For kids, a birthday is a magical time. So if you're throwing a princess party for a lucky girl, a magic wand is a must! This simple project can add an extra-special touch to her big day.
Supplies
- Dowel or drinking straw
- Pretty fabric scraps
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Glue
- Piece of cardboard
- Aluminum foil and/or glitter
- Stick-on jewels
- Ribbon
- Lightweight beads (optional)
Instructions
- If using a dowel, cut it to the desired length.
- Cut a piece of fabric the length of the dowel or straw, and make it wide enough to wrap around it.
- Lay the dowel down centered on the piece of fabric, add a small amount of glue to all sides, and carefully wrap the fabric around it to avoid wrinkles. Let dry. Cut off excess fabric if necessary.
- Alternatively, cut narrow strips of coordinating fabric, lay them flat side-by-side, and wrap them around the straw or dowel in a spiral shape. Secure with glue as you go, being careful not to use too much.
- Draw a large star on a piece of cardboard. To make it easier, trace around something star-shaped or draw a five-point star. When the project is complete, all markings should be well covered. Cut out the star.
- Wrap the star in aluminum foil, or cover it with glue and add glitter. If using glue, let dry.
- Decorate the star with different colors of glitter, stick-on jewels, and any other embellishments desired. Let the glue dry.
- Glue the star to the end of the straw or dowel.
- Cut two pieces of ribbon the same length as the straw or dowel. Glue one on each side of the dowel where it is attached to the star. Let dry.
- Add beads to the ribbon if desired.
- Place the first bead about an inch from where the ribbon is attached, and secure by tying a knot or gluing. Add another bead an inch from that one, and repeat until you reach the end.
These wands are great for the honoree at princess parties, but they can also serve a number of other purposes. If you have the time, you could make one for each guest to take home as a party favor. And, of course, they make wonderful additions to princess Halloween costumes. You could even decorate them a bit differently and use them for a boy or girl's magic-themed party.
Magic wands are simple to make, yet they add a touch of mysticism to a special occasion like nothing else can. And best of all, you can make them with things that are lying around the house. So they're not only lots of fun, they're also very cost-effective!
