Using the instructions provided below, you can make this Golden Snitch from inexpensive and easy-to-find craft supplies. Each of the three versions of a Golden Snitch offered here cost less than $1 to make.
Instructions for Golden Snitch, Versions 1 and 2, are given first. Version 1 is most suited for young children (and they will need help). Version 2 is suitable for kids (ages 8-12, and they might need some help). Instructions for Golden Snitch, Version 3 (as pictured here), are provided in the second half of this tutorial. Version 3 is suitable for teenagers 13 and older (they should be able to do it on their own, although supervision is advised for all three versions).
Some preparation ahead of time is required. See instructions.
You'll need:
- 2" styrofoam balls
- Stiff craft felt board (this is very stiff felt, sold in 1' x 2' sheets)
- Gold spray paint*
- Gold pipe cleaners
- pencil, scissors, wire cutter (not shown here)
*The gold spray paint must be suitable for painting styrofoam (the spray can may list "craft foam"). Regular spray paint may cause it to partially decompose.
~~~This must be done at least 3 hours ahead of time.~~~
If you have never spray-painted styrofoam before, be sure that you get the right kind of paint (the directions on the can might say "craft foam"). Some paints (spray or brush) can makes it look like a mushy lump.
To make it easy to handle the balls, insert a toothpick in the ball. This gives you something to hold onto. Use an old cardboard box as a holder, see Step 2.
Also see Step 4 for spray painting the craft felt board for the wings.
Poke holes in the cardboard box and insert the toothpicks. This holds the balls up off the surface, and makes it easy to handle them while you spray paint.
Paint in a well-ventilated area, using old newspaper or a drop cloth to cover the table, floor, or driveway---wherever you are painting---to avoid getting over-spray on nearby surfaces. If painting outside, try to paint somewhere that is out of the wind.
Follow the directions on the spray can to shake and then spray. Spray is short bursts, turning the ball around as you go. Be sure to cover the entire surface of each ball.
Depending on the directions on the can, it will take up to several hours for the paint to dry. Allow to dry in a well-ventilated area.
It would be best to do all the spray painting the day prior to making the craft. Same day is OK, but allow at least 30 minutes for painting (more if you are painting more than a dozen balls), and then a minimum of 3 hours for drying time.
You will also need to spray paint the white felt board at this time, unless you are using another type of material for the wings that is already gold.
As shown here, the white craft felt board was spray-painted gold (ahead of time, paint at the same time you spray paint the balls). Be sure to paint both sides of the felt board.
You will cut the wings for the Golden Snitch out of the painted felt board. See Step 5 for the link to the free downloadable Golden Snitch Wing template (as shown here).
You can design your own wing, or download this free printable Golden Snitch Wing Template:
http://readingroom.janktheproofer.com/Golden-Snitch-Wing-Template.zip
Print the wing template on regular printer paper or card stock (which is a thicker paper). Cut out the template to use to trace the wing on the felt board.
If everyone is going to make their own Golden Snitch, then print out enough wing templates so that everyone has his or her own to use.
You'll need two wings for every Golden Snitch you want to make.
If you are using this as a craft project for very young children, you may want to trace and cut out all the wings you'll need ahead of time.
You will now need to get the wings ready to be attached to the painted ball.
As shown here, for each Golden Snitch, you will need one gold pipe cleaner, scissors, and wire cutter. As shown here, this wire cutter was purchased at Michael's for about $5. However, check your household toolbox! You may already have a wire cutter.
Note: As shown here, the wings are positioned as the left and right wing, with the curved, pointy end pointing up.
Cut two 4" lengths of pipe cleaner, one for each wing.
At one end, start to curl the pipe cleaner (top of picture). Curl it tightly, and continuing curling until you have about 1" left.
Bend down the 1" tail (so that the pipe cleaner resembles a large "thumb tack" as shown at the bottom of the picture).
Poke or cut a small hole or short slit in the rounded end of the wing.
The top wing is the front side of the wing. The bottom wing is the back side of the wing with the 1" pipe cleaner tail sticking through the hole.
Holding the wing as pictured here, attach the wing to the ball by inserting the tail of the pipe cleaner into the ball.
Review the picture of the finished Golden Snitch below for approximate positioning of the wing.
Using gentle pressure, push the 1" pipe cleaner tail all the way in, so that the wing is firmly attached to the ball.
Another option is to use tacks or pins to attach the wing to the ball, but be aware that the wings will be easy to pull out, so consider the age of the kids who will be handling these.
Note: Gluing is not a reliable method to attach the wings to the balls. Regular white glue does not adhere well to styrofoam. You can use a hot glue gun, but you'll have to keep some pressure on the wings and allow the glue to set-up for several long seconds.
The right wing is now attached to the ball. Repeat to attach the left wing to the other side.
Be sure to attach the wings so that the curved, pointy tip is pointing upward.
This shows the completed Golden Snitch, Version 1.
For Golden Snitch, Version 2, mark "veins" in the wings using a black felt-tip marker. Mark the veins on both sides of each wing.
This shows the completed Golden Snitch, Version 2.
This is the end of the instructions for Golden Snitch, Versions 1 and 2.
See below for the instructions for Golden Snitch Version 3.