The holidays at Hogwarts are always well… magical, no Potter fan can deny that. Hogwarts is covered in snow, the Great Hall is decked out in decorations, and there’s a magnificent holiday feast – what could be better?

As a Potter lover during the holiday season I wanted to do something to show my love for the fandom as I celebrate. The first thing that came to mind when I thought of something quick and easy to make to help bring some Hogwarts cheer to my home during this time of the year was Quidditch – but more specifically, the Golden Snitch. The snitch is small, gold, and round – much like a Christmas ornament. As I’m sure you’re all aware it’s extremely easy to locate ornaments during the holidays so I went to the store, gathered my supplies, and put together some adorable snitches that I gave to family and friends to decorate their homes with as well.

This is what you will need to complete this Do-It-Yourself Golden Snitch ornament:

  • Any size ornaments – I used the small, round, silver ball-shaped ornaments but any size will work
  • Gold spray paint –  I suggest rust-oleum metallic finish; even if you buy gold ornaments I suggest spray painting them anyway to give them all the same finish
  • Fake feathers – small feathers would work best for this project (I trimmed mine down to make them the size I wanted because I couldn’t find the smaller ones at my Walmart)
  • Glue, super glue, or a hot glue gun – I used a hot glue gun but super glue would work fine as well. Regular glue might not keep them glued on as securely but I didn’t test it
  • Gold string or ribbon
  • Scissors (optional) – I used them to trim my feathers down to the the size I wanted but this is not required
  • Gloves (optional) – While not REQUIRED, I recommend using gloves so you don’t get spray paint on your hands
  • Newspaper or similar – This is to cover your work area so you don’t get your driveway, garage, porch, etc. gold with spray paint
collage

You will need ornaments, gold spray paint, feathers, gold string, newspaper (not shown), scissors (not shown/optional) to complete the project.

Your first step should be to cover your work area with your newspaper. I highly suggest doing this project outside or in a well ventilated area since you will be using spray paint. Next you will need to take your feathers – trimming them down if you wish to – and then gluing them onto your ornaments (if you are using a hot glue gun be careful to not burn yourself).

Golden Snitch work in progress - ornament with wings glued on

This is the ornament after the wings have been glued on. Please note that depending on the size and color of your ornaments yours may look different.

At this time I went ahead and cut the strings and tied them onto the ornaments so I would have something to hold onto while I spray painted the ornaments. I then took all my ornaments outside and spray painted each one individually. Please keep in mind you may have to paint them more than once. The first time around I missed a few spots and had to go re-spray the parts that weren’t gold yet. Let them sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes between rounds of painting to ensure they are completely dry before you add more paint. Double check every visible area to ensure the entire ornament is gold before you put away your spray paint or clean up your work space.

Golden Snitch

This is what your ornament should look like after you have spray painted it. Check it after it dries to ensure every visible area is gold.

You now have a beautiful golden snitch to decorate your Christmas tree with. If you’re not a Christmas person or don’t celebrate the holiday, you could sit it on your desk, hang it on your wall or from your ceiling, add it to your corner of geeky goodies, or many other things. I’d love to see what you decide to do with your Snitch. Share your finished products with me on Twitter @thedancingdish or on Instagram at @the_littlest_liar. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #LittlestLiarDIY!