A witch without a spell book is like a doctor without a stethoscope…so of course I had to have one.
This is a very simple and as always cheap project that can be complete in a few days (due to drying time).
Items I used:
Cardboard box (recylce bin) - 2 pcs at 12″ x 11″ and 4 pcs at 10″ x 3″
Duct Tape
Scissors
Paper Towels and napkins (for different textures)
Paper Mache Paste (flour/water)
Beads
Various Acrylic Paints
Using duct tape, I secured the loose card board pieces in to a book shape seen below.
After looking at several different styles of old antique books on-line, I decided to go with a more classic and unmistakeable design. Basically a pentagram and gothic style corner decorations.
I printed the designs from the computer, trimmed excess paper away and traced them on the extra cardboard left over from my recycled box. Using an x-acto knife, I cut out my design. Pentagram and corner decoration template can be found HERE.
Positioned and glued shapes into place.
I mixed up flour and water mache paste and began apply layers of paper towels and napkins over the book. I have to say there is at least 5 layers randomly covering the book (I didn’t keep an exact count). One cool thing I discovered during the drying process is the book will naturally ripple and bow giving more of an antique/aged appearance.
My daughter came up with the idea to add an eye to the center of the pentagram (of course after everything was mached). So I decided to try my hand at making an eye ball. I’ve seen this technique used online several times…so while out shopping the next day, I picked up a cheap (50cent) bottle of deodorant. Popped out the ball and there was my base for an eye. I’m not 100% happy how the eye came out but it will work for now.
As I mentioned above, the book naturally will bow and ripple during the drying process. Since it didn’t want to stay closed as intended, I decided it needed a flap. To ensure the flap stayed in place to keep the book closed, I added 2 magnets (recycled off ugly magnets from the refrigerator) with glue as seen below.
I added additional napkin mache to the flap and around the magnets for a flush look as seen in below pictures.
To make sure the flap dried in the desired position I tied string around the book to keep secure overnight.
Time to add age to the book. I used medium brown as my based coat as seen in earlier pictures. Once dry (15 mintues) I dry brushed black over entire book paying special attention to areas prone to heavier wear (like binding, corners and flap). I dry brushed an antique gold over the pentagram and corner decorations for added old world look. For the pages, I used a cream color for my base and dry brushed black and gold lines to give the illusion of multiple pages.
View of the eye from the inside of book.
Another after thought was adding beads down the edge of the binding. I glued green colored beads down binding and added towel mache spiraled (figure eight style) in between the beads to make sure they did not just fall off when handling the book. I can say the beads are not going anywhere.
I think Spell Book I for 2010 will become my Witches supply kit.
One spell book complete and one more to go.
Looking forward to my Wiches Cabinet Display for 2010.
Hope this inspires you to make your own ~ Happy Hauntings.
