DIY Golden Snitch Lamp
When I started designing the Harry Potter bedroom for Dexter, I found this Golden Snitch Lamp that I absolutely needed. At $30, it was affordable, but what if I could make it? Then, I saw this Levitating Snitch for $200, and I quickly added the challenge to my “to do” list.
The Materials
I found this cloche with a wooden base at Target’s Dollar Spot for $5. They sell these in different versions over the course of the year.
If you’re online, search “cloche” or “glass dome.” Hobby Lobby also has a few sizes in stock. There’s one on Amazon for $15.
This one inch wooden ball came in a set at Hobby Lobby. They run 50% sales on their wooden craft pieces from time to time, so it’s a good idea to grab a set. My kids sat at the dining room table and played with the rest of them for an hour. Because we don’t have enough blocks?
Another Hobby Lobby find, the Christmas florals had these golden “feathers.” It just happened that they were gold to begin with–I would have spray painted them otherwise. I just needed the “wing” look.
I cut them at about 2 inches, but ended up cutting them more and more to fit within the dome. The “feathers” pull off the stem very easily. The stem will be connecting to the “body.”
After creating the snitch, I would be hanging it with fishing line or what is known as “invisible” craft string.
The Process
I began by spray painting the snitch body. I love the Krylon brand for spray paint. This is the one I used, but Lowe’s has a great selection–and more affordable prices.
You’ll need to drill three holes: One on each side for the wings and one on top to hang it.
Adding the “markings”
This is a little side note: This can be done at any step in the process. If you look at images of the Golden Snitch, it has distinct “markings” on it. The best way I knew how to do this was with hot glue. In the following pictures, you’ll see me put together the snitch–but I did it for photos, and I didn’t glue until the end. In between drilling the holes and attaching everything, I used the hot glue gun to make these trailing designs.
I don’t think there is any wrong way to do it–it’ll make the look unique. After making the designs, I spray painted the snitch again to give the designs the golden look.
Use hot glue on the wing “stems” before inserting them into the holes.
The top hole can be drilled after attaching the wings so it’s in the right spot.
This was the hardest part: attaching the “invisible” hanging string. I attached the string to the snitch, then added a small spot of hot glue to the inside top to attach it. But, you could do it opposite…attach the hanging string inside the dome before attaching the string to the snitch. The good news is that hot glue is easy to remove–I had my fair share of adjustments!
For this DIY Golden Snitch Lamp, I used a set of battery operated flickering lights from Target. You’ll need to wind them in a circle to fit the inside of the dome. The benefit of the ones I was using is they are wire, so they shape easily and stay put. I did wrap a tiny wire around one section to keep them together. I also used the drill to make a channel for the cord to exit the dome.
Hold the drill against the wood and run it–it will create a little channel in the wood, allowing the cord to rest.
The Finished DIY Golden Snitch Lamp
Now that the room reveal has come and gone, this lamp is one of the things my son loves the most about his Harry Potter room.
It’s on every night after he gets ready for bed, and we read our current Harry Potter book with this flickering on the nightstand.
The Cost?
When I add up what I spent, it cost me about $11. (I already had the lights on hand, so that would have made the total $16.) Do you want to make your own version? Let me know if you do–I’d love to see it!
Visit me on Instagram for more stories, DIYs and daily decor!
