A Story of Mandrakes

Making-of / 31 January 2022

Materials and tools used :

Matérials

Tools

Stylus (sculpture) - https://amzn.to/346celF
Silicone shapers (sculpture) - https://amzn.to/3HlAq1V
Hairdryer - https://amzn.to/3ocWMv2
Sticks - https://amzn.to/3Hir5YP
Nitrile gloves - https://amzn.to/35DYPlq
Filter mask - https://amzn.to/3J83rij
Paint brushes - https://amzn.to/3HiFsMK
Camera + Lens - https://amzn.to/34p6FyM
Lightning - https://amzn.to/3oeZTTb
Gimbal - https://amzn.to/3rcFfFe
Monitoring screen - https://amzn.to/3oemdw7
Articulated arm - https://amzn.to/32OkG8I

Amazon affiliate links

A short Storytelling

Almost 5 years! It was in 2016 that we started considering making cosplay and propmaking our full-time job. It was also at this time that our little mandrakes were born!

We have been asked to participate in a Harry Potter-themed event in Mulhouse (France). We didn’t want to show up there empty-handed, so we started brainstorming ideas for props that we could do in a week or two. Appreciating the saga, without being unconditional fans (sorry to disappoint you dear Potterheads friends!), we rather oriented ourselves towards the field of magic and fantastic creatures in the broader sense of the theme.

It was then that I drew the first sketches of what would become our bestseller.

Crafting the mandrakes

Have you ever wondered how we create our mandrakes? Check this video to see them coming to “life”:

Find the list of materials, tools and video equipment that were used for this making-of at the beginning and end of this article!

Variations & Goodies

Christmas Mandrakes

In December 2017, we created the Christmas mandrakes: a small variation with holly leaves and embellished with a mini pine cone.

Zombie Mandrake (Agaricus)

A new and more “spooky” version was released in October 2020! New sculpture in Monster Clay this time with a more autumnal atmosphere for the Halloween period. Small mushrooms, bare brains and pale complexion, here is the little Mandragora Agaricus. And new, it is also available in a version to paint yourself!

Stickers (& Goodies?)

Latest addition, our mandrakes are now available as stickers! These illustrations (also homemade) were first proposed as t-shirts, mugs and other accessories on an online platform. As the quality has not been there, we are still thinking about finding another platform or a supplier so that we may be able to offer you new goodies one day!

The mandrakes to conquer the world!

Since 2016, more than a thousand mandrakes have been adopted around the world! From Spain to Scandinavia, from the United States to Australia, via Singapore… they don’t intend to stop there!

Mandrakes adopted from September 2016 to January 2022 – light green = a few / dark green = many 🙂

A little preview of some mandrakes in their new homes! Thank you to everyone who sends us photos of their little leafy companions ❤️ (source : Etsy)

How about adopting yours?

Classic Mandrakes : https://www.blackowlstudio.com/en/produit/mandrake/

Christmas Mandrakes : https://www.blackowlstudio.com/en/produit/christmas-mandrake/

Zombie Mandrake : https://www.blackowlstudio.com/en/produit/mandrake-zombie-agaricus/

Do-it-yourself zombie mandrake : https://www.blackowlstudio.com/en/produit/mandrake-zombie-raw-cast/

Mandrakes Stickers : https://www.blackowlstudio.com/en/produit/stickers-mandrakes/

Also available in our Etsy shop : https://www.etsy.com/fr/shop/BlackOwlStudio

Mandrakes are regularly victims of their success and fly away as soon as a new stock is born. However, you can register on our site or on Etsy to be informed by email as soon as they are available again, think about it!