Stepping into the magic #1: Wizarding World of Harry Potter

It was 2010 and the summer lay before me. My parents had planned a marvelous holiday; taking me and my siblings to Florida for two weeks of pure Disney magic, exploring and dazing in the sun. I would celebrate my 18th birthday while there and I imagined spending my birthday wearing mouse-ears and eating caramelized popcorn. 

But then news reached Denmark that a Harry Potter section would be opening at Universal Orlando. That Hogwarts would actually be built, wands made and butterbeer served. That the books that I loved so much would come to life. The opening date fit perfectly with my family's travel plans, and it seemed like it was meant to be. I would be spending my 18th birthday in the wizarding world, drinking butterbeer and waving wands. And I couldn't imagine anything better.

Back then, Diagon Alley wasn't built. Interactive wands didn't exist. And because I visited only a month after Hogsmeade opened in the middle of high season, the crowds were ... everywhere. No one had foreseen the success, and I had no idea what to expect. This was, after all, before Instagram.

The entire day at the park went by in a blur. I still remember looking up at the Hogwarts castle, not quite believing my own eyes. The book came to life right in front of me and for a moment even the artificial layer of snow in the middle of summer seemed real. I bought a chocolate frog and a unicorn plush; a pygmy puff and some Bertie Bott's, and I felt like I could have spent an eternity just looking at the odd items and carefully arranged store windows.

Now, I of course dream of going back. Of experiencing Diagon Alley and doing proper wand tricks. I dream of stepping into Gringotts, tasting hot butterbeer; I dream of riding the Hogwarts Express, buying a robe in Madame Malkin's and staying for the light show at the end of the day. Everything has gotten so much bigger since my visit to the wizarding world; but the magic of my 18th birthday still remains. I was so incredibly happy. That day I stepped into the magic of my favourite books.

(Please bear with the pictures. They were taken in 2010 with shaking hands and a rather old camera. But that's perhaps part of the charm.)

Owl Post #1: Film Wizardry

Is there anything better than owl post? To receive an eagerly anticipated package from some other part of the world? It's certainly one of the best feelings in the world. Especially when the package in question is Harry Potter-related. Here is one of my recent Harry Potter-purchases, delivered by owl post:

There's been published so many Harry Potter-related books that it has almost become a maze, impossible to navigate in. Many of the movie-related books covers the same aspects and even contains some of the same articles and images artworks. There are so many overlaps, that I've found it hard to select which books I want to own.

However, I recently stumbled over this particular book, Film Wizardry. It's a, rather old, movie scrapbook with wonderfully designed chapters about every film, interviews with the cast and fun anecdotes and insights into the world of movie production. And while the information really isn't groundbreaking, it's nicely put together and well-presented.

And ultimately, what the book lacks in text, it has tenfold in design. It contains many fun and incredibly detailed inserts making the book a treasure trove of magic paper props. It is such an unique book – and I'm so happy to finally have it in my collection. 

The inserts include: 

• Harry's acceptance letter to Hogwarts (however with a printed seal instead of a wax seal)
• A catalogue of dark objects from Borgin & Burkes
• A booklet designed as 'Advanced potion-making' with stickers inside
• The Marauder's Map (in a smaller version than the ones you buy separately, but still an incredible offering)
• The Quidditch World Cup programme
• The Yule ball programme
• A catalogue from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes
• 5 of Umbridge's educational decrees
• An identity-card from the Ministry of Magic belonging to Mafalda Hopkirk
• A photo album with pictures from the movies

All very beautiful and detailed. Perfect as fun photo props or decorations. I'm particular in love with the Yule Ball programme and the Marauder's Map.