creative jewish mom

Welcome To Craft Schooling Sunday!

Wishing everyone an amazing Succot holiday! Is Israel we have transitioned from "yom tov" to "chol hamoed", though elsewhere in the world those who observe Jewish law are still unplugged for another entire day. Of course time spent in the succah with family and friends, with no phones in sight is truly precious! Succot is one of my favorite holidays, and hope to share some photos of this year's new and improved succah soon! I created some art at the last minute that makes me so very happy, phew! I hope your crafty adventures bring you joy as well, and lets take a look at some of the projects shared at last week's party....I must crochet that llama!

Huge Agave Plants Thrive In Historic Haddon Hill, Oakland

I have yet to share the many many photos from our summer vacation in California, but thought I'd start by sharing with you these amazing giant Agave plants that were everywhere in the Haddon Hill neighborhood of Oakland, CA. I love agave, but they are very expensive in Israel, and the small one I once had somehow didn't make it. Of course now I have a renewed interest, as look at this! So friends, look into agave, I've even seen it grown in water, in a huge vase, which is truly wonderful!

DIY Tree Of Life Wall Decor, That Is Perfect For The Succah!

Reposting this as we work on our succah decor, which includes this lovely tree of life, made from an olive tree branch. The succah needs to be finished basically tonight, so gotta run!

The tree of life is a universal Jewish symbol, and this year it is center stage in our succah, as a DIY tree of life nature craft! I'll admit, I didn't plan this at all, though husband had requested something new for the succah, for which my reply was a groan, NOW? Meaning a day or two before Succot, with so many things to do? Generally I do create at the last minute, but this year I had thought about just being ready days ahead, ha ha ha. And I am so grateful that I was open to letting the creativity sneak in as I just love this tree of life craft, and it is perfect in our succah! And I'll let you in on another secret, after this one, I made an even bigger and more colorful one, that I'll share with you next week, no time for that now, and I need to get one of my sons to climb up on the ladder and hang it in any case. This DIY tree of life nature craft is perfect for fall or winter or any season really, as there is something about a crafted tree, using a real tree branch that is just downright charming! Now, you will have to start taking nature walks and looking around for the perfect dead branches calling out to you, but that is part of the wonderful process! Okay, let's learn how to make a tree of life with golden leaves!

How to Create Engaging DIY Costume Workshops for Drama and Art Students

It is true, in Israel and in the Jewish world costume time is Purim, though it is never too early to get started and maybe even make some costumes for a Chanukah skit, or as wonderful holiday gifts? And when you get your kids used to homemade costumes you are doing them a huge favor! Taking the extra step as a parent or teacher an organizing an actual workshop dedicated to costume making could be a truly amazing endeavor, so give it some thought, and read this article that delves in the reasons why you should do it!

Creativity knows no bounds, particularly in the world of the arts. Teachers have a lofty responsibility to foster creativity in students and offer them fascinating platforms for self-expression. Organizing DIY costume workshops not only ignites imagination in children of all ages, DIY costume courses also teach useful skills that students can use again and again, and even eventually for their own children!

While textbooks of course have their role, nothing drives creativity quite like a hands-on approach. Take a look at how to create extremely engaging DIY costume workshops which will have your classrooms buzzing with enthusiasm, or if you are a parent, try some of these ideas at home!

Welcome To Craft Schooling Sunday!

Welcome to Craft Schooling Sunday, thanks for joining me here! Lets get this party started, as on Sunday night we will be ushering in the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur which includes a 24 hour fast and for us, an entire day spent in the synagogue which is exactly where we want to be, though of course those with young or even youngish children spend most of the day at home, arriving only possibly for the very end of the service at sun down. Okay, lets take a look at all the amazing projects from the last party!

DIY Recycled Cardboard Roosters Craft For Yom Kippur

Pulling this one out of the archives because it is just too sweet and too wonderful not to share. Make a giant cardboard rooster for Yom Kippur, and then use him any time! Give him a birthday crown? A ski hat? You got the picture, so go for it!

Ever thought about using some recycled cardboard to make some fun cardboard roosters? Truthfully, I hadn't either, but after making a black rooster and a white rooster, well I just want to make some more. I made them to use as stage props in a school play, but they'd look great in a child's room, or even in your kitchen, so have some fun and make a cardboard rooster, or two or three! Assuming you have a bit of paint on hand the rest of the supplies are basically free, so this is a budget friendly craft project as well......ah yes, and with the Jewish holiday of Purim coming, well filling the house with roosters and chickens could be quite festive, and certainly sure to bring a laugh. Okay, lets get started.......

8 Tips to Help Plan Your Financial Future

Now that it is a new year on the Jewish calender, we can use this opportunity to take steps towards a more organized and financially secure year to come! Let's do it!
 
The one thing that a pandemic and inflation have taught us, is to have substantial control over our finances. While we were recovering from the damage caused by the pandemic, there came a round of layoffs followed by inflation. Those who had not planned for a rainy day were in trouble, and financial planning must be done over a period of time. It is important to take the time to learn a few financial rules to build a healthy and secure financial future.  If you are struggling with your finances and have big goals to achieve, here are a few tips to help plan your financial future.

10 Great Gifts For The Cyclist In Your Life

Cyclists are a dedicated and passionate community, and finding the perfect gift for the cyclist in your life is a wonderful way to show your support for their love of cycling. Of course in addition to "cyclists" who pursue cycling as a sport or form of exercise, there is also a large group of folks out there that enjoy bicycling as more of a leisure activity or even a form of transportation, and of course there are many gifts for that group as well.

So whether that friend, relative or coworker is a road cyclist, mountain biker, or urban commuter, or summer "ride the bike to the beach" enthusiast, there are plenty of thoughtful gifts that can make their riding experience more enjoyable. In this article, we've curated a list of ten fantastic gifts that are sure to bring joy to any cyclist's heart. Okay, let's stop spinning our wheels on the perfect gift and check out this article!

Holiday Break: Craft Schooling Sunday Returns Next Week

Shanah Tovah, Happy New Year! Today, Sunday is Rosh HaShana, the two day Jewish New Year Holiday, so I am unplugged and will resume the party next week. It just wouldn't feel right to know that someone might be adding links to my virutal party while I'm listening to the blowing of the shofar (on sunday only this year) and praying for the well being of myself, my family, my friends, my community, and the entire world! Wishing everyone a meaningful Rosh HaShana, and inciteful ten day period leading up to the next holiday, Yom Kippur. Thanks for stopping by!

Splatter Pomegranate Last Minute Rosh HaShana Card

Yes, the Jewish New Year, Rosh HaShana starts tomorrow night, but there is still time to squeeze in a few last minute Rosh HaShana cards, even if you don't give them until after the holiday, which is just fine too! The 10 days betweeen Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur is also a time when we continue to wish people a "Shanah tovah" and there is also a blessing about being "sealed in the book of life" so the feather together with the pomegranite, well, it is quite perfect, since the pomegranate is a symbol for Rosh HaShana!  And of course, you could also use feathers and pomegranates as succah decor, so the more the better! Need some tips to make you own? Keep on reading.......