Hogwarts or Bust!

I LOVE HARRY POTTER! Okay, now that I’ve confessed, the rest of this post will make much more sense. Ha!

The Orlando Informer hosts an annual Harry Potter themed event at Universal Studios in Florida. The specially priced ticket gets you after hours access to select attractions in both parks, free food and drinks (including Butterbeer), and more! I went last year with a couple of friends and had so much fun we’re doing it again this year! If you’d like more info check out the Orlando Informer’s website.

Recently, I purchased a Cricut Maker and I’ve pretty much lost my mind. Between creating Star Wars fan gear, party decor and personalizing everything I can in my house, I, of course, found time to make something special for my trip to “Harry Potter World”.

For inspiration, Pinterest was my first stop. My travel group consisted of all ladies, so a pair of Deathly Hallows earrings from Hey, Let’s Make Stuff‘s blog, were perfect! Her blog included a cut file which made my job super easy. I used black faux suede like she suggested, but I disliked the way the unfinished back of the suede showed. To fix this, I just doubled up on the pattern, adhered the pieces together and voila! That really gave the earrings the finished look they needed.

Next, I created Harry Potter themed luggage tags for everyone using a luggage tag cut file from Damask Love. For this I used Cricut Genuine Leather and rose gold foil iron-on to add Harry Potter icons. To stitch each luggage tag together I used embroidery floss that coordinates with each persons house. Mine was yellow for Hufflepuff, which is of course the BEST house.

Before we headed out to the park I gave everyone their surprises. The earrings were a hit! My only regret is that I wish I would have made us all matching shirts too. Luckily there’s always next year!  Expecto Patronum!