For our wooden anniversary, my husband and I thought it would be nice to exchange gifts. My husband is a man of many interests and talents. Unfortunately, none of his talents would be considered "mainstream." So, when I decided that a magic wand would be the perfect wooden gift for him, I had no idea where I would even find one. After doing some super secret undercover work (looking up the magic forums he reads), I located a website... and from there, I located a conversation thread about magic wands... and from there, I located a magic wand maker: Michael of Moonlight Magic.
Although I have never met, or talked to, Michael in person, from the very first email correspondence, I could tell he was an expert at his craft.
I could go on and on about how awesome Michael was, but I don't want this blog post to sound like a Yelp review so I'll simply state the facts:
Michael and I corresponded via email at least 52 times. That means I probably bothered him at least 36 times about color and wood choice and who-knows-what-because-I-am-so-indecisive. And he responded promptly every single time.
I told him that we had little ones and I thought something to protect the wand would be helpful. So he made me this case. He MADE this! Like... with his hands!
- Michael recommended Yew Burl wood for the tips of the wand. I thought they were too "mature" looking because I still like to think I am "young and hip"... and so is my husband. So I asked for the Cocobolo tips. Then I thought... no, he is the expert. Yew Burl. But... really... we are young and hip and cool so Cocobolo. Due to my indecisiveness (see above), he recommended 2 different sets of wooden tips and spacers for the wand. Because Michael's wands have removable pieces, my husband essentially has 2 different wands. Did I tell you he made this case?!
- Last, but definitely not least, he made a baby wand for one of our little ones. My husband and I have decided that we will see who grows up to take an interest in magic and gift that wand to the "worthy" child. Or... we might just have to order another baby wand from Michael.
Michael, thank you so much for the hard work you put into emailing me back and making this beautiful wand for my husband. He absolutely loves it. And, you were right... he likes the Yew Burl tips better.