Thrift Store Ideas (Harry Potter)

Here's another batch of interesting objects found in antique and thrift stores that could be reimagined as magical objects right at home in Hogwarts.

1. Dumbledore's Memory Cabinet




This beautiful display case was spotted in an antique store, but unfortunately it'd already been sold. It bears an uncanny resemblance to Albus Dumbledore's cabinet of memories from the Harry Potter films. Not nearly as ornate, but it has the underlying structure, nice size, and it's already painted gold. It would take some tools, but you could cut elaborate lace-like patterns in a succession of balsa sheets, paint, and then mount them in layers on the corners of the cabinet. If you wanted to go the extra mile to make it like the films, you could use this to as a display case for glass vials. Or as a liquor cabinet. Whatever floats your boat.

Close up by Charlotte of The Tea Drinking English Rose
Photo by Carl McPherson

2. Puffskeins or pygmy puffs


I found these hair ties in a beauty supply store for about $6 each, although I would wager you could find them in a dollar store or similar for less. Really these could either be puffskeins or tribbles. Tribbles are of course easier, but given the color scheme these are probably better suited to becoming puffskeins. Trim away a bit of fluff and fix a stuffed animal face into the core, and it could pass for one. It already comes with a convenient tie, which might make it easier to attach the face or to wear as a bracelet.

Pygmy puff concept art from Harry Potter: The Creature Vault by Jody Revenson

Arnold the pygmy puff riding on Ginny Weasley's shoulder in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

3. Crystal ball



Often in thrift stores you can find empty globes or glassware meant to shield light fixtures. This one was about $2, and is the perfect shape to be made into a crystal ball. It even has a lip around the bottom edge that would allow it to be placed on a table or any flat surface. There are several tutorials out there for making crystal balls including some that glow. It'd make a great prop or decorative lamp for any Potterhead or fantasy nerd.

Harry Potter and Ron Weasley bored out of their skulls in Divination class, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Askaban

4. Goblet of Fire


This started out as either a candle holder or lamp, and was found at a thrift store for about $4. If one were to reconstruct the sides with metal, plastic, or other material, it could be made to look like a goblet. Add back in an electric tea-light to shine through a translucent cup, and it could make an interesting light.

The Goblet of Fire issuing a fourth name for the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Illustrated Goblet of Fire from Pottermore

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