Golden fig leaf garlands, or golden leaf garlands of any kind of leaf are simple to whip up and look amazing. I choose to use fig and olive leaves for this garland to represent 2 of the 7 holy species, but you can of course do what works for you! Golden monstera leaves would look amazing as home decor, or party decor or in a child's room, right? But right now, of course we need to think about the succah and this is a relatively quick craft with great results, so get some heavy weight gold paper, or light weight gold cardboard, or some cereal box cardboard that you'll paint, and get to work! That empty wall in your succah could use a few of these garlands, and voila, you'll be so happy you spent the extra effort! Okay, lets do this! (Please excuse the grainy photos, this craft is from way back in 2013, when my photograph skills were less developed!)
You'll Need:
- gold cardboard, or gold contact paper affixed to cardboard
- leaf shapes to trace
- crochet string or yarn
- a tool for scoring, I used the end of a small metal crochet hook
How To: Find some photos of these leaves courtesy of google, print them out, make a template from a cereal box, and trace your leaf outline onto golden cardboard. Cut out, and score leaf vein lines in your cardboard with a dull took or some kind....a ball point pen that's out of ink, etc. and assemble! I couldn't find my hole punch, so I made holes with a large needle.
Also, if you're so inclined, you can crochet your leaves together as I did using a tiny crochet hook, and one strand of metallic gold and one strand of creme crochet string. The crocheted chord adds a little decorative touch that makes the garlands look truly elegant!
And after you've enjoyed them for Succot, pack them away carefully to use as Tu B'Shevat decorations or for a celebration of any kind!