Charmed (2018)

In 2018, the Charmed Reboot was brought to us by The CW. And as with tradition, all the spells, potions and demons that required illustration for placement in their family Book of Shadows. Lasting for just Four Seasons, we were graced with the appearance of many books throughout the season, some belonging to previous network shows and others completely original to the show itself.

In honour of the shows original artists, I have spent the past few years creating and designing my very own entries regarding the spells, potions, rituals, demons and general information on tools and artifacts used or mentioned in each episode.

Focusing on the styles we have already seen, whilst building and creating my own designs and layouts that can honour and contribute to all the detailed and remarkable work already within the BoS, this project allows for the magic to continue on, allowing me to expand on the artwork not just for the Vera Book of Shadows, but also the Book of Elders, the BoS21 (Mels BoS) and Francesca Jamiesons Potion Book.

Vera Book of Shadows S1/S4

Replicating the Vera Book of Shadows

This opening section is going to focus on the Cover for the Vera Book of Shadows, but firstly, I would like to say a special thank you to:

Metallic Elephant™️, ArjunCreations™️ and Nico Barbieri.

Without their help with all the metal work, embossing and embellishments, I would not have been able to achieve such a high quality prop replica.

Resin Embellishments

Resin embellishments by ArjunCreations™️

In order for this build to be successful, I knew I just had to source the exact brass pieces that were "used" by the original creator, Levi Woods (Drawbridge Props). I say "used" because it turns out they were specially made for this prop alone and could not be reproduced due to copyright and licensing etc.

And so I took it upon myself to get a detailed sketch drawn up of each corner and side clasps, and sought out the marvellously talented ArjunCreations™️ to have each piece crafted via 3D printed resin and finished with his brilliant skills.

ArjunCreations™️ Etsy

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Metal Symbol

This piece of the cover project was the only piece that was not designed or created by myself, but I was however, gifted the three piece set from a dear friend in Italy no less.

I couldn't have been any more proud of his work and results and even moreso grateful to have received not just one set, but two in the mail.

Carefully crafted and measured to size, they were the perfect addition that brings the magic to my replica.

Brass Stamp Dyes

As with the Resin Embellishments, these dyes were produced from a vector image, which was then sent off to Metallic Elephant™️ who specialise in hot foil stamping.

The dyes were produced and delivered with brilliant customer service and honestly, the final results could not have been any more perfect.

Final Result (Real Prop Comparison)

TV Prop (Left), DuC Prop Replica (Right)

Book of Elders S2-S4

Replicating the Book of Elders

"The Book of Elders contains the greatest secrets and spells in all of witchcraft. Old magic. Dead magic. Healing magic. Dangerous magic..."

- The Sentinel, 203 Careful What You Witch For

Said to hold over a thousand pages, it is written in the language of the Elders and contains powerful magic, and is enchanted to prevent anyone with a demonic aura from touching it.

Resin Cypher

Due to the language that the Book of Elders was written in, it was unreadable without aid from the Elders. The Elders created a magical cypher, which they entrusted to the Sentinel for safekeeping.

Screen Comparison 203, Careful What You Witch For

Teaming up with ArjunCreations™️ again for this beautifully rendered screen accurate piece, the Scarab like Cypher was 3D printed with resin, spray painted gold and giving a black acrylic wash to give it a weathered and textured appeal; it was finished with the magnifying dome in the centre.

Resin Cypher by ArjunCreations™️

Replica Artwork

Replica Artwork by DuCProps/ Harry DuCassé

The Book of Elders is a Grimoire containing custom original designs filled with Cryptic symbols and magical geometric illustrations depicted in various layers throughout each page.

Bound in the same classical style as the Book of Shadows, only wrapped in a single sheet of leather with a stitched and threaded spine and a gold filled engraved pattern on the front.

Replicating the artwork was a hard task, but left me with a great feeling of accomplishment. The official pages and artwork are available on various online platforms.

Original Artwork by Snipperwitch/ Alicia Lynn Chaa

Elder Magic Lives On

Though the BoE was written in various languages such as Elder, Brujeria, Sumerian, Coptic, Cunieform; when the Cypher was glided of the text, an English translation would appear through the magnifying lense.

And as the same with the Book of Shadows, I have a project alongside replicating which consists of creating and designing pages for spells, potions, rituals, demons, creatures and beings, seen or used throughout the 4 Season Series;

This too stems over to the Book of Elders, from S2-S4 it was mentioned that there were various spells and entries said to be in the Grimoire or either by use of Elder Magic, such as A Lost Memory Balm and Nimues Circle of Entrapment.

I will be creating an English written text style with similar influences as the original artwork in order to continue on the magic, it is said to contain over 1,000 pages after all.