I've pulled this one out of the archives, because who can resist doodle apples? Whip up a few and get that crafting for Rosh HaShana underway!
Now is the time of year for all things apple related, because Rosh HaShana is approaching and the apple is one of the symbols for the Jewish New Year, not to mention Fall of course. It might be hard to believe that once upon a time apples were seasonal fruit, but yes indeed, and therefore they were given a great deal more respect I might add. So lets shower those apples with some attention and cover them with folk art doodles! This idea popped into my head, and while the original thought was a painting, using markers is much quicker (for most of us) and a great way to whip up a bunch of apple gift tags, cards for Rosh HaShana, or to use on a festive garland — in the house for Rosh HaShana, and then in the succah! Because of the doodles you'll need to draw to fill in these apples, this becomes truly addictive, I have to say, but then again, who can't use a relaxing activity that also has a use? I say bring on the folk art apples, at least a bushel!
Use the designs I've shown here for inspiration or find some of your own inspiration. Folk art imagery was oh so popular in the 60's and 70's, so it is no surprise that it has returned and I love it!
One of the keys to success in this project is using a limited color palette, which really enhances the designs. Truthfully I love black, white, red and brown, so not sure why that didn't happen here, but just as soon as I find some brown cardboard in the right shade, I do believe more apples are in order.
You'll Need:
- cereal box cardboard
- watercolor or thick paper
- a pencil and eraser
- a black permanent marker, fine
- a thicker black marker, and colored markers, mine happened to be permanent as well as that is what i had on hand
How To:
- Draw an apple in your desired size on a piece of recycled cereal box cardboard. Start on the smallish size so you can make a bunch. (Mine is roughly 3" x 4", and I was able to fit 6 on a A4 sheet of watercolor paper.)
- Cut out the apple and use it as a template to trace apples onto your sheet of paper
- Using the pencil draw folk art doodles on your apple. You can do a symmetrical pattern, a trademark of folk art design, or do a pattern like mine, which is also balanced, just in a different way.
- Using the fine line marker, go over all your pencil lines, and then erase the pencil. You can eliminate the pencil step after you get comfortable with your folk art doodles and have found a formula that works for filling your apples with little flowers, leaves etc.
- Now color in desired areas with a thicker black marker, and then color in the entire background, for example.
- Enjoy!