Penny-Wise and Posh: DIY Hocus Pocus Spell Book

This project was one of those spur of the moment creations. I didn't ponder much, or plan on just how I was going to make this happen... especially while working with a very limited budget. I just knew I wanted it to look as close to the original Spell Book on the Hocus Pocus movie as possible! I have always loved Fall, Halloween, and holiday decorating. I have a "witch table" in my kitchen that I decorate each year with potion bottles, specimen jars, and other creepy odds and ends. Winifred Sanderson's precious Book of Spells just haaaad to make its way into my collection. I had googled ideas for handmade/homemade/diy Hocus Pocus Spell Books, and to be completely honest, I wasn't fond of the techniques used, the time and money involved, or the end result. I just went for it, and started collecting items here and there through my house and flew by the seat of my pants! Sometimes the very best creations are unplanned!

First I'll walk you through the process of making an eyeball. I had a friend who wanted to make her own spellbook, and was reciently searching to purchase an eyeball. I was told they were very pricey, something we want to avoid over here at Penny-Wise and Posh!

This is what you'll need for your eyeball:

My kids are always bringing home bouncy balls. From parties, prize boxes at school, carnivals, etc. We tend to start a collection. I went to our toy room, and found a bouncy ball, medium in size that was appropriate for the size of book I was planning on using. (I found my book at my local thrift store.)

Carefully, and safely cut your bouncy ball in half. I used a kitchen knife. But please use caution, and watch those fingers! We don't want the ball to roll or slip and cause an injury!

Time to use your white craft paint and paint that bouncy ball! Stick a toothpick into the cut side of the ball to give yourself plenty of room for painting, and to eliminate fingerprints on the ball, as well as limit the paint on yourself!

Coat the ball with paint a few times until it has full coverage. Stick the other end of the toothpick into a cardboard box, styrofoam, or even an apple! I used a squash from our garden that just happened to be sitting on my counter! Just use anything secure that will hold the eyeball upright to dry.

Next, you'll need to search for the perfect iris. I wanted GREEN. I found the perfect size and color in one of my magazines. All you need is a photo or ad of someone close up. Browse google, or take a picture of your own and print! Just get one! Cut out your iris, and apply it to the center of your painted bouncy ball using elmers glue, or Mod Podge.

Use a fine tip red sharpie or a toothpick and some red craft paint to squiggle a few eyeball blood vessels. The original eye on the book wasn't blood-shot, so don't go overboard! Just enough on the outer edges to help the eye look more realistic.

While the eyeball is still stuck in the toothpick, grab your Glossy Accents. This amazing crafting product I already had on hand from a previous necklace pendant project. We also used it for glass stone magnents! This was PERFECT for completing the look of the eyeball. It's clear, and dimensional, it adheres and protects, and dries hard with a clear glossy finish! This magic stuff was the icing on the cake. A must have for a shiny eyeball finish!