Hello. When it comes to making wands, it kinda comes down to what you want to do. Some people use crystals, she don't. Some paint them, others don't. The point is, make it something unique, something that is yours.
it depends what you want to use it for...i use an athame (knife) and its really more of an optional thing.sometimes I use a lavender woven wand which I burn while I use it. there are plenty of youtube videos that show you multiple types of wands and how to make them
A wand is an optional tool used to direct energy. Some use them to cast a circle, some use them to symbolically draw a sigil in the air, some point them in a cardinal direction when casting, some point them towards the target or a symbol of the target, etc... If it helps think of a wand in a somewwhat ficitonal sense like Harry Potter as a wand is a conduit through which your energy flows in order to conentrate it which is also how it is sometimes described in fiction though there's no fancy wand waving in this class :). A wand can be a piece of wood, a crystal point, a metal rod such as copper, or a combination thereof. Some people attach crystals to wood or metal wands, carve their own out of wood while often placing sigils or symbols on them, use a blade like an athame in place of a wand, etc... Some even use staffs, though that is a bit more...dramatic than many desire not to mention cumbersome as the use is identical as a wand with no added benefit except perhaps theatrical showmanship.
Another more vivid example of how a wand is used is this: Visualize energy flowing around and through your body harnessed not only from yourself but nature around you, then picture the energy pooling and collecting in your dominant hand and flowing into the object you are using as a wand, and then picture the energy flowing outward in a more compressed/compact form out of the "wand" and towards your target. Like an orchestra conductor you are using the wand to direct though rather than people it is directing your energy :).
Read the pinned post in this forum by SilverVixen called "How to make a wand". Though she is no longer a member, her post is a good step by step way to creating a wand.
The way I made mine was something like this:
Find a tree- (the classic types of wood are willow, oak, and ash.)
Meditate on making a wand near your chosen tree. If you feel guilty, don't take and wood from the tree!
Cut a branch with an athame- (other sacred knives also work)
Sand off the bark.
Whistle on any designs you may want, such as a pentagram.
To add extra power you may chose to glue or wire wrap a gemstone to the tip.
And there you have it! A wand. :)
There's a more in depth article on wikihow. (Wikihow to make a Wiccan wand)
Pretty much making a wand is limited by your imagination. I have three - an athame (Well.. not technically a 'wand'), a carved tree branch with a crystal on its end and sometimes I'll use an incense stick.
As to how to use use them - circle casting is the most popular way of using it. Cutting doors in circles once they're up is another way and using it to 'stir' energy, say in a cauldron, is another easy method of using a wand. :)
