Friday, February 7, 2014

Harry Potter Style Profile- Luna Lovegood


Luna Lovegood comes into the Harry Potter series in the fifth book/movie, The Order of the Phoenix. I know, I know- you were expecting this. Everyone wants to be quirky and weird and cool. But NO, that’s not all! She’s so much more than that! Her clothes aren't just randomly strung together to look as unflattering as humanly possible: they are exactly like her.
Luna Lovegood is the same inside and out. She is dreamy and colorful but still wholesome and earthy. Her clothes aren't obnoxious or random, but just rather unusual. The unusual part is usually what people see first, but if you look past that, Movie Luna always looks like her voice and personality. 





Here is an example where Luna sports some funky, electric blue leggings with a printed skirt, topped off with an eclectic pink jacket. She pairs all of this with a pair of blue, striped socks and her purple, floral Doc Marten style shoes. I admire how she wasn't afraid to mix and match patterns and colors. While some may see this outfit as crazy obnoxious, I see it as Luna. This is Luna's personality and I think it's beautiful that she isn't afraid to show it. 

-The Golden Snitch

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

The Daily Prophet- Ron and Hermione a Mistake?


   I've heard rumors lately all over the internet saying that J.K. Rowling regrets pairing the Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger together in the Harry Potter series. 
   Many Harry Potter fans are wondering if author J.K. Rowling has been hit with the Confundus curse. The 48-year-old Brit opened up in a recent interview about her decision to put Potter's best mates Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger together in the famed book series." The famed British author went on to say that the book-smart female lead should have ended up with the series' star character, calling Hermione and Harry "a better match." 
   Personally, I think Ron and Hermione are perfect together and I believe that J.K. Rowling set it up beautifully. The way that she started the two of them off "fighting" made readers (and movie- watchers) become completely shocked when they found out about these two love birds. Throughout the series, Ron and Hermione, warm up to each other and I think that their love story is absolutely perfect. 
   I like how the girl didn't end up with "star character" like they do in most series. Having that plot twist there is what made Harry Potter what it is. I know I am not the only who can't even imagine Harry and Hermione together. Harry has always belonged with Ginny, just like Ron has always belonged with Hermione. Anyways, that's just my opinion on J.K. Rowling's regret of pairing up the two. 

-The Golden Snitch



Harry Potter DIY- Wands


"Accio Wand!" Don't you wish you could say that and your very own Ollivander's wand appears in the palm of your hand. Today I'm going to show you how to recreate those sought after wands right here! Enjoy! 

Step One- Accio Materials! 

  • A dowel (or stick)
  • A saw (or other cutting tool)
  • Paint & brush (acrylic basics)
  • Glue Gun (+ Glue sticks)
  • Craft Varnish (or clear nail polish)
  • A gem (optional)

Step Two- Cutting the Dowel

Measure dowel to the length you want, mark with pencil and cut (I cut to 12 inches). If you find you need to, like I did, use a bit of sandpaper on the end that was cut.







Step Three- Create YOUR Wand

This is the fun part! Take your hot glue and create a "handle" on one end of the dowel. Then, if you want, you can continue to create a design up the rest of the wand. This step is really up to you. After all, "the wand chooses the wizard."
When the glue is cooled, but still mold-able you can roll the handle in the palm of your hand to smooth it out. 
Also, this would be a good time to add texture by using beads, gems, etc.  



Step Four- Paint Your Wand

Now is the time to choose the color you want your wand to be. Once you have a color of choice, go ahead a paint the entire wand that color. 

If you want, you can add a sealant to your wand after your paint has dried. This will help the paint and glue to last longer and your overall wand will be more durable. I've also heard that clear nail polish will do the job, however I have never tried that myself.

Remember to be creative and create the wand the best suits you! 



-The Golden Snitch

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Harry Potter DIY- Honeydukes' Chocolate Frogs



Step One: Gather your Materials

Materials:
Microwave 
Wooden spatula
1-2 Plastic Frog Molds*
Microwave safe mixing bowl
Printer
Glue
Ingredients:
One 12 oz. package of semi-sweet chocolate chips
One 12 oz. package of white chocolate chips
*Note: You may purchase a plastic frog mold from Amazon.com (see below) for roughly $3 plus shipping and handling.
http://www.amazon.com/FROG-Animal-Candy-Mold-Chocolate/dp/B000EBMUNU


Step Two: Prepare Your Chocolate

Empty both of your 12 oz. chocolate chip bags into your microwavable safe bowl.


Step Three: Turn up the Heat!

Place chocolate chip filled bowl in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds is up, remove the bowl and stir the chocolate chips. Repeat microwaving for 30 second intervals until chocolate is completely melted.


Step Four: Pour Your Chocolate

Pour your melted chocolate into your plastic molds. Use a wooden spatula to help pour chocolate.


Step Five: Freezer Time! 

Place molds on a flat surface in the freezer. Wait 30 minutes. Remove chocolate frogs and turn mold upside down onto a plate or other desired serving item. Your chocolate frog should easily fall out onto plate. If it doesn't, gently tap the plastic mold with two fingers until chocolate frog falls out.



Step Six: Print out the template

Print out the Honeydukes' Chocolate Frog box template and then follow the directions on the template to create your very own Chocolate Frog box!
*You may need to adjust the size of the box depending on how large you want it*


Step Seven- Box Them Up

Now it's time to box up your Chocolate Frogs. You can also included the famous witch or wizard cards like in the movies and books, but this is completely up to you. Here is a blank witch or wizard card template that you can use. Simply decide which famous witch or wizard you want and place their picture (can be found through a new Muggle invention called "Google") in the opening. 

Now you are free to enjoy your Honeydukes' Chocolate Frogs! Hope you enjoyed! 

-The Golden Snitch

Harry Potter Style Profile- Hermione Granger

With her classic, sensible look, Hermione Granger (played by Emma Watson) proves that fighting evil while camping in the woods is no excuse for sacrificing style. In this post, I've compiled Hermione’s fashion from the most recent Harry Potter movies, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One and Two, into a few looks. 


The most important element of Hermione’s style is her choice of classic, tailored pieces with a preppy edge. She loves to layer T-shirts, cardigans, and button-downs for an interesting look that will also keep her warm in chilly England. For this outfit, start with a classic pair of pants and black flats and start layering! Then add simple accessories like a brown belt and simple bobby pins for your hair.




 
While watching the film, I loved how the characters outfits changed to correspond with the mood and colors of each scene. While the gang is camping in the woods, Hermione sports many chunky-knit fair isle sweaters and big, comfy scarves. She breaks up the shades of gray and blue in her outfit with rainbow-striped scarves and mittens. For a similar look, start with an oversize sweater and add winter extras like a knit scarf, gloves, flannel shirt, and tough boots. 



The final element of Hermione’s style is the effortless way she throws items together. With a closet (or unending bag) full of basics, Hermione can easily mix and match pieces to create many different looks. Try pairing blue jeans with a tee, sweater, pea coat, beret, and converse for a go-anywhere outfit perfect for a fall day.




-The Golden Snitch

Welcome to The Golden Snitch!

   Hello fellow Harry Potter obsessive fans like myself. My name is Lauren, and welcome to my blog, The Golden Snitch. Here you will find all things Harry Potter, from DIY's to the latest HP news. I have read all seven books and seen all eight movies and let me just say, "A gazillion points to J.K. Rowling (and whatever house she would be in) for creating such an amazing series.
   I, personally, am in love with Harry Potter and I am really excited to start this blog to share my interests with like- minded Potterheads! I am fifteen years old and I am a Gryffindor (according to Pottermore). To me being Gryffindor means you are brave, fearless, and above all you value your friendships. Here's a little summary/ back-story of Gryffindor that way you can get to know me a bit better. 


   Gryffindor values bravery, daring, nerve, and chivalry. Its emblematic animal is the lion and its colors are scarlet and gold. Minerva McGonagall is the most recent Head of Gryffindor. Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, aka Nearly Headless Nick, is the house ghost. The founder of the house is Godric Gryffindor. Gryffindor corresponds to the element of Fire. The common room is located in one of the highest towers at Hogwarts, the entrance is situated on the seventh floor in the east wing of the castle and is guarded by a portrait of The Fat Lady. She permits entrance if given the correct password which is changed numerous times throughout the school year.
   I hope you guys stick around for my upcoming posts. If you love all things Harry Potter, then this is definitely the blog for you. So welcome to the wizarding family! Muggles read at your own risks!


-The Golden Snitch