Hedwig Inspired DIY Ornament

Tis the season for decorating the tree. If you're anything like me who loves to tackle a few holiday projects, you might like this tutorial for a Hedwig inspired ornament. 

The idea came to me while I was at Hobby Lobby and found this wooden snowy owl for about $3. A quick tutorial has been included below. I've also included a fun time lapse video on my instagram and tiktok for you to enjoy and share if you need more visuals. Overall, this is a fun and quick DIY for wizarding folks.

10 LGBTQ+ Holiday Gifts for Proud Witches & Wizards

If the Harry Potter franchise taught us anything, it's that nobody deserves to live in a closet (though everyone should be able to come out when they're ready and in a safe space!). If there's a witch or wizard in your life who is celebrating pride, here are 10 LGBTQ+ inspired gifts that will help highlight the magic they bring into the world.

Please Note: I was not sponsored to share these products and I do not receive commission if you click on any of the links in this post. I'm sharing these items of my own accord to support LGBTQ+ creators and small businesses. If you'd like to send me a product to review, check out my work with me page. Thank you for supporting my site!

Harry Potter Cast Set for 20th Anniversary 'Return to Hogwarts' Reunion

In 2011, "It All Ends" marked the unforgettable farewell of a decade's-long cinematic journey with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. The finale of Harry Potter's adventures against Lord Voldemort left millions of fans mourning the phenomenon they had grown up with and witnessing the cast together one last time.

Now, ten years later, Daniel Radcliffe with Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are set to reunite in 2022.

Variety revealed that Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson will join filmmaker Chris Columbus and multiple cast members from all eight Harry Potter films for the first time. The retrospective special arrives just in time to celebrate the franchise's first installment of the 20th Anniversary for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Other alumni of the film franchise are set to join including Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Imelda Staunton, Tom Felton, James Phelps, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, and Ian Hart.

The author who has been criticized for her anti-trans comments is not scheduled to appear in the special.

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will premiere on HBO Max, New Years Day Jan. 1st, 2022 and delve behind-the-scenes into the making-of story with new in-depth conversations and cast conversations. 

The special will join all of the original Harry Potter films currently available on the streaming service, and will also air on TBS and Cartoon Network in Spring 2022 ahead of the theatrical release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.

“It has been an incredible journey since the debut of the ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ film, and witnessing how it has evolved into this remarkable interconnected universe has been magical to say the least,” Tom Ascheim, president of Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics, said in a statement. “This retrospective is a tribute to everyone whose lives were touched by this cultural phenomenon — from the talented cast and crew who poured their heart and soul into this extraordinary film franchise to the passionate fans who continue to keep the Wizarding World spirit alive 20 years later.”

An exclusive first look at the Return to Hogwarts special will debut during the premiere quiz competition Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses airing November 28th, (8 pm ET/PT) on TBS and Cartoon Network, and later HBO Max on January 1st.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Hits 20th Anniversary Milestone

For twenty years, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry  for escape, adventure, and magic. Today, November 16th, 2021, marks the initial theatrical release for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in the United States- the first installment of the eight-film franchise where Harry Potter and his friends face-off against Lord Voldemort in 2001.

Dive deep back into the penseive of the year 2000 when the fantasy series was a sold-out phenomenon around the world. The wizarding world was on its fourth book release Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was capturing readers imaginations, meanwhile the film franchise had only just begun. 

 After extensive planning and development with various directors, and a search for the right actors to play the series' beloved characters, Warner Bros. Studios with Director Chris Columbus announced the casting of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson in July 2000. Principal photography began on September 29th, 2000 at Leavesden Film Studios with film production commencing a month later in October. Production elements such as MinaLima's graphic design, Pierre Bohanna as prop designer, Stuart Craig as production designer, John Williams as composer, and Steve Kloves as screenwriter transformed the first book to come to life on the big screen. Their excellence provided a blueprint that other directors such as Alfonso Cauron, Mike Hewlin, and David Yates would utilize in the later films and Fantastic Beasts spin-off franchise.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone initially released in United Kingdom and Ireland cinemas for previews on November 10th and 11th, 2001. Once released officially into theaters worldwide - starting in the United States, Canada, and Taiwan - the film became a critical and commercial success grossing $974 million at the box office during its initial run. Subsequent re-releases pushed its earnings over the $1 billion mark. It also was nominated for multiple Academy Awards including Best Original Score, Best Art Direction, and Best Costume Designer.

To celebrate Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 20th Anniversary, WizardingWorld.com has provided 20 days of Movie Magic from interviews with the cast to new activities on the Harry Potter Fan Club app. Fans can also check out more content under the #20YearsofMovieMagic on Instagram and Twitter.

Entertainment Weekly has also heavily updated its special ultimate collector's edition that goes behind the scenes of the films with the stars favorite moments and impact of the fandom. And, director Chris Columbus with Daniel Radcliffe also share what it took to make four pivotal scenes come to life for The New York Times, and revealed that there is a 3 hour cut of the film that includes a fan-favorite ghost at Hogwarts - Peeves.

A movie marathon of the entire Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchise airing on SYFY. Wizarding World also offers a magical watch party kit for UK and US fans. If you haven't already tried out my 24-hour Harry Potter movie marathon, you can also take the challenge here.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition 2022 Tour Tickets Are Open To The Public

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is ready to welcome wizarding fans back! Their world premiere commences in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at The Franklin Institute on February 18th, 2022. 

It will follow up with a global tour to Latin America, the Asia-Pacific Region, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Fans will experience a comprehensive tour exhibition with props and costumes from the Harry Potter film franchise as well as Fantastic Beasts and Cursed Child.

Tickets are now available for fans and the general public to purchase. The exhibition already surpassed 13,000 in the first 12 hours. Now is the time to gain entry to the museum.

Daytime Daytime Admission includes a timed ticket for Harry Potter™: The Exhibition, and Museum Admission. The museum closes at 5:00pm.

$43 for adults, $39 for children, (ages 3-11), $41 for Seniors (65), $41 for Military Adults

Evening Evening Admission includes a timed ticket for Harry Potter™: The Exhibition only. Entry occurs Thursday-Sunday, between 5:00pm until 6:30pm; the exhibition closes at 8:00pm.

Evening tickets are $30 for adults, children, seniors and military adults

VIP (Anytime) Access An immediate-access pass, exclusive exhibition lanyard, and a discount on an audio tour and photo op. Valid for any timeslot on the date indicated at the time of purchase.

$59 for guests ages 3+

PHILADELPHIA, PA November 3, 2021 – Tickets are now on sale for the highly-anticipated world premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition, debuting at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia on February 18, 2022. The all-new behind-the-scenes exhibition will celebrate the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts and the expanded Wizarding World, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child through beautifully crafted environments that honor the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts fans love using best-in-class immersive design and technology to deliver an unforgettable personalized experience.

From the mysteries of Hogwarts™ castle to the adventures of its brilliant students; from daring duels to dragons and Dark Arts; from goblins at Gringotts™ to the magnificent Ministry of Magic—the exhibition will bring magic to life, connect visitors with a global community of fans of the Wizarding World, and reveal the artistry and craftsmanship behind the blockbuster films.

The groundbreaking exhibition spans thousands of square feet and features 10 distinct areas—from Hogwarts™ castle and The Great Hall to Hagrid’s Hut and The Forbidden Forest. Guests will transition into the exhibition from the iconic King’s Cross Station, entering through a spellbinding entry, selecting their house and wand and beginning their personalized journey. They will get an up-close look at authentic props and original costumes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts™ films, and an opportunity to engage with innovative, awe-inspiring, and magical environments and installations in ways never before experienced in a touring exhibition. Harry Potter: The Exhibition is the most comprehensive touring exhibition ever presented about the Wizarding World.

The exhibition is also launching Seek The Golden Snitch Installations.

Fans will have a limited-time opportunity to experience the magic of the Wizarding World as they vie for a chance to become the first guest to visit the Harry Potter: The Exhibition through a series of interactive photo-op installations, one unveiled today for media, and all slated to appear at locations across the northeast, beginning at The Franklin Institute.

Designed as a photo-op to prepare fans for the magic to be found in Harry Potter: The Exhibition, a 13- foot-tall illuminated Hogwarts™ castle front and four accompanying Golden Snitch™ pedestal pieces will travel to popular events and locations through the exhibition’s opening. Each features a QR code that, when activated by a mobile device, launches an interactive “Seek the Golden Snitch” experience using AR technology.

Fans are challenged to catch the quick-moving Golden Snitch to be entered to win the grand prize—a two- night hotel stay in Philadelphia and four tickets to be the first to experience the world premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition. Plus, a $500 cash prize, Harry Potter: The Exhibition merchandise, and a family membership to The Franklin Institute ($4000 prize value).

Hogwarts™ Castle locations
The Franklin Institute: November 3-10

Upcoming Golden Snitch™ locations:
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Independence Visitor Center, Philadelphia, PA
The Promenade at Sagemore, Marlton, NJ
Peddler’s Village, New Hope, PA

If you haven't yet registered for updates regarding the tour and its future stops, visit the official website. Following the exhibition on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more info, behind-the-scenes, and sneak peaks.

Oliver's Brighton Is Ready For Its Next Chapter

For the past four years, Oliver's Brighton has been one of the most popular tourist shops for fans of the Harry Potter franchise plus its spin-offs Fantastic Beasts and Cursed Child. Now, the owner is looking to pass the wand to the next owner who wants to continue creating magic.

It all started when Oliver Dall, the current owner, first opened its doors in 2017. The Victorian-styled store offered an exciting experience for fans looking for a semblance of the wizarding experience in the muggle world. All merchandise sold in the corner shop in the North Laine area of Brighton is officially licensed by Warner Bros. and features a wide range of collectibles every witch or wizard is looking for. In four quick years, the store has won 11 awards, earned more than 2,000 five-star reviews online, and garnered 40,000 followers across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Oliver's Brighton is currently operating with a private booking appointment system, where customers have the shop to themselves to browse hundreds of official merchandise for up to 30 minutes.

All of this and more is waiting the next owner of the store to continue its legacy:

Fancy yourself as a REAL wizard or witch? Forget about dressing up, you could build your Gringotts vault by adding your own magic touch to a Harry Potter-themed business for sale in Brighton.

Based in the perfect city-centre location right by Brighton train station, you won’t need platform 9 and ¾ for customers to visit the award-winning, popular tourist shop.

Oliver’s Brighton offers a truly magical experience to customers, supplying a whole range of wizarding supplies from wands for budding aurors to quidditch supplies for would-be champion seekers, and of course, a full array of authentic magical treats, snacks and butter beer.

With the Harry Potter film franchise celebrating their 20th anniversary this November, now is the perfect time to offer wizards, witches and even muggles exclusive, officially licenced merchandise in your own well-branded, perfectly themed wizarding store.

The ability to speak parseltongue is not necessary to own this store; though the current owner would love to pass the spell book on to someone just as enthusiastic and passionate about the wizarding world as they are.

Alohomora! Open the door to this magical property that will likely sell as fast as the Nimbus 2000. Don’t leave your fate to the sorting hat. Interested buyers can view the wizarding business listing here, available to purchase from Hilton Smythe business brokers for £120,000. Neil Young, Business Valuer at Hilton Smythe commented “We expect competition for this sale to be as fierce as the Triwizard Tournament, so be quick to register your interest in this rare business opportunity.”

The sale of Oliver's Brighton  includes the social media presence, store website, all the fixtures, fittings, and particulars needed to run the popular tourist store. The next owner is bound to build on the success of the store so far and take it to the next level. Check out the official listing website for more information about the location and the sale.

15 Spelltacular Harry Potter Instagram Posts Celebrating Halloween

@pottertalkblog instagram

Hogwarts students are used to making magic all year 'round. But there's an extra-special feeling of enchantment on Halloween. It's a bigger reason to decorate our burrows like the wizarding world, dress up as our favorite characters, and cast a few spells without breaking any muggle rules. 

As a bewitching way to celebrate the festive season, here are 15 spelltacular creators and posts to check out on Instagram. Consider following and supporting these amazing accounts.

(And if you need inspiration to find and share wizarding content on Instagram, take a look at my comprehensive list of Harry Potter hashtags for Instagram.)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paula Wolf (@paulawwolf)