creative jewish mom

Sunburst Granny Square Meets Color, Thanks To A Reader!

There is just something about a great color combination together with a wonderful crocheted granny square that makes my heart sing! I can't say I've had the time or inclination to crochet much lately (of course I did crochet doll clothes, and need to do a spring outfit pronto...yikes!) because, well, one can't do it all, and I'm putting most of my creative time into painting and art related endeavors. To see a reader, @hardknotlifecrochet,  take my sunburst granny square (available for purchase on my etsy store here) and give it color was such a wonderful surprise, I just had to share it with you!

When I designed this granny square, and used it to make a scarf, my yarn choice was black and white and gray, and unlike many of the items I've crocheted over the years, I did actually wear that scarf, but now maybe next winter deserves a new version in some earthy tones? Or maybe a baby blanket with this square.....? So many wonderful ways to fill our creative souls, and bring joy to others with crochet, and I do plan to continue doing just that, on a small scale, you know with doll clothes! Okay, keep on reading to see the original scarf!

A Fun Crochet Meets Plastic Basket For Spring

I just found this in my archives, and thought I'd post it again, as it is a great one! Any container with holes can be spiffied up with some t-shirt yarn and a crochet hook, so when you do your spring cleaning.......I just remembered I put something in the recycling pile that could be upcycled, good thing I'm taking my own advice! Enjoy!

Spring is here which means it is time to get started with the Spring/Pesach organizing and cleaning......but first of course as I was recovering from a very festive Purim I spied a cute little basket with holes in it, that could be much more useful if one could not see what is inside, for me the hoarder that is! So I present to you a quick crocheted spring basket using an existing plastic basket with holes, an idea that can be used on many types of plastic baskets!

And yes, to make this project "quick" one does need the proper supplies, namely yarn and hook sizes that are large, so keep on reading for those oh so important tips, since right about now time is of the essence.......well at least on my end!

Whimsical Botanical Doodle With Color And Tiny Birds!

Right about now is a great time to take a minute and sketch or doodle something that says spring! And what could be more spring than botanicals and mama bird feeding her baby? My instagram followers (follow me here) loved this illustration, so I thought I'd share it with you, my dear blog readers! I am enjoying filling up my A4 sketchbook, though I'll admit I haven't added much lately as I've been working primarily with oil pastels that I'd have to then tape into the sketchbook and protect with a piece of tracing paper. And that sketchbook is already busting at the seams as I used many of the pages for acrylic painting, so for now I've got to stick to drawing and maybe gouche. Or something like this botanical doodle that does include paint, but just one layer. Want to delve into something like this yourself? It is always helpful to know what supplies were used, as that takes away the mystery, well sometimes! Okay, lets find out how I created this, shall we?

4 Tips for Advertising Your Business No Matter the Size

You've decided to start a business, or maybe you have a business that you'd like to grow? Wonderful! Owning your own business has so many positive aspects, but it does generally mean wearing tons of hats, and making decisions you may not be comfortable making. Just remember follow your gut, but also seek advice from those who have more experience, and at the end of the day you are the boss! If you are a creative person like myself, the business aspects can be even more daunting, but if you start to use some of your creativity to develop an advertising and marketing plan for your brand or service, it can be a success in no time. There is nothing like creating an identity for your very own business that says YOU!

As you know, it is all about reaching your target market  to promote your products and services. However, what may be effective for one particular business type may not apply to yours. You need to find the right advertisement type that is suitable for your business, and concentrate on some key marketing tips, so let's delve into four ways to accomplish this challenging feat! Here's to growing your business on a straight path to success!

Welcome To Craft Schooling Sunday!

Welcome to Craft Schooling Sunday, thanks so much for joining me here! Spring has arrived in Northern Israel, with wild flowers blooming everywhere, so while there is so much Passover prep to do, I just want to go walk in the meadow! Passover is in just two weeks, so we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work, and fortunately I've got a few teens at home to really help, phew. I have been exploring creating "paintings" with oil pastel, and on small pieces of paper, 5" x 7", so hopefully I will be able to keep that up at least during the intenstive spring cleaning/passover preparations about to happen. Daily creating is such a great thing to take on, and it can be for as little as 15 minutes, the main thing is to be consistent! Everyone has 15minutes to devote to art, so make it happen and I promise, you will be so happy when that small sketch book becomes a story of you life and you creative journey. Speaking of creative, lets take a look at all the amazing features from last week's party, shall we?

DIY Paper Vase For Spring Makes An Amazing Gift!

When it comes to making a DIY paper vase, there are literally so many ways to go, though for me, the idea of using not successful artwork is a lightbulb moment that happened one evening. I was going to use an abstract pattern to create a vase, and in the same pile as that absract pattern was this sweet landscape that I liked, but didn't love. As a vase however, it is fabulous! And friends, when you are in the groove of making lots of art, a way to use up anything you wouldn't want to see on someone else's wall is like gold! Even when painting on paper the pile starts to get out of control, so pick the ones you aren't loving and then make a wonderful artful vase! While I wouldn't want to give someone my mediocre painting, i would give them my mediocre painting turned into a vase, because it is just so charming! Okay, want to see the painting before I cut it up? Keep on reading......

DIY Cardboard Graffiti Vase For Spring!

Now that I have a few fun DIY cereal box vases which I think will be fun for Passover, maybe I can get started with the cleaning. Well, not just yet, I need to make some more! The idea of whipping up an artful vase using cereal box cardboard (or heavy weight paper) is just so delighful that you'll want to give this a try. This is a great idea for budget centerpieces, or for making a huge decorative vase for a desert table or buffet, and the possibilities are endless. Choose to do a cardboard vase with drips and splatters or go for a something simple and colorful, or even a few bold black brush strokes looks amazing. There is a product on the market which is really great printed paper vases, and I was reminded of this from a wonderful version that I featured on Craft Schooling Sunday in January, keep reading to see that version!

How to Make Your Home the Epitome of Minimalism

With Passover coming in less than three weeks, and our yearly top to bottom home cleaning and organizing just getting started, the idea of a home designed according to the minimalistic style sure sounds amazing right about now. Imagine a home that has only the items you really use and need, and lots of physical space to breath and visual space to relax. This may not be realstic or even ideal for some, though personally it sounds like a great idea for my dream second home on the water! Whether or not minimalism is your cup of tea, it might be something to consider, at least in a room or two? Imagine how easy it would be come spring cleaning time! Okay, lets learn about minimalism!

In the recent history of interior design, there have been many styles that have come and gone, there is one however, that always seems to be in style lately, and that is minimalism. While the architectural style of modernism certainly paved the way for what is known as minimalism, the interior design style became popular in the early '90s, and continues to be one of the most frequently used styles.

Have you ever wondered how you could transform your home into one that just screams “minimalism?” Contrary to what you might think, it's actually not that hard - it's as simple as finding garage door repair in Wisconsin, meaning that one Google search is all you need to find out how to do it! Even simpler though would be to continue reading this article that sums up everything you need to know about the phenomenon called minimalism. So, keep on reading and take that first step towards bringing minimalism into your home!

How To Organize And Take Care Of Jewelry And Accessories

With Passover coming in three weeks, and our yearly spring cleaning happening before the holiday, now is a great time to get organized, so lets start with something that should be relatively simple, our jewelry! For many, jewelry is an essential part of every outfit, and can be precious both due to value and sentimental, so it deserves and requires special storage and care.  Ensure that your pieces stay safe and tangle-free rather than tossing all your necklaces, rings and earrings into one box, which is a bad idea and can result in damage, scratches and irreversible tangles. To keep all your bling in one place, yet stored safely, and accessible, here’s a little guide that will help you. Hello jewelry and accessory organization!

Welcome To Craft Schooling Sunday!

Welcome to Craft Schooling Sunday, thanks so much for joining me here. Spring has sprung and on a shabbos stroll in the nearby nature area I saw many lovely red anemones in bloom, and I really must head back tomorrow with a camera! With Passover in just 3 weeks from today, the intense house cleaning and holiday preparations need to start, and I'm going to have to make a deal with myself that painting and art will be the reward after a certain number of hours of organizing. This coming week is the week to get serious, and 2 of my boys will be on vacation in another week, just in time to really help, so it needs to look like I've gotten a serious start in order to motivate them to help, right? Wish me luck on that, and enjoy the features from last week's party!