creative jewish mom

A Recycled Crafts For Passover Round-Up From The Archives

With Passover arriving Friday night, and preparations in full swing, now is a great time to keep the kids busy with some fun Passover recycling crafts in anticipation of the holiday! We're running a bit late with our crafting so I've reached into the archives to share some nice projects from past years.

Above: Get a head start on the holiday that we celebrate at the end of Passover, "shvi shel Pesach" the 7th day of Passover in which we remember the splitting of the Red Sea, with this fun wine cork people and recycled cardboard splitting of the red sea diorama.

Frogs are one of the ten plagues and a great thing to bring out at the seder table to get the kids excited, and these recycled lid and bottle cap frogs are perfect!

And of course, every Passover table needs a recycled bottle cup of Eliyahu, and you can even fill this one up with grape juice as the haggadah instructs us to do.

If you've got lots of plastic container covers hanging around, cut shapes relevant to Passover, like these wine goblet decorations from recycled plastic.

And of course spare pillow cases in solid colors can be decorated and used for this Passover seder pillowcases craft!

Hope that is enough to get you started, I'll be back with some more roundups and hopefully some new crafts as well.

Passover Craft For Kids: Recycled Soda Bottle Elijah's Cup!

Here's a super simple recycling craft for Passover that I just whipped up, maybe to inspire my kids to make some more, but certainly to inspire you to do the same at your house! A recycled soda bottle and CD Eliyahu's cup decorated with washi tape (or a myriad of things that you have on hand) is a fun craft for all ages, and for the little ones, an adult can assemble the cup and then hand it over for the decorating.

Best of all, you very likely have all the supplies on hand! So make a bunch of these to add some excitement for the coming holiday, and you can even use them as little vases if you like.

You'll Need:

• a recycled soda bottle
• 3 soda bottle caps
• a CD
• washi tape
• hot glue or gorilla glue (to be used by an adult)

How To: Cut the bottom portion plus some off your bottle, make a cut with a knife and then finish cutting with sharp scissors. Decorate the CD before assembling, and one can decorate the cup as well, if desired.

Glue it all together in this order: CD, bottle cap right side down, bottle cap upside down, bottle cap right side down, bottle. You will have to use glue sparingly if you don't want it to leak out the sides, but if it does, that is okay, the main thing is to make a secure join. Decorate the cup with washi tape, and the neck as well. One can of course glue on buttons and little pom poms as well, or do tissue paper collage.

That is all for now, a huge list of things to do for Passover still awaits!

 

Huevos Haminados Decorated Eggs For Passover!

Photo Credit: aglaiakremezi.com

For all of you out there, who like me, get just a little bit jealous of all those beautiful dyed egg crafts floating around the internet just about now, I have GREAT NEWS for you......there is actually a Jewish tradition that includes decorating eggs in a gorgeous artful way for Passover (and some possibly do it for Shabbat as well) called huevos haminados! And of course a roasted egg is one of the symbolic foods we place on the seder plate.

Okay, I know, this comes at a time when you don't have even an extra minute to think about decorating eggs Jewish style, but keep this in mind for next year, or even do it during the week of Passover, who can resist? Oh, and of course, this isn't just a decorative thing, the eggs are eaten as they have a distinct flavor and creamy texture! And best of all, no food coloring involved!

Now, where in fact this tradition of decorating eggs came from, it is hard to say, but since it dates back to the Ladinos, the Sephardic Jews exciled from Spain in 1492, I think it is okay to go ahead and just enjoy, as this definitely pre-dates that cute little bunny and the chicks and the colored eggs by hundreds of years.

 

Photo Credit: thekitchn.com

For more gorgeous photos and a recipe, check out this post, but don't miss this post which is from a wonderful site I just discovered called Aglaia's Table. Aglaia lives on Kia Island in the Cyclades (Greece) and has some amazing recipes for Mediterranean cuisine on her site. I even found a recipe for young pickled grapes that my husband is very fond of and tried to make last summer (at the time I found it quite strange, now I see it is a regional cuisine kind of thing!) 

And by the way, if egg decorating still rubs you wrong, get this: I looked up the origin of egg decorating, and as it turns out, it is not just a long standing Eastern European decorative art, it is also a Persian tradition for the Spring Equinox (from which the egg decorating that goes with the bunny came, apparently), as well as an Egyptian tradition.

Enjoy, and happy Passover preparations!

Welcome To Craft Schooling Sunday!

Welcome to Craft Schooling Sunday, a wonderful little international linky party with contributors from around the world. Thanks for joining me here, just under a week before the holiday of Passover, with still so much to do, and hopefully some crafting for the holiday too, time will tell! Last week's party was as always full of great inspiration, some of which I have curated for you here:

Simply elegant crocheted forcing jar covers from haak en maak (the Netherlands) and gorgeous knit fingerless gloves from Ginx Craft (United Kingdom)

 A gorgeous crocheted spring brooch from little treasures (Macedonia)

Love this carrot gift box from crafty journal (USA) that you could use to hold healthy treats, and these mama bead coasters from pysselbolaget (Sweden)

An adorable little pom pom bunny from ash and crafts (USA), and great looking and super simple DIY felt activity board from homemade interest (USA)

Fun embroidered quote from howling at the moon (the Netherlands) and cheerful fabric filled embroidery hoop wall art from my home is my castle (Sweden)

Mini crocheted bag from homemade at my place (Mozambique) and a fun crocheted rainbow blanket from my world of crochet (Germany)

 Love these fruit cards with some simple added embroidery from my home is my castle (Sweden)

A spiral hook tutorial from jewelry making journal (USA) and fun felt flower necklaces from moms and crafters (USA) That is it for the features, what have you been up to?

An InLinkz Link-up

Decorating With Cut Flowers (Now That Your Home Is Sparkling Clean!)

Photo credit: susanfindley.com

Gorgeous cut flowers are the perfect way to reward yourself after you've scoured your house from top to bottom in preparation for Passover, don't you think? And even if you haven't participated in this yearly ritual that connects the physical and the spiritual, (which is why we take it so seriously) and reminds us what it must have been like to have been delivered from slavery in Egypt, you still deserve some gorgeous cut flowers, just because! While you're at it, why not have fun with those flowers and turn them into a work of art by choosing interesting vessels and placing them in somewhat unexpected places, namely not just the center of the table! (Though of course, that can be lovely as well, not knocking it.) And with internet flower selection now easier than ever, you don't even need to run to the florist! For those of you living in Australia, you might want to check out this Perth flower delivery shop with fresh flowers.

I love the top photo, not just because the combination of coral flowers with some small white blooms is stunning, but because the container is a fairly simple DIY burlap vase! Get a large can, or a cylindrical vase of some kind, cut a piece of fine burlap or linen to wrap around it, and using rubber stamps, simply stamp an image onto the burlap. So simple right? Of course it helps if you have the perfect stamp, but maybe now you have the excuse to buy one! Or if you need to make a bunch of centerpieces, say for a wedding or special event, why not plan ahead and have a stamp made? Just be aware that the details don't come out very crisp on account of the burlap, but certainly large intials could be legible.

Photo credits: bucketsofburlap.blogspot.com and dreamywhites.blogspot.com

Aqua colored mason jars always look fresh and spring-like and make great simple vases, as do white vintage pitchers in any size.

Photo credit: blog.damasketdentelle.com

And using a collection of vintage creamers, sugar bowls and even bud vases, is a great way to create a stunning vignette in just a few minutes, love that!

Photo credit: susanfindley.com

If you happen to own a footed bowl or urn, use that to make an arrangement that is casual yet very elegant. You just need a piece of floral foam and a bunch of flowers and some branches, and you really can't go wrong! Depending on the season, there are very often interesting berries and pods that one can also include in the arrangement.

Photo credit: acreativemint.com

But if you prefer to keep it simple, a single bloom in a colored glass can be a wonderful way to spread joy around the house. And come to think of it, a single bloom in a clear glass, or crystal glass looks pretty good too. So now you really don't have any excuses!

Note: Here in Israel we are observing the year of rest for the land, which is called shmittah, and occurs every seventh year. During shmittah one can certainly cut flowers from one's own garden, but raising flowers commercially is not permitted, so if you live in Israel please buy imported flowers, or those with rabbinic approval. Bet you never thought you'd need a rabbi's advice regarding which flowers to buy, now did you? Think again!

Super Simple Crocheted Beaded Necklace To Complete Any Outift!

If you need a necklace to complete an outfit, and you can crochet a chain, then you can whip up a super simple yet elegant beaded crocheted necklace in about ten minutes! This necklace was born, because my 12.5 year old daughter who has recently become fashion conscious and is learning to sew (a great combo!) said "I really need a long necklace with burgundy stones here and there to go with the faux leather burgundy skirt and creme quilted shirt (that I sewed myselt!)" Hmmm said mom, and after a trip to a special jewelry sale yielded nothing, my daughter actually agreed that I could make something, but what?

DIY T-Shirt Yarn Is The Perfect Way To Do Spring Cleaning!

While you are cleaning out those closets, do put aside some of your kids old t-shirts, as well as anything made from jersey fabric, like undershirts, and collared polo shirts, to make your own t-shirt yarn! If you stumble across a sheet made from jersey fabric while you're cleaning out the linen closet, you've struck gold! (Just by the way, jersey fabric is knit fabric, like that used to make underwear, t-shirts, and other items.)

Welcome To Craft Schooling Sunday!

Welcome to Craft Schooling Sunday! I'm rushing to get this party posted, so I'll just say wow! about last weeks party, and what a cozy party it was indeed, with so many lovely crocheted blankets! And now for the features from talented and beloved crafters from around the world:

A Monet water lilies inspired gift packaging from Aunt Peaches (USA) and a pixelated wall hanging using tp tube that is truly fabulous from pysselbolaget (Sweden).

  A truly lovely combination of crocheted cherry blossoms and origami birds from Haak En Maak (The Netherlands)

DIY washi tape from ash and crafts (USA) and a fun button ring DIY from jewelry making journal (USA.)

Adorable hand painted glasses, (a great idea for Passover! ) from homemade interest, and a fun elastic beaded bracelet that is great for the elderly and the very young, from Ginx Craft (United Kingdom)

 A gorgeous work in progress, a crocheted African daisy blanket from Lanas De Ana (Guatemala)

Looking at this crocheted star blanket from a k at home (the Netherlands) makes me so very happy, and this crocheted creature from joy jonne (The Netherlands) would love great on any child's bed!

Another shot of this out of this world crocheted star blanket from A K at home (The Netherlands) and gotta love that super cute room!

 A crocheted owl baby blanket from little treasures (Macedonia) and a sweet little crocheted star from howling at the moon (The Netherlands)

 Yet another fun crocheted blanket masterpiece from Chris in de haak (The Netherlands.)

A tiny crocheted blanket in a fun color from eye love knots (USA), and a cute crocheted poncho from anna simple crochet (Portugal.)

A sweet little paper plate and tissue paper spring craft from the gingerbread house (UK) and a great drawing exercise from Anu rainy drops (India). That is it for the features, what have you been up to?

Decorate Your Next Party Or Event With Plants, And You Can Even Rent Them!

Limelight hydrangea topiaries flanking the entrance impart a casual elegance. Photo credit: mgaarchitects.com

When it comes to planning an event or a special party, there's really no limit to the kind of space one can use depending of course on the occasion. Industrial loft spaces and rustic barns are very popular for weddings, for example, though truthfully even a space that lacks character can, with just a bit of creativity, be transformed into something truly special.

How you ask? Well, if you're a crafter like me, you might envision walls filled with paper flowers and garlands hanging from the ceiling, but realistically to pull something like that off in a big way would take a whole team hundreds of hours, so I have an idea that you may not have thought of! Make your next event gorgeous with rented plants! And you can even rent indoor plants online! Sounds like a great solution to me! (Well, that is for most of you out there, who unlike me, wouldn't want the responsibility of caring for all those plants after the event!)

So with the idea of using plants to make a rented space, or even your own home look fantastic for that special event or party that you are planning, I've gathered a few photos that I hope will inspire you to take my advice.

 Large rustic containers filled with canna and sweat potato vine  Photo credit: truexcullins.com

First of all, do give the entrance some thought, as first impressions are always important, and truly set the stage. Several pots of plants, well placed and in keeping with the surroundings can add just the right touch, without going overboard. I love the hydrangea standards in the top photo, and their wild elegant look is perfect for a traditional porch. If your location is more on the rustic side, try large planters with thriller, filler, and spiller plants, in this case, above, canna and sweet potato vine. (And of course if these planters are assembled just for an event, they would certainly not be full of soil, but rather made to look that way.)

An elegant lady palm graces an entry way. Photo credit: charliebarnettassoc.com

Historic spaces can be wonderful locations for parties and events, but are generally on the bare side. Rented plants to the rescue! Something as simple as a large palm, in this case a Lady Palm, does wonders.

An artful assortment of interesting potted plants. Photo credit: laurenliess.com

Then again, if the entryway in your party space doesn't include a grand staircase, something as simple as as a rustic table propped with an eclectic variety of small plants could look amazing. Top it off with a vintage looking botanic poster, and a vintage crystal chandelier, and WOW!

Hanging hoya vines look fantastic. Photo credit: unknown

Once inside, create drama and interest with a series of hanging plants, or a series of large identical pots.

 

 And don't forget that filling a corner with a large palm is always a great idea that is elegant and yet simple.

Barcelona loft. Photo credit: vuong.es Plants see here include: ponytail palm, forward, strelitzia in corner, papyrus to the left and what appears to be a ficus of some kind or specifically a fiddle leaf fern on the right.

If your taste runs more in the bohemian direction, or rather ethnic boho (?) jungalow, try propping with an assortment of tropical plants that become sculptures in themselves set against blank walls. Yes, this photo does show a porch, but a similar look could be achieved in any blank corner.

An interesting pot filled with sansevieria. Photo credit: bethkoobydesign.com

And last but not least, don't forget about the bathroom! Whether your space is light-filled like this one, or not, a sansevieria plant can do just fine with very little light, even for a week or more. Bathrooms that lack design (unlike this example, of course) can at the least be transformed into a pleasant space with just a few plants, so get creative!

I happen to love plants and so I could go on and on, but I think I've given you enough inspiration to get those gears turning. And who knows, maybe you'll even have to come up with an event in order to try your hand at decorating with plants, and I for one wouldn't blame you!

Another Crocheted Mosaic Stripes Scarf, So Simple So Great Looking!

When you are the crocheter in the family, you certainly won't be surprised when young relatives request some crocheted scarves in specific colors, and if you're me you'll be overjoyed to know what exactly you can make them! My 3 neices requested scarves, as when I saw them a month or so ago, there was still plenty of snow everywhere. Now, the weather is warming up, but I'm thinking they might still have a few cool days and nights in which to enjoy the scarves I've made just for them, including this crocheted mosaic stripes scarf, which I actually crocheted before I crocheted the sister pattern, here.