~ Craft Prompts Crescent ~
~Class Prompts~
Alchemy: Greek alchemy is preserved in Medieval Greek (Byzantine) manuscripts, and yet historians have only relatively recently begun to pay attention to the study and development of Greek alchemy in the Byzantine period. Craft something inspired by the Greek flag, either in the colours or shapes used.
Apparition: Witches and wizards need to learn how to use this skill, but there are some creatures that are born with this skill, house-elves are one of those creatures. For this term, craft something inspired by house-elves, this can be food related, or related to cleaning, or maybe you want to release a house-elf and then craft something wearable.
Arithmancy: Use your maths to divine how something will turn out, and then make it happen.
Astronomy: Lunar phases are the shapes of the moon’s directly sunlit portion as viewed from planet earth. Craft something which appears to look different depending on how you view it, such as a sculpture, a 3D papercraft or a two sided zippered pouch.
: Care of Magical Creatures: This term we will be studying the Chinese Fireball – a species of dragon native to China. It is also known as the Lion Dragon, red with a fringe of golden spikes around its face. Its name comes from the mushroom-shaped ball of fire it emits from its nostrils. Study this dragon by crafting something with a fringe or that uses mushrooms (fake or real).
Charms: This term we will be studying The Box Blasting Charm Cistem Aperio. It is used to blast open trunks, chests, boxes, or other containers. For homework consider the uses of boxes, and make a box or other storage container. The scale of the container is up to you, it can be large to contain a large amount of supplies, or tiny. Bonus credit if the container has a locking mechanism that you can use to try out the Cistem Aperio charm. Alternately, think outside the box, and craft something with an unusual material, such as crocheting with plastic bags as yarn.
Defense Against the Dark Arts (DADA): We are going back to basics for our study of defensive jinxes. These are used to defend a witch or wizard from harm. For your homework make something that will act as protection, for example a garment that will protect from the cold, a body lotion that will protect against dry skin, a soap that will protect against bacteria.
Divination: Carromancy is the study of observing the forms and shapes created by wax when poured into a cold liquid. To demonstrate your mastery of this subject please create something that involves heating and then cooling. Alternatively you may create something that involves natural or unexpected shapes.
Flying: One thing about flying- It really ought to be done out of doors. For your homework do something out in the fresh air or make something for use outside.
Herbology: The Venomous Tentacula is a green, spiky, toothsome magical plant with mobile vines that try to grab living prey. The plant secretes a colorless, non-fatal poisonous juice that causes those who drink it to have a “burning” sensation inside them, and turns their skin bright purple in color. Craft something with long, dangling components such as a wind chime, macrame wall hanging or pair of earrings, or something with a surprising purple component.
History of Magic (HoM): In commemoration of arguably the most famous wizard of all time, Merlin, a stained glass window featuring his name was eventually fitted into the wall of the school’s History of Magic Classroom. Craft something that has different elements fused together to combine something new, or create something to honor someone important to you.
Muggle Studies: Muggles seem to think that magic is easy. “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” is claimed to be a magical incantation that can change any number of things into other items, such as a pumpkin into a carriage, or mice into horses. We wizards know that Transfiguration is very complex. For this semester, take a closer look at projects that seem to be opposite in their difficulty, then what you would at first suspect. For example, a zipper pouch can be straightforward; but when you add quilted details, or lace and trim accents, it becomes more complex. On the opposite end, a fancy cake can be made simpler by using a mix.
Potions: “… the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses…” For your assignment create something with an end result in liquid form; perhaps a sweet summer drink for entertaining, lotion to enhance your health. Alternately you may craft something inspired by your favorite potion.
Study of Ancient Runes Reading runes can help focus the seeker’s mind and guide decision making. What is your “go to” craft when you need a calm mind or to de-stress? Pick a small project to start and finish in one session that will help you relax, get an attitude adjustment on a sour day, or just to punctuate the end of a hard week and open up the positive energies for your next days off.
Transfiguration: This term we will be focussing on transfiguring in smaller steps. Transfiguring is a difficult task that needs lots of practice. For your homework, practice upcycling, or redoing a project that you were not satisfied with the first time round. You may also transfigure a supply using a familiar pattern to further practice your skills.
House Pride Challenge: Please craft something by your chosen Hogwarts House.
House Unity Challenge: Please craft something inspired by another Hogwarts House, or by all of the Houses/School combined.
~ Detention Challenges ~
Advanced Studies Challenge: Put in 2 hours on an ongoing Advanced Studies project, and be prepared to show before & after progress shots.
Reparo Challenge: Repair something, alter something to suit you, or complete a large organization project.
Stash Challenge: Craft something solely from your stash.
WIP Challenge: Complete a Work In Progress.
~ Headmistress Prompts ~
September Challenge
Summer is finally drawing to a close, and autumn is on the way. More importantly, it is time to return to Hogwarts for a new year of magical education. For this challenge, please create something that is a harbinger of autumn (apple pie anyone?). Alternately you may return to a beloved craft you haven’t indulged in for a while, or return to a pattern or material you truly love working with and always find yourself coming back to.
Iron Chef Around the World Challenge!
This term we’ll take our taste buds on a trip! A random country will be selected each month to serve as inspiration for new recipes, dishes, and ideas. Whether you fun inspiration in a whole dish or a single ingredient, I hope you’ll join me on this tour of flavor. Complete all 4 challenges for a sticker surprise!
September - Morocco - Transitioning from hot to cool weather is a tricky time to cook, but a perfect time to say hello to Moroccan dishes like chicken tagine, tabbouleh salad, or meskouta orange cake.
~ Hermione’s Book Club ~
Chapter 22: Owl Post Again September 1-30
Harry & Hermione make it back to the hospital wing. Snape accuses Harry of freeing Black, and Fudge leaves to get the Dementors removed from Hogwarts. The next day the Trio learn Lupin is leaving, after Snape outed him as a Werewolf. Lupin confirms for Harry that James’ Patronus was a Stag, and gives Harry back the Invisibility Cloak & Marauder’s Map. Harry tells Dumbledore he feels guilty for saving Pettigrew, since Pettigrew has returned to Voldemort. Dumbledore says that Pettigrew now owes Harry his life, which might be useful in future. Gryffindor wins both the Quidditch & House Cup. The Trio take the Hogwarts Express back to London. On the way, a tiny owl arrives with a letter from Sirius, that says he’s traveling far away, to avoid the manhunt, that he sent Harry the Firebolt at Christmas, and that the owl is a gift for Ron. Finally he gives Harry permission to visit Hogsmeade. Ron promises to invite Harry to the Quidditch World Cup, and Harry informs Uncle Vernon that he has a Godfather who is a convicted murderer who escaped from Wizard prison and will be checking in on him.
For this challenge, please submit a project that had both good and bad aspects to its creation. Perhaps you like how your shawl looks overall, but you found the yarn to be a pain to work with. Alternately you may craft with something you received in the post, either a supply you ordered, or something sent to you by a friend.