end a secret message the Harry Potter way: Send your friend an owl! These original crafts start with old neckties. The LaClair family knew exactly what we meant by this Harry Potter method of communication. According to Mom Peggy LaClair, "Ryan (12) has read two of the books, and we had a Harry Potter Party this summer. Ryan explained how the characters use owls to deliver the mail in the books." Lynda Hannon said "Our kids (Jack, 4, and Katie, 18 months) aren't old enough for Harry Potter, but Dad John has read all the books!"

Here is what you'll need:

• Old necktie
• Felt scrap
• Two wiggle eyes
• Scissors
• White glue
• Sticky Velcro dots
• Safety pin
  

Here's what you do:

• Cut a 3-inch piece from the narrow end of the tie for the owl.
• Glue the seam and the cut opening closed so that the owl becomes a little pocket.
• Stick one side of the Velcro dot to the back tip of the tie. Stick the second part of the Velcro dot on the back of the tie (toward the middle of the length of the tie) so you can fold the tie tip over and join the two dots to close the top of the tie, making an owl shape.
• Glue the two wiggle eyes to the top part of the folded tip.
• Cut a triangle beak from the felt scrap. Glue the beak to the tip of the tie below the eyes.
• Cut two tiny owl's feet from the felt scrap. Glue them to the bottom of the owl.
• Add a safety pin to the back of the owl so it can be worn as a pin.
  

This owl has a secret compartment. Write a message on a scrap of paper, open the head of the owl and tuck it inside. Close the head. No one will guess that when you hand your friend the owl you are actually sending a secret message hidden inside. Some of your friends might want to join you for this project, so they have an owl to send, too. "You're a HOOT!" was the birthday message Dad, Keith LaClair received.

"I thought this was an easy and fun craft!" said Lynda Hannan.

Notes:

I have found that old neckties are plentiful if you just let people know you are looking for them. Lynda Hannan reported, "The neckties were very plentiful. John went a little nuts on the 'Paisley phase'--yikes! I was ready to cut up 10 to 12!" This proves my theory that if you need some old neckties, ask a wife!

You can make a larger owl by using the wide end of the necktie. To make an owl magnet instead of a pin, add a strip of sticky-backed magnet to the owl and stick it to the refrigerator. You can also string a 2-foot piece of ribbon or string through the owl and wear it as a necklace.

TAKE IT FROM ME:
"I personally liked the big owls better from the wide end of the tie. They are much easier for little hands."

--Cincinnati mother of two young children

This article © 2001-2004 Studio One Networks.

Technorati Tags: Crafts [9] Parenting [10] Real Families, Real Fun [11] Storytime [12]