February 2011

  • Setting The Table For A Mexican-Style Fiesta —For Purim or Anytime!

    Guess what friends, here's the crafting finale that I've been planning— now it's time to set the table for our Mexican-style fiesta! And Purim is three weeks away, so there's still time to make something this fun and festive happen at your house! It all starts with the right tablecloth, in this case a Mexican…

  • Welcome to Craft Schooling Sunday!

    Yet another great party last week with so many wonderful projects from around the world. From places like Turkey, Muldavia, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Poland, Canada, Italy, The United States, New Zealand and Slovenia! I'm really loving the combination of crafting, armchair traveling, and world geography — it sure does keep things interesting, don't…

  • Make Festive Napkin Rings From Recycled Plastic Bottles!

      Since we're on the topic of crafting with recycled plastic bottles and yarn, I bring you yet another simple idea: make napkin rings from pieces of plastic soda bottles that you've wrapped with yarn! So fun and colorful and perfect for the Mexican fiesta theme that I'm building on here. Or actually perfect for…

  • Recycle A Bleach Bottle & Make A Festive Yarn Wrapped Vase!

    As you know, I love recycling crafts, so when I realized that by cutting down a recycled bleach bottle I could make a festive vase for my Mexican-style paper flowers, well I just had to give it a try!  And guess what, it's so very simple, looks great and is a wonderful way to use…

  • Parsha Parenting: The Importance Of Family Meals

    This week in Parshas Vayakhel, we learn one very important lesson as parents: make an effort to eat meals together as often as possible. Yes, children grow and often have their own schedules that don't work with the rest of the family, and this can indeed be a challenge, but do make every effort to…

  • Parsha Parenting: Parshas Vayakhel

    In today’s world of medical and psychological studies, fascinating insights abound to help us understand the nature of human beings. Studies, however, come and go so quickly, that it is rare that we actually apply the proofs that they offer into our everyday lives. Some years ago, several studies proved the importance of families sitting…

  • A Whimsical Painted Fruit Centerpiece Will Make Them Smile!

      A painted Styrofoam fruit centerpiece is not only adorable but a super fun project for all ages. While I originally thought this would be the perfect centerpiece for a summer barbe-que, I decided that it would also be great for a Mexican style Purim fiesta, so here you have it. And I have to…

  • Mexican Style Crepe Paper Flowers….Gorgeous!

    I can't explain it, but Mexican style folded crepe paper flowers never looked so good, believe me they are gorgeous! I am honestly planning to fill the house with them for Purim…..decorating the tops of frames, attached to the arms of my chandelier and pouring out of tall vases like these. Oh, and I'm planning…

  • A Roundup Of Purim Costumes From The Archives!

    Purim is in four weeks, which means we do have time to make this Purim memorable for our kids if we start now. I'd suggest first working on the costumes and then figuring out the Mishloach Manot and the other festivities. Here's a little inspiration to get you started! And you might like to read…

  • Welcome To Craft Schooling Sunday!

    Another super party last week! Thanks so much to all of you who linked up and added to the amazing wealth of inspiration from around the world. You know, from places like Serbia, Sweden, Canada, England, The United States, Israel, and Poland, for starters! I think you'll like this week's picks, there's something for everyone!…

  • Parsha Parenting: Celebrating & Nurturing The Qualitites Unique To Women

    The lessons we learn from this week's Parsha, Parsha Ki Sisi, are the kind of lessons that we, as women and mothers can use not to say "ha, told you so", to the men in our lives, but rather to quietly absorb and use to boost our confidence in everything we do. Women have unique…

  • Clowning Around: A Simple & Fun Paper Clown Project For Kids!

    Colorful paper clown faces make great decorations for Purim or even your next circus themed party! My kids loved this project so much that it kept them busy for several evenings on the dining room table. I'd love to show you better photos, but with the rainy weather this week, we'll have to settle for…