The Hobbit: DIY Hobbit Hole Jar

With the release of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies coming to theaters soon, I decided what more perfect birthday gift to make for my Tolkien-obsessed friend than a hobbit hole in a jar? This artificial terrarium specifically features Bag End, the home of Bilbo Baggins.

Okay, so I will admit, I am not the biggest Hobbit/Lord of the Ring fan. I have read the first and second LOTR books, watched the first movie, and watched the first two Hobbit movies, but that is the extent of my knowledge. However, this is my friend's favorite series and so I knew this would be a meaningful gift.

So here below I have posted a few pictures of the finished product. Unfortunately I don't have pictures for the steps, but if you would like written instructions, I can provide them.

Front view of Bag End. Photo credit: Allison Gens

Close-up view of the front of Bag End. Photo Credit: Allison Gens

So I am a little bit crazy and decided to take this craft to another level: Making the inside of Bag End. Here are a few images of the inside of the house.

Back view of Bag End. Photo credit: Allison Gens

Close-up view of the inside. Photo Credit: Allison Gens

I took this jar a step further, and with the help of my dad, we installed a solar-powered (that works in indoor light too) into the jar lid so that it would illuminate the front at night!

Lit-up jar. Photo Credit: Nick Burch

And here's a look at the lid that I made to put on the jar in case he decides not to light it up anymore. I based it off the original cover of The Hobbit. Since I do not have Photoshop, I had to make this entire image on Powerpoint using basic shapes and editing the points, which took an excessive amount of hours, but was entirely worth it.

The jar lid. Photo Credit: Nick Burch

So there is my Hobbit Hole in a Jar.

--The Informed Artist

Sochi 2014: Closing Ceremony

image: guardianlv.com

So the Sochi Winter Olympics have come to a close. The Closing Ceremony was an incredible event. It was graceful, sentimental, and beautiful. It truly contrasted to the London Closing Ceremony, which was more vibrant instead of traditional.

Seeing the torch go out was a very emotional moment. It marked the end of a remarkable two weeks when the the mascot polar bear blew out the torch, and then shed a tear.

I wish the Olympics will continue, but before we get to Rio 2016, it is time that I take my blog back to its originally planned schedule.

Beginning next week, I will be following the weekly schedule of quotes, thoughts, crafts, news stories, and photos. It will start with my February photo of the month.

Stay tuned for one of my favorite crafts: a Hobbit Hole in a Jar! I am going to post it closer to the release date of the DVD, which is April 8 (tentatively). I am excited about sharing this post with you!