Wands Workshop

What is a wand?

A wand consists of a thin, straight, hand-held stick of wood, ivory, or metal, approximately 30 cm (a foot) long and up to 25 mm (an inch) in circumference. Generally, in modern language, wands are ceremonial and/or have associations with magic but there have been other uses, all stemming from the original meaning as a synonym of rod and virge, both of which had a similar development. (The Wikipedia)

Objective of this class:

To learn the different kind of woods, cores and other items used to make wands, and the process to make a personalized wand.

Welcome to Wands Workshop

First of all, some kind of history.

I am Prof. Ulol, mexican, 43 year old wizard. I have lived for 28 years in the Yucatan Peninsula, land of the Mayas.

Since I started reading the Harry Potter books, I loved the power and mysticism of the wands described in the books. Swish and Flick! And that's it. You charmed something to levitate, come to you, hex someone... and many other uses.

And then I wanted to have my own wand. But of course, I didn't want a "replica" made of resin (even if they look purdy) or an expensive handmade wand as the ones we can buy in many online sites... I wanted my OWN wand... an original one... that only belonged to me. So I started to think in a way to do this: my own wand.

Fortunately, close to my house there is a little town where craftsmen work with wood and stone, so I went there and asked for woods and turnings. I chose a local wood that you can't find in any other place on the planet (this was the beginning to make it special) and drew a design for the turning of it. When I got the turned wood I started to think in a way to make it fancy... and the result is that I made not only my own wands carved/painted and varnished but I started to make them as gifts for friends.

So the main goal for this Workshop is to help you make your own personalized wand and in the process share our love for the Harry Potter books!

How this will work?

Registration for this class begins August 18th, and will end September 21st, 2008. To receive a QUILL for this class, you must complete 3 of the 4 assignments AND the final exam. Extra Credit is voluntary, but it is an excellent opportunity for you to earn extra points.
Extra Credit is due the same day as Lesson 4. Pay carefully attention to the due dates for these assignments, because late work will NOT be accepted.
In this class you HAVE to make a real wand, and take pictures of it during the different stages of making it. So you must have a digital camera or a normal camera and a scanner, because you have to send me pictures of it.