DIY Broomstick from the backyard

Very easy,

I mean SUPER easy, 

so easy that I created this within minutes

BUT it took much longer since I composed a video...

Anyways, go out and forage your backyard for:

Materials:

• Long stick (about 44-46" long)
• Mine was a little crooked but was the perfect height for me to hold it above my waist and the bottom would be touching the ground (this is best for a photoshoot!)
• A bunch of smaller sticks for the brush (about 20-22" long)
• Grab even the sticks with dried leaves, they easily come off or you can keep those leaves on
• 1-2 thick or strong rubber bands 
• Blade (knife) to smooth down notches
• String/twine
• Glue (craft glue, no-sew glue, hot glue, etc.)
• Scissors

Accents:

• Charms, I chose a pentagram
• Dried flowers
• Decorative ribbon
• Feathers
• Crystals 
• Herbs
• You know what you want to make it your own!

This DIY craft was basically free, I had all the supplies already but I would guesstimate it would cost someone about $2-3 for the glue and twine and then however much you would like to invest in your accents. 

The video is pretty self-explanatory but here's a run down:

1. Safely shave off any imperfections or if the stick is too perfect shave off layers to give it a rugged look. I shaved off a couple of notches that would stick out by the handle.
2. Double twist one rubber band around the stick end you want to use for the brush.
3. Insert layers of sticks, a couple at a time. The rubber band will expand and tighten around the sticks, they really won't fall out (as I expected).
4. Add another rubber band to ensure the first one won't snap, add more sticks for a fuller look.
5. Tie twine or rope around the rubber band to hide it which also secures the sticks further. I wrapped the twine more than 20 times. 
6. Glue to knot the twine/rope. I used no-sew glue and it's still holding up!
7. Add you accents. For charms you can added this to the end of your twine before tying/glueing it down. Further, added accents to the shaft and handle of the broom. If I had more time I would have added so much more but I had a photoshoot the next day! 
8. Optional: cut the ends of the brush if any sticks are too long, this helps with stability. 

Remember to appreciate and thank nature for the supplies they give us. 

All sticks were found on the ground, no cutting down trees! 

Plus we had Hurricane Zeta hit New Orleans earlier this month which brought down enough sticks. 

My PEOPLE: 

The photographer: @crescent_aperture & my boyfriend

The pretty blond: @craftsandcosplay & my best friend

@craftsandcosplay

thats my boyfriend, Josh, and that's me checking his photo : )

@crescent_aperture

Updated photos of spell book pages from my Stregheria

This is a very long process, thank you for being patient! 

My blog was marked as spam by Pinterest so I have to start over again : )

A collection of my hand-drawn/written spell book pages.
Most of these spells/tips/information on all-things-witchy came from Pinterest.
I altered some ideas and added ingredients to the spells/sachets.
And there are [MANY] errors that give it "character".
I've been working on the spell book for over two years (summer 2018) and will keep updating the spell pages as they are completed.

*Might sell this book and start over...because who doesn't have 2+ years of free time?! Kidding, but I still might sell this book and other mini versions of it (another project) in the future.

Currently on page 116 of 146

All of the pages are named so if you're having a hard time finding that Pin on Pinterest just search for it by the Pin name (ctrl+F). 

I also made the photos extra large so it would be easier for you to read. 

 

Title page

Behind the title page is my (empty) table of contents. 

I plan on filling this in when I complete the book. 

Also you can see how the marker bled through on the title page, 

I switched up the marker (half way through) but this caused me to want to fill out the pages before I bind the book the next round!

**I had planned on writing on both of the front and back pages but after starting to write with various markers and pens I noticed they bled through the other side.
If you wish to write on both sides try sticking with a school marker (my sheet above in brown marker didn't bleed through). 

The Pagan Calendar; I messed up the orginal page when I was drawing the icons, so I cut out a circle in scrap paper and glued it on top. 

Types of Witches 

The 13 Witches Runes 

The 13 Witches Runes 

The 13 Witches Runes 

Witches Tools 

Kitchen Witchery

=

Magical Uses for Household Herbs 

Poisonous Herbs

The Pentagram

Also a nice example of the wear & tear my book as endured, see the watermark on "Air".

Here's an example of how I used scrap paper to cover up my mistakes:

From my old blog "And I messed up (not just once)

When I was drawing out the Pentagram I messed up one the bottom left leg and tried to fix it by adding a criss-cross design to all the legs...ugh

After a couple of days I decided I just couldn't live with it anymore!

So I cut out a circle from my extra dyed paper stash and used a glue stick to cover it up." 

   

Pentagram

Finding Feathers

Moon phases

Moon Magic Throughout the Year 

Moon Magic: During a Cycle

Crystal Uses

The Healing Power of Crystals

Pendulum Magic

Pendulum Tips & Map 

Pendulum Tips & Map 

Pendulum Tips & Map 

Recharge Yourself with Crystals 

Incense Correspondences 

The Meaning of Incense Smoke

Candle Colors: What they mean 

Candle Magic Omens

Palm Reading

Palm Reading

Healing Hand

Chakra

Chakra

Blocked Chakra

Tarot table of card meanings

Tarot Birth Card

Five Tarot Tricks

Here's the start to my different tarot spreads:

Good Morning Spread - when you need to wake up with clarity 

Life Advice Spread  

Are They the ONE? Spread

Full Moon Spread Present Life Explained by Past Life Spread 

Present Life Explained by Past Life Spread 

Present Life Explained by Past Life Spread 

Bad Feeling Spread

Should They be Trusted? Spread

Whispers of Your Ancestors Spread

Deathly Hallows Spread 

The start of my Witchy Tips

Mint oil for LUCK

Walnut Magic

Egg Magic

Bay Leaves

Basil Magic

Lemongrass Magic

Rosemary Magic

Protection Sachet

I have to retake this photo, I didn't realize the bay leaf was covering the word, excuse me!

Chili Pepper Magic

Almond Magic

Pine Branch Magic

Rice Magic

Potatoe Magic

Seaweed Magic

Lemon Juice Magic

Anointing Candles 

Dressing Candles

Thyme Magic

Toilet Paper Magic

Sugar Magic

Mint Sprig Magic

Prosperity Magic BEST DONE ON THURSDAYS! 

The start on my section of: Making Sachets & Jars
Protection Jar

Anti-Anxiety Jar

No More Nightmares Jar

Making Sachets & Jars:

Prosperity Jar

Creativity Jar

Motivation Jar

Making Sachets & Jars:

Vehicle Protection Sachet

Door Protection Sachet

Smudging & Plant Pairings 

Magical Properties of Trees & Greenery 

Magical Properties of Trees & Greenery 

Cedar

Oak

Birch 

Ash

Magical Properties of Trees & Greenery 

Pine 

Willow

Ivy 

Elder

How to enchant your pen

Use this to when writing in your spellbook for an extra umph of magic!

The start of my Spells section

Good Times in the Day to Perform Spells

Best Days of the Week for Spells & Rituals 

Spells: To Calm & Center Your Emotions 
I pasted over a scrap piece of paper to re-do the title of this spel, I unfortunately used the wrong shade of paper and it is noticeable. BUT I made many mistakes in this book and pasted over it with similar scrap paper and it was barley noticeable, so improvements! 

Spells: To Improve Psychic Vision 

Spells: To Find a New House

Spells: Home Protection

Spells: Chant for Peace of Mind

Spells: Cleansing Chant

Spells: Sleep Spell

Spells: To Dream of your Soulmate

Spells: Dream Chant 

Spells: Moon Cycle 

Spells: Full Moon Wish
Full Moon Enchantment

Spells: Full Moon Wish & Blessing

Spells: New Moon Wishing 

Moon Spell Cookies
Healing Moon Chant

Spells: Jewelry Enchantment 

Spells: Protective Cat Charm

Spells: Lost Objects

Spells: Return a Lost Cat 

Spells: Four Corners Home Blessing

Spells: Broom

House Blessing

Spells: Release 

Spells: Break-up Cleansing
To End Unwanted Romantic Feelings

Spells: To Heal Heartbreak 

Spells: To Bind a Bully

Spells: To Bind and Heal a Painful Memory

Spells: To Release Negative Energy 

Spells: Banishing Someone

Spells: Depression Banishing 

Spells: To Gain Forgiveness 

Spells: White Magick Revenge 

Spells: Instant Karma 

Spells: To Reveal an Unseen Enemy  

This is the last page I have created, hopefully I can create more in a short amount of time!

I also started an index for the last few pages to help me find what I am searching for. 

Once the book is done I'll transfer the list onto the spellbook page. 

Last Page

A quote from Terry Pratchett

This passage resonates a deep power in me, it teaches me to be strong and do not fear others as they should fear me!