John Austin - Labcraft Wizards: Magical Projects and Experiments

Copyright 2017 by Austin Design Inc.

All rights reserved

Published by Chicago Review Press Incorporated

814 North Franklin Street

Chicago, Illinois 60610

ISBN 978-1-61373-621-0

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Is available from the Library of Congress.

Labcraft Wizards is a trademark of Austin Design Inc.

All rights reserved

Cover and interior design: Jonathan Hahn

Illustrations: Austin Design Inc.

Printed in the United States of America

5 4 3 2 1

This book is lovingly dedicated to Henry, a magical blessing.

Love always, Dad

Spell unto others as you would have them spell unto you.

M OTTO OF THE S CHOOL OF L ABCRAFT W IZARDS

Labcraft Wizards is a mystical handbook for aspiring wizards that will show you how to transform everyday items into instruments of magic.

This collection of magical projects and experiments will be your primary guide as you begin your studies at the School of Labcraft Wizards. Whether your goal is to train for wizard duels, craft powerful artifacts, summon mythical creatures, or command the forces of nature, it will show you the way.

A novice wizards studies can be overwhelming, but acquiring the supplies to practice magic shouldnt be. Each project in this book can be conjured by consulting a list of easy-to-locate materials and following the illustrated step-by-step instructions. The final chapter offers a small library of custom magical labels, perfect for sprucing up the finished projects. And for those interested in expanding their education beyond the magical realm, Labcraft Wizards also explores basic chemistry, encourages observation, speculation, and experimentation, and fuels the imagination.

Remember that because Labcraft Wizard projects are home-built, some experiments may need to be attempted several times, with students making adjustments and problem-solving.

Keep in mind that this book is for entertainment purposes only. It is written from the perspective that wizards and magic really exist, so some details may differ from actual facts. Please review the General Safety Rules on for your personal protection.

When exercising your magical abilities, be responsible and take every safety precaution. Using nonrecommended materials, assembling items improperly, mishandling tools, and not respecting heat and fire can all cause harm. Where indicated, adult supervision is required. Prior to starting a project, summon the appropriate safety equipment, especially safety glasses, and heatproof gloves or mitts when using fire.

Some of the projects outlined in this magical book require tools such as hobby knives, hot glue guns, and wire cutters that can cause injury if handled carelessly. Junior wizards should always be assisted by an adult when handling such tools. Tools need your full attention; make safety your number-one priority. If you have not used a particular tool before, ask someone to show you how to safely handle it. If you have trouble cutting, your knife may be dull or the selected material may be too hard; stop immediately and substitute one of the two.

Always be aware of your environment, including any non-magic bystanders. The advanced potion projectsCrystal Courage, Hot Ice, and Brew Slugsrequire the heating of liquids to boiling. If mishandled, these projects can cause serious harm. Projects that require fire should never be attempted around flammable liquids, curtains, or curious house trolls. Some projects require ingredients that are harmful or could cause property damage. Read all ingredient labels when handling.

I, understand that safety is my number-one priority.

NOTE TO SUPERVISING ADULTS: Ensure that your young wizard is always responsible and properly supervised when constructing the projects in this book. It is important that you understand that the author, the publisher, and the bookseller cannot and will not guarantee the projects safety. Those who attempt the projects described here do so at their own risk.

The Hot Glue Magic Wand is perfect for students who are just entering the world of magic. Constructed from everyday materials, this magic wand is both customizable and quick to assemble, making this a project perfect for mass production and outfitting a classroom full of wizards.

1 sheet of copy paper (8 by 11 inches)

Clear tape or masking tape

1 unsharpened wooden pencil

1 marble or similar small trinket Craft paint (brown suggested)

Hot glue gun

Pliers (optional)

Paintbrush

On a flat surface, slowly roll an 8-by-11-inch sheet of copy paper (or an old wizard wanted poster) into a tight paper cone. When finished, one end should come to a point, while the other end should have a - to -inch opening in it.

Once its tightly rolled, use clear tape or masking tape along the side of the cone to fasten it in place. The finished cone will be roughly 10 to 13 inches long.

Slide an unsharpened wooden pencil into the open end of the paper cone, with the eraser end facing out. Wedge the pencil into the tip of the cone until the combined assembly is 11 to 15 inches long. No two magic wands are identical, so the total length of the assembly may vary.

Secure the pencil by adding some hot glue to the open end of the paper cone, around the wedged pencil. Additional hot glue can be used to strengthen the wand tip as well.

With your fingers, dislodge the pencils eraser from the metal band that holds it in place. Pliers may be necessary if the eraser refuses to budge. Avoid bending the metal band when removing the eraser.

Add hot glue to the inside of the empty metal band, and then attach a small marble, stone, or acorn, or a similar small trinket. Add more hot glue around the bottom of the attached item for increased strength.