fairy wand cover girl 2364

For children planning to dress up as an enchanted fairy (such as Tinkerbell) for Halloween, a fairy wand is an absolute must to complete the costume. Here are instructions for an easy do-it-yourself fairy wand, using minimal materials. To add sparkle, check your jewelry box for a single dangly earring whose match is lost or a single crystal from a long-forgotten light fixture.

Supplies

18-gauge craft wire in gold or colored anodized aluminum

Four-inch cookie cutter (we used a star)

Wire cutters

Dangly earring or a crystal with a hole for threading

1/8-inch dowel or chopstick

Small packet of crystal sequins (6 or 8 mm)

Ribbon in two coordinating colors

Glitter

White craft glue

Hot glue gun

Hot glue stick

Directions

  1. Leaving a 2” tail, press the craft wire around the exterior of the cookie cutter and mold into shape. Leaving another 2” tail, snip the end of the wire. Remove the cookie cutter and twist the tails together. Repeat to create two of the same shape (ours is a star).
    wand A 2364

  2. Place one star inside the other at a 90-dgree angle and twist the tails together to form a “cage.” 
    wand B 2364

  3. Cut a 5” piece of wire and thread through the earring or crystal. Bend the wire in half, twist and secure the top of the stars together with the ends of this wire, so that the crystal dangles in the center of the stars. Reshape stars, if needed.
    wand C 2364

  4. Glue the tail pieces to the dowel so that the star “cage” sits directly on top of the dowel. 

  5. Glue a few crystals to the top of the star to secure and cover the wired end.

  6. Cut several 6” pieces of ribbon and glue around the top of the wand so that they flow freely. Wrap a longer, 12” piece of ribbon around the tops of these ribbons to cover the glue and wire. Glue a few more crystal sequins for added bling and to cover any unsightly spots. 

  7. Sparingly drizzle some craft glue around the crystal sequins and sprinkle immediately with glitter. Let dry for 4 hours.

____________

Emily Dolton is an artist and mom of two boys who insists sawdust and dirt are simply different types of glitter.

For more costume ideas, visit our Pinterest board at www.pinterest.com/sandiegofamily.  Fairy princess photo by Andy McRory.

____________

Where to Celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month in San Diego

Where to Celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month in San Diego

Celebrate the unique culture and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) throughout the month of May and all year long! Below is a list of family-friendly AAPI Heritage Month e . . .

Read more

Free Summer Concerts around San Diego County 2026

Free Summer Concerts around San Diego County 2026

San Diego’s Free Summer Concerts 2026 Start the summer on a high note! From Carlsbad to Chula Vista and El Cajon to Downtown San Diego, there are free summer concerts happening all over San Diego . . .

Read more

How to Have a Retro Summer: Iconic activities and old school games

How to Have a Retro Summer: Iconic activities and old school games

The kids are out of school—it’s time to simplify the schedule and encourage as much outdoor play as possible. Have an old-school, retro summer!   What is a Retro Summer? What does it mean . . .

Read more

10 Simple Pleasures Kids Will Love this Summer

10 Simple Pleasures Kids Will Love this Summer

When I think back on my childhood summers, it’s the simple pleasures I remember most. Running barefoot in the grass. Romping with my dog in the backyard. Reading my favorite book in a shady spot u . . .

Read more

9 Ways to Celebrate Summer Solstice

9 Ways to Celebrate Summer Solstice

In San Diego, June 20 marks the longest day of the year and heralds the start of the beloved summer season: summer solstice. The summer solstice presents another opportunity for families to celebrat . . .

Read more

Summer Fun Bingo for Families

Summer Fun Bingo for Families

Looking for awesome unplugged activities for the kids or family this summer? Use our free, printable Summer Bingo game as a guide. You’ll find quintessential summer fun like water balloon fights, su . . .

Read more

119 Dad-Approved Gifts

119 Dad-Approved Gifts

Every Dad is unique, so have the kids spend time thinking about what they can do, make or give him that will speak to his soul and make him feel special, whether it's Father’s Day, Christmas or an . . .

Read more

Father's Day in San Diego: events, gifts, tips and more

Father's Day in San Diego: events, gifts, tips and more

   Wondering how to celebrate Father's Day in San Diego this year? Find events, recipes, crafty handmade presents, and Dad-approved gift ideas to show the dads in your life how much they ar . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe