

    Purchased at Wal-Mart
  • Cookie sheet
  • Various Harry Potter themed cookie cutters. (This kit is sold at William Sonoma).
  • Paint
  • Paintbrushes

Instructions:

  1. Make the dough according to instructions. Or tear off pieces of the clay to use.
  2. Work into the desired consistency.
  3. Roll out the clay.
  4. Push the cookie cutter into the clay.
  5. Place the ornament unto the cookie sheet.
  6. Poke holes in the ornament to hang later. (A small wooden dowel works great)
  7. Bake the ornaments as directed.
  8. Allow the ornaments to completely cool.

The best part of the ornament craft, children of all ages can enjoy the painting process. Remember to place a date on the back of the ornament. A simple afternoon craft can easily turn into a cherished memory down the road.

10 Days of Harry Potter: Chocolate Frogs, Coins, and More

In J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series, large feasts, parties, sneaking down to the kitchens, or devouring Molly’s home cooking, food is a common theme. Who wouldn’t want to eat their way through a Hogwart’s start of term feast or the extravagant Halloween festivities?

Are you wondering how to celebrate Harry Potter with special treats? Consider the following ideas.

Chocolate Frogs and Chocolate Coins

Materials Needed:

  • Frog and coin molds
    Silicone Frog Mold

  • Dipping chocolate

Instructions:

  1. Melt dipping chocolate as directed. You can melt the chocolate in the microwave or use a double boiler pan.
  2. Melt chocolate to desired consistency.
  3. When ready, carefully spoon the chocolate into the molds.
  4. Allow hardening.
  5. Serve.

Bertie Botts Every Flavor Bean 

Pick up a box of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Bean. Try and guess each flavor without looking at the guide.

Added Fun

When having a fun-filled Harry Potter food night, try something new. Many novelty stores or specialty shops sell edible insects. Make memories by trying something completely new. Who is the brave one in your family?

 

 

10 Days of Harry Potter: Chocolate Frog Craft

On the Hogwarts Express in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the readers first learn about Chocolate Frogs. Our beloved characters Ron Weasley and Harry Potter, are sharing treats off from the trolley.

“Oh, of course, you wouldn’t know — Chocolate Frogs have cards inside of them, you know, to collect — famous witches and wizards. I’ve got about five hundred, but I haven’t got Agrippa or Ptolemy” (Rowling, 1998).

Well, you cannot make your frog jump. But you can create Chocolate Frogs out of plaster to paint. Use the plaster Chocolate frogs on different projects, including Christmas tree ornaments or wreaths. Or simply have you Chocolate Frog sitting on your desk.

How to Make Plaster Chocolate Frogs

Materials Needed:

  • Chocolate frog molds (Silicone or plastic, both molds provide excellent results when working with plaster.)
    Plastic Frog Mold

    Silicone Frog Mold
  • Plaster
  • Throw away containers for mixing plaster. (Remember not to pour remaining plaster down the sink.)
  • Water
  • Paint in various colors
  • Paintbrushes

Instructions:

  1. Place newspapers or other protective materials on your counter.
  2. Mix plaster as directed. Always add the plaster mixture to the water for a smooth and consistent mixture. (Keep in mind, the plaster hardens quickly. You need to have your molds ready to go. You can add a little extra water to provide a bit more time).
  3. Fill the molds completely.
  4. Place hangers into your mold if you want to use them as ornaments or decorative pieces on wreaths. (Paper clips or pop can tab work great for an instant, inexpensive hangers).
  5. Allow your ornaments to dry.
  6. Gently remove the frogs from the molds. You may need to tap on the mold to loosen the frog.
  7. Paint the frog.

Now you are ready to display your very own Chocolate Frog.

 

Reference

Rowling, J. K., author. (1998). Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books,

10 Days of Harry Potter: Make a Wand

Making a wand is another way to celebrate the wonderful Wizarding World. In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stong, the character Ollivander tells Harry, “Curious indeed how these things happen. The wand chooses the wizard, remember…I think we must expect great things from you, Mr. Potter… After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things — terrible, yes, but great.” (Rowling, 1998).

Tips on Making a Wand

Making a wand is your personal creative choice. There is no right or wrong way.

Materials Needed:

  • Wooden dowels, chopsticks, or pencils
  • Hot glue gun (depending on your design you may need more than one glue stick)
  • Paint in the color of your choice
  • Embellishments (optional)
  • String (optional)
  1. Start on a clean surface.
  2. Drip the hot glue around the top of the wooden dowel to make your desired wand grip. At this point, you can different beads, string, or other embellishments to make a unique wand handle.
  3. Allow to completely dry.
  4. Paint in the color and design of your choice. Use your imagination. Write down all the details of your wand. What does the color mean? What is in the inner core of the wand?
  5. Allow to completely dry again.
  6. Enjoy your wand creation.

 

Reference

Rowling, J. K., author. (1998). Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books,

10 Days of Harry Potter: Fan Art

If you type “Harry Potter fan art” into your search engine, amazing and talented results will appear. J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World is an inspiration for artists of all levels. Making art is one of the best ways to celebrate 10 Days of Harry Potter. Whether you make graphic art or simply draw with a pencil, relax and enjoy making fan art.

Basic Art Supply List

Are you looking for a materials list? Check out the following for a basic supply list for making art.

  • Drawing pencils
  • Colored pencils
  • Markers
  • Ink
  • Chalk (Use chalk on paper or draw on the sidewalk to share your art)
  • Charcoal
  • Crayons
  • Paint
  • Watercolors
  • Drawing paper
  • Construction paper (Dark paper is great in combination with chalk)
  • Poster board
  • Glass frames (works well with ink and paint)

When you have a tight budget, purchase basic drawing materials at your local dollar store.

Use Your Imagination

  • What animal will you take to Hogwarts?
  • Draw your wand.
  • Create one of Hagrid’s magical creatures.
  • Draw the castle.
  • Paint your house colors on a poster board.
  • Draw yourself in the classroom. What would be your favorite subject at Hogwarts?
  • Draw a potion. What does the potion do?
  • Grab your sketch pad and find a perfect tree to sit under. Now, pretend you are at the Forest of Dean from the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. What do you see?

There are no right or wrong ways to create fan art. Take your time, listen to Harry Potter on audio, and allow your imagination flow.

 

 

References

Rowling, J. K., author. (1998). Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books,

Yates, D., Heyman, D., Barron, D., Rowling, J. K., Wigram, L., Kloves, S., Serra, E., … Warner Home Video (Firm),. (2011). Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.

 

 

 

10 Days of Harry Potter: Suncatcher Craft

Are you still enjoying the 10 Days of Harry Potter? Are you wondering what to do next? One of the popular crafts on Pinterest are suncatchers. The creative project is easy for all ages to enjoy. But adult supervision is necessary for the baking part. Making a Harry Potter-inspired suncatcher is a great afternoon craft project.

Materials Needed:

  • Pony beads
  • Cake pan, pizza pan, or other non-stick pans
  • Small nut (The nut is to hang the suncatcher. Or you can drill a hole in the finished project.)

Instructions

  1. Begin on a clear, flat surface.
  2. Arrange the pony beads into a design in the pan of your choice. For example, use the Deathly Hallows symbol (Rowling, 2007). Or write out the word “Muggle” or “Always” (Rowling, 1998 & 2007).
  3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. When your design is ready, carefully place your project on the rack.
  5. Bake for about 20 minutes. You can check on your project to determine if more time is needed. The beads should melt and blend together evenly.
  6. When ready remove, suncatcher from the oven.
  7. Allow to cool down.
  8. Tap project out of the pan.

Making suncatchers is a wonderful way to spend time with family or friends. If you looking for further ways to enjoy the project, listen to Harry Potter on audiobooks.  Do not forget to snack on your favorite treats while you design your masterpiece.

 

 

 

Reference:

Rowling, J. K. (2007). Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine Books

10 Days of Harry Potter: Wizard Coin Craft

In J.K.Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the Wizarding World has a unique set of currency-Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts. Readers first learn about currency when Hagrid’s owl demands payment for services after delivering the paper. (Rowling, 1998). Imagine all the useful products you could buy with a bag of coins from Gringotts. Well, you can always make your own to proudly display.

Materials Needed:

Wizarding World currency mold.
  • A coin mold (I purchased mine from Cinereplicas.)
  • Plaster
  • Paper clips or other forms of hangers
  • Throw-away container
  • Water

Instructions

  1. Start on a clean, flat surface for your mold.
    Place newspaper or another type of covering to help protect your workspace.

     

  2. If you are using hangers prepare them ahead of time. Plaster sets quickly. Using a pair of wire cutters, snip the paperclips into the desired hanger size.
  3. Mix your plaster according to the directions. Always stir the plaster into the water to create a smooth consistency with your mix.
  4. Quickly spoon the plaster into the molds. The mixture quickly solidifies.
  5. Insert your hangers.
  6. Allow the mixture to completely dry.
  7. Gently tap and remove your finalized product from the mold.
  8. You can snip away the imperfections or use a small piece of sandpaper to achieve your desired results.
  9. Paint your coins.

The imperfections in the coins are typical of currency that has been handed from Wizard to Witch over the years.

 

Reference

Rowling, J. K. (1998). Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books