Hello Friends!
This is something that I’ve been wanting to do for a while.
Let me introduce you into my crazy, obsessive hoard of Harry Potter related
merchandise or, in other words, welcome to my Harry Potter collection!
I want to start off by saying that this is my personal
collection, which I have been growing for about 13 years now. I am in no way
trying to brag about the things that I own. I just wanted to share with you my
obsession that started when I was 11 years old and that I’ve carried with me
ever since.
A lot of these things were gifts that I am most grateful
for. This is just a fraction of what I have collected over the years. I have
more things in boxes, tucked away in the dark but these were the things that I
had in my bedroom, so you can only imagine how much of a fanatic I am. One day
I would love to have a room in my remote, forest-dwelling castle where I can
display my love of all things Harry Potter.
I chose not to include the Harry Potter books or movies because,
let’s be honest, you all know that I have those and that I read and watch them
repeatedly. That’s just what a true fanatic does.
Fun Fact: a box of my Harry Potter things was once put out
in a yard sale and no one bought any of it. I was extremely thrilled because
that meant that I got to hold on to it since “no one wanted it”.
I told you this bag would reappear, or should I say
apparate, in a future blog post.
I’ve been using this bag all summer long and I have to say
that it’s one of my favorites. It definitely holds a lot and I love the
slouchy, casual feel of the canvas.
This Flourish and Blotts bag is something that I cherish. I’ve
only used it once or twice because I’m worried about damaging it. The fabric is
pretty thin but it’s a lovely bag for those rare occasions when you want to
dress up or show your support for Diagon Alley.
My Aunt Terri bought me this wallet for my 24th birthday but
I didn’t get to include it in my birthday blog post. This wallet is so unique,
it looks like a Hogwarts trunk and it even says Hogwarts Alumni on the inside.
It’s really well made and sturdy. Also, I really appreciate the little wrist
strap so you can carry it alone instead of lugging your entire purse around.
This wallet goes so well with my owl messenger bag. They look like they were
made for each other. I left my Ulta card in there because it matched perfectly
and I thought it was just too cute.
This scarf is such a cool piece to have. It’s a nice thick,
knit scarf that will definitely keep you warm but I also love the colors and
the Gryffindor crest. I wore this in the cold winter months to see one of the
movies and it really did its job. I was warm and festive all at the same time.
These rings actually came from a package of cupcakes that my
mom and I bought one day. I kept them because how can you not? They’re cute but
cheap and they don’t fit my fingers. I just like the way they look.
I got this necklace from Hot Topic, I think. I love the
Deathly Hallows symbol and I wanted one like the one Xenophilius Lovegood wore
in the movie but this was the only one that I could find. I like it because I
think it’s a symbol most Potterheads would recognize in an instant and it
stands for so much. The Tale of the Three Brothers is such an incredible story
on it’s own and I love the way that it was depicted in the film.
Do you guys remember when Silly Bands were big? I definitely
do. I had my mom help me collect these even though they aren’t cool anymore. I
love the simplicity of them and how they work still baffles me.
My lovely boyfriend bought me my first real wand. I own the
wand of Sirius Black, one of my all time favorite characters. It has a lot of
detail in the handle. There are symbols or runes set into each side. I really
like the box it came in because it has the name of the wizard on the end and I
can just picture it sitting in Ollivander’s waiting for its owner to pick it
up.
My boyfriend also bought me this mug that changes in hot or
cold temperatures. On the front there is an image of Hogwarts lit up by an
orange glow but on the back you can only see the words The Wizarding World of
Harry Potter if you look closely. When you add a hot or cold liquid to this mug
the words will magically appear.
The next greatest weapon to the wand would have to be the
sword, right? Godric Gryffindor’s sword of course and yes I do own one. Years
ago I picked one up in Toys R Us and I’m slightly ashamed to admit that I still
have it to this day. It’s actually a really detailed toy for something made out
of plastic. The batteries have long since run out but if you were to replace
them the sword would make swishing and clanging noises when you push a button.
This sword plays such a major part in the movies that I would love to have a
real one to hang on my wall but maybe it’s safer if I just stick to this
plastic one.
I was a very “creative” child growing up so this next piece
is definitely one of a kind. I decided one day to recreate one of the magical
Flying Keys. I have to say I’m quite proud of it and it’s one of only a few of
my creations that I’ve managed to keep for years without being ashamed of. I’ve said farewell to a few failed
attempts at potions and such as they slowly made their way to the trash but
I’ve always held on to this one particular piece. I love it and I keep it on my
shelf to remind me of that weird little girl I started out as.
My Grandma picked up these stamps for me at our local post
office. Each stamp is a character and scene from the movies and I love the
castle on the back.
It reads “Just before his eleventh birthday, a boy received a
letter that would change his life…and captivate the imaginations of fans for
generations.”
This was me all decked out in Harry Potter gear for Harry
Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
In 2011, Christa, Bunky, Chris and I all made a trip to New
York City to see the Harry Potter Exhibition. It was one of the coolest things
that I have ever experienced. We were able to pull up mandrakes, score a few
goals with a Quaffle and see the props and costumes up close. It was so much
fun and just an all around great experience that I’m glad we were able to have.
While we were there we visited the gift shop and I picked out a bookmark with
Harry on it and The Monster Book of Monsters plushie.
The Monster Book of Monsters is quite cute in its harmless, stuffed
stage and if you pull its tongue it will slowly pull it back in while shaking.
I love books but I’m not sure if I’d be willing to read one of these guys, they
seem a bit too aggressive for my taste.
On the other hand, this bookmark is very much my taste. I’ve
used it in countless books and it always holds my page perfectly. Thanks Harry!
This was Christa and I all decked out in our handmade Team
Harry t-shirts for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. We were really
proud of our Gryffindor red and gold eye shadow.
Again, these are just some bits and bobs from my collection.
One day I would love to show you the rest but I would have to clear some major
space and do some digging. Maybe when I obtain that castle in the forest but
until then…
See you soon friends,
Lynn
