Harry Potter Winged Keys with Upcycled Marauder’s Map

This is a fun and easy DIY project that’s perfect for anyone who loves the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Here’s how to make some Harry Potter winged keys.

As a crafty Harry Potter fan, I love a magical creative project. Recently, I had an idea for how to upcycle two things in my craft stash that I’d been holding on to for years, a Marauder’s Map notepad and a set of ornate keys. 

Over the years, my friend and I have often bought each other Harry Potter-themed gifts. One year, we even bought each other the same Harry Potter gift!

image shows upcycled marauders map turned into winged keys from harry potter.

The notepad, a gift from my oldest friend, had been sitting in my stash for a while. Despite finishing the notepad about 15 years ago, I held on to the map as it has such a nice design. 

I had also been holding onto a set of ornate keys, waiting for the perfect project. I’ve finally found a use for them, and it’s a project that combines my love for Harry Potter and the fun of upcycling.

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Do It Over’ Designers is a group of talented bloggers who love to recycle, upcycle and DIY.

Check out all the ‘Do It Over Designers’ at the bottom to see their lovely do-overs too! 

This post includes affiliate links so you can easily find the products I use myself and recommend to friends. If you purchase these products, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

How to Make Harry Potter Winged Keys Step by Step 

Materials Needed

  • Marauder’s Map notepad (or any other paper with a Harry Potter design)
  • Ornate keys 
  • Scissors
  • Glue

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Supplies to Make Winged Keys

This is such an easy craft to make for a Harry Potter fan.

Fortunately. I already had all of the materials. The most important supplies for these winged keys are the ornate keys and Harry Potter-themed paper. 

image shows marauders map notepad and ornate keys.

You also need scissors, hot glue, and any additional embellishments you’d like to add such as thread for hanging. 

My Marauder’s Map has been sitting in my craft stash since I finished the notepad about 15 years ago. It was too interesting to throw away and needed to be upcycled into something.

image shows marauders map notepad unfolded.

If you don’t have such a treasure in your stash, you can use Marauder’s Map scrapbook paper. As long as it is paper or card, the flying keys will work well. 

Typically, DIY winged keys have clear or iridescent wings. They are lovely but the Marauder’s Map feels like a perfect design for Harry Potter-themed flying keys. The vintage-style map fits so well with what you would expect magical castle keys to look like.

Plus, the fact that the pages are double-sided makes it great for viewing the keys from any angle.

Step 2:  Free-hand Templates for the Wings

These ornate keys are of various sizes, which means that the wings need to be different sizes too.

It’s best to do a test template to see which size works well for each type of key. You can do single or double wings, or as I did, mix it up for some variation.

image shows ornate key with paper wing template.

If you don’t trust your drawing skills, it’s best to draw one half and fold it over to repeat the shape on the other side. Then even if the wing shape is unusual, it is still symmetrical.

Step 3: Cut Out Wings from Marauder’s Map

Carefully cut out the wing shapes from the Marauder’s Map notepad. Think about which parts of the map will be most interesting to use for the wings.

As there are lots of different shapes and text on the map, I used a variety of elements from it. My favourite bit might be the wing that says ‘Peeves may lurk here’.

image shows cutting out wings from marauders map.

If you want more intricate wings, you can add detail with black or gold pens or paint. It would give them a more ornate and mystical feel. 

templates of wings cut from paper marauders map.

Step 4: Attach the Marauder’s Map Wings to the Key

Finally, attach the wings to the keys using hot glue. You only need a tiny amount of glue as the paper or card is light.

image shows paper map attached to ornate key.

Harry Potter Winged Keys

By using different ornate keys and cutting our various shapes for the wings, you can easily create a host of interesting flying keys. You could also tie a ribbon around the key ring or add a small charm.

image shows flying keys made from marauders map paper.

I also added jewellery wire (or use a fishing line) to hang the keys from a mobile, as if they were flying. Alternatively, you could display them in a frame.

image shows flying keys from ornate keys and marauders map.

Isn’t this such a fun way to make use of your craft stash? Upcycling is a great way to create something truly unique.

image shows upcycled marauders map turned into winged keys from harry potter.

The map itself is such an iconic part of the Harry Potter series, and using it as the basis for the flying keys is a great way to pay homage to the original story.

If you loved this project, you’ll love these projects too:

image shows 5 paper easter eggs.

scrapbook paper eggs

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create aged look on glass

Finished old wooden chest

Faux finish Pirate Chest

image shows upcycled winged keys from marauders map and old keys.

Do It Over Designers

Check out more upcycled and unique creations from my blogging friends below.

Pandora’s Box

Purple Hues & Me

Unique Creations by Anita

Sum of Their Stories

Color Me Thrifty

Vintage Style Gal

The Apple Street Cottage

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Rachel
more posts by Rachel

Hi there! I'm Rachel Bowyer, a passionate DIY enthusiast with a knack for transforming the old into something beautifully new. With a deep love for furniture painting, refinishing, and the art of crafting. I've been documenting my DIY projects and restoration journey since 2018. I specialise in techniques like decoupage, stencilling, and decor transfers. Join me as we explore the world of creativity and home improvement, one project at a time.

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10 Comments

  1. Love the Harry Potter theme Rachel! That’s such a creative take on winged keys! The marauder’s map adds a magical touch that feels right at home in Hogwarts.

  2. What a fun way and idea for getting your ‘Do Over’ project created with an adorable Harry Potter craft! It’s too cool and unique, Rachel!

  3. These are so creative! What a great DIY for Harry Potter fans. I can see them tied to a ribbon and used as a bookmark or as Christmas ornaments!

  4. I love the idea of a flying mobile Rachel, it would be so cute in a nursery too. I’d love to have your stash of keys, what a wonderful thing to hang on to for the perfect project. I giggled, my free hand skills sometimes are not the best, and I fold paper in half too. I cannot get two sides to match to save my life! What a unique crafty idea.

  5. Your winged keys are so fun Rachel! I don’t know much about Harry Potter, but I love this project. They remind me of dragonflies and butterflies!

  6. What a wonderful way to upcycle a Marauder’s Map! I have a huge Harry Potter fan in my family that would LOVE this project. Thank you for sharing the idea, Rachel!

  7. These are great Rachel! My daughter-in-law is a huge Harry Potter fan and loves everything Harry Potter. I will be adding some of these to her collection.

  8. This is such a fun way to use a lovely old marauders map like this, the keys look great. I love the idea of hanging them as a mobile, they’d be fun hot glued around the top of a mirror too

  9. Patti @ Pandora's Box says:

    Cute project! Love the variety of keys you had in your stash!

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