Those of us who grew up reading J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series have always dreamed of receiving our own letter from Hogwarts. But all Ella has to do is step into her wardrobe to join the magical world of witches and wizards!
The little girl from London, England, is reading the first novel with her dad Dylan and has already fallen head over heels for the story. That’s what inspired the creative father to bring a piece of it into their home.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Dylan spent months plotting a surprise for Ella’s birthday in September. Then, on the big day, he revealed his masterpiece.
“So we played hide-and-seek when she got home from school. After a few goes, she decided to hide in the wardrobe which had a curtain behind it,” Dylan explained. “She didn’t find it straightaway, but she also knew I had made something for her so her first words were, ‘I can see something in here,’ then silence as she walked in, and then, ‘Can we keep this here forever?!'”
Behind the wardrobe was a “Harry Potter” lover’s paradise! Dylan had built a mini replica of Diagon Alley, a shopping area for the magical world, for Ella to explore.
All the street’s beloved shops were there, including Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlor, Ollivander’s wand shop, and Eeylops Owl Emporium.
After working out all the details, Dylan spent a month building the street and stores behind the wardrobe.
He used wood and a cutting machine to craft the storefronts, transformed donated picture frames into windows, and had his mom paint the signs. Then came the fun part: filling the shops with decorations he found on the internet.
The attention to detail is amazing, from the wallpapered bookstore…
…to the drawers in Ollivander’s, which are filled with iconic items from the books.
Ella even got her own reading nook above the bookstore, which she quickly covered with cushions from their living room.
But the best part? She and her dad spent that whole weekend enjoying her gift together!
Best birthday present ever! We’re not sure how Dylan will top this next year, but something tells us Ella will still be spending plenty of time inside her dad’s marvelous creation. We can’t help but ask: When can we visit?
Share this awesome project with other “Harry Potter” fans.
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