I came up with this simple idea six years ago for my son's birthday just before Shavuot, and I still love it, so I'm dusting it off to share with you as a fabulous last minute craft that includes a nature walk to collect the sticks! Enjoy. Here is what I wrote back then, this year Shavuot is on Sunday night.
Paper leaves on real branches is a super quick craft that results in some fun decorations that can be used for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot or really anytime! I actually made these branches as part of the giraffe birthday party that I'm still in the middle of sharing with you all, though I did have in mind that they would be also be great for Shavuot, in which we decorate our homes with greenery to celebrate the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai, which was very green and lush.
With shavuot staring Saturday night, right after shabbat ends, many of us are now preparing for two days of holidays, so I'm sure glad to already have made these fun branches which are currently hanging from the chandelier over the dining room table. (Those who observe shabbat outside of israel are now preparing for a three day holiday, as Shavuot is two days outside of Israel, and I'm sure those of you to whom this applies wish you had some of these branches already to go, right?
What I'm really trying to say is that a super quick craft like this one is the perfect thing to tackle right now, so lets get to it!
You'll Need:
- real branches, even a huge one to stand in a corner could be great!
- green paper in a few shades, my paper is white on one side which actually creates a slightly more elegant look
- hot glue
How To:
Self explanatory, right? Though certainly do cut a bunch a leaves at one time by folding the paper, and do make those leaves on the big side for the best results.
And now I really must run as it has occurred to me that I should follow my own advice and add some paper leaves to the large branch from which I removed these smaller branches. Oh and cooking, yes of course, that too!