Tag: family activities

10 Days of Harry Potter: Owl Craft 2

In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, owls are useful for sending letters, packages, and more. If you were attending Hogwart’s, wouldn’t you want an owl?

Now think about your owl:

  • What is the color of your owl?
  • What color eyes does your owl have?
  • What is your owl’s name?
  • Who would be the first person you sent a letter to via your owl?

Materials Needed:

  • A ceramic owl (Wal-Mart sells ceramic owls for under $4).
  • Paint in the colors of your choice
  • Paintbrushes

Instructions:

  1. Put newspaper or other protective material down for painting.
  2. Paint your owl.
  3. Allow your owl to dry.
  4. Display your owl, proudly.

Write a story about your owl. Enjoy the entire creative process of making your owl.

 

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,

Christmas in July: Homemade Gift Wrap

Are you celebrating Christmas in July? Do you need more easy crafts to keep kids busy? When staying close to home, being creative is an excellent way to pass the time. Consider making homemade wrapping paper to use later during the Christmas season. The handmade gift wrap is an easy project for all ages.

Materials Needed:

  • Sponges
  • Scissors
  • Butcher paper, newsprint, or other types of packing paper
  • Paint
  • Containers for paint
  • Markers

Instructions:

  1. Cut sponges into various shapes, for example, Christmas trees, gift boxes, stars, and ornaments. (Help younger children cut the sponges into shapes.)
  2. Spread your choice of paper on a flat surface.
  3. Squirt small amounts of paint in your container.
  4. Dip your cut sponge into the paint.
  5. Make sure the paint covers the entire sponge for a precise shape.
  6. Press sponge on to the paper. When you are finished, simply rinse the sponges of the entire paint residue. You can use the sponges more than once.
  7. Continue the process until you reach your desired design.
  8. Allow the paint shapes to dry.
  9. Use markers to add outlines, Christmas songs, Bible verses, names, or other designs to your gift wrap.
  10. Now, wrap your Christmas gifts and enjoy your finalized product.

Homemade gift wrap is an excellent way to provide a personalized touch to your presents. Use your imagination to create numerous sheets of wrapping paper. You can always set the mood by playing Christmas music.

Christmas in July: Making Ornaments

How is your Christmas in July celebrations going? Are you still looking for family-friendly activities to keep kids busy? Consider making ornaments from plaster. One of the best aspects of making ornaments now, you can save them to hang on your Christmas tree in December.

Materials Needed:

  • Christmas themed molds or pans (The plaster does not harm them, just wash thoroughly after use.)
  • 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 molds.
  4. Place hangers into your mold. (Paper clips or pop can tab work great for an instant, inexpensive hook).
  5. Allow your ornaments to dry.
  6. Gently remove the ornaments from the molds. You may need to tap on the mold to loosen the ornament.
  7. Paint the ornaments.

Even younger children can help with the painting process. Just do not forget to add the date on the back. The ornaments can quickly turn into a lasting treasure.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas in July: Make Sugar Cookies

Are you looking for another simple way to celebrate Christmas in July? Dig out your favorite sugar cookie recipe, find a new one on Pinterest, or grab a tube of dough at your local store. Regardless of your method, sugar cookies are a fun way to celebrate Christmas in July.

  1. Bake your cookies from the method of choice.
  2. Allow your batch of sugar cookies to cool.
  3. Frost cookies.
  4. Decorate

Do you want to get the kids involved in making sugar cookies to celebrate Christmas in July? Set out different types of holiday sprinkles, marshmallows, nuts, and other toppings. Then, ask your children to help decorate the cookies. Making up new designs and colors provides added fun.

Finally, time to eat the cookies. Put a plate of cookies out as part of family night.

You can always add a nice cup of hot chocolate or milk to the celebration. Now, the next challenge, who gets to pick the Christmas movie?

Christmas in July: Pretzel Treats

Are you celebrating Christmas in July? Are you watching your favorite Christmas show? Do you need a quick and easy snack with a Christmas theme? Pretzel treats are a fun way to celebrate Christmas in July.

Materials Needed:

  • Dipping chocolate
  • Pretzels of any style
  • Sprinkles or other types of toppings (You can use anything to decorate the pretzels. Other toppings include nuts, miniature marshmallows, chocolate chips, etc.)

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. Dip pretzels in chocolate.
  4. Add sprinkles. For extra fun, allow your children to help decorate with the sprinkles. Creating their own snacks is a great way to get everyone involved.
  5. Allow the chocolate to harden.