Magic

My sister asked me if I could make a magic wand. I wasn't really sure if I could, but how fun to try!

Wandering around the craft store I found various wood pieces, candle holders, spools, spindles and envisioned a way to put together a pretty cool wand.

I had to use my Dremel to widen the insides of the spools to make the pieces fit, but I liked the snug assembly as I think it gives it more sturdiness. Then I used some permanent glue to secure all the pieces. I finished it off with a coat of dark brown paint, a dry brushing of black, and some flecks of gold. I sanded parts of it and kept adding until it looked how I wanted it.

My latest craft project

A neighbor of mine makes these super cute Holiday themed shelf sitters out of hard back books, and I wanted to make one that could stay up the whole year round.

To start, you need 3 hard back books of various sizes. I got mine from the library book sale awhile back to use as photography props for my jewelry, and hadn't used them recently. My neighbor says she gets hers mostly at thrift stores like the D.I.

Next, you need vinyl of different colors, transfer tape, and it's REALLY helpful to have a computer program so that you can control the size and layout of your cuts. I used the Cricut Design Studio. I think they are beta testing a free online version of it.

Just paint the books different colors, cut the vinyl in different colors and apply using the transfer tape. My neighbor embellishes her shelf sitters with a large bow, spray glitter, and floral picks. Since I wanted mine to be an all-year decoration, I decided to cut out a fleur-de-lis and apply it to the top book. Hot glue all the books together and you have a unique decoration for your home.

Warning: If your kids are bookworms like mine, you may be asked several times WHY you are painting a book.