The Wandmaker's Notebook

When the interactive, park-exclusive wands for Universal Studios: Wizarding World of Harry Potter were revealed, did you get a feeling that they looked familiar? If so, you're absolutely right! Each interactive wand is actually a combination of existing character wands.

While it's entirely possible to carve a beautiful wand with only a utility knife and some sandpaper, the journeyman wandmaker should invest in specialized tools to make the job a lot easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Power tools like lathes can be expensive and unforgiving (and not very "magical," in my opinion), so on this page of the wandmaker's notebook, we'll look at a list of the essential hand tools every traditional wandmaker should own.

Conducting an orchestra is probably the closest thing you can get to magic in the real world. It's a bold assertion, but I'm actually studying to become an orchestra conductor so I'm not saying this just to say it.  I still have a lot to learn, but even at this early stage in my journey I've noticed the similarities between conducting and magic, least of all is the wand-like object with which the conductor is usually seen - the baton.

Thinking about designing your own wand? On this page of the notebook I've compiled 11 tips to help you create the perfect design.

Welcome back to the Wandmaking Workshop! On this page of the notebook, we'll continue from where we left off in Part 1 and continue to carve our own wand from wood.

Welcome to the wandmaking workshop! On this page of the notebook, We'll learn some basic woodworking techniques that you can use to carve your very own wand from wood. Say goodbye to chopsticks and hot glue - this is the real deal.

So you want to make a wand of your own? That's  wand erful! (awful pun, I know) "But I don't know where to start!" you say. Not to worry, there are wandmaking methods appropriate for every age and skill level. On this page of the notebook, we'll be looking at two methods that do not require woodworking and discussing their pros and cons. Read on to find the one for you, or check out the Wandmaking Workshop to learn about carving one from wood.