creative jewish mom

Top DIY Jewish Craft Kit Ideas For Students

In general, crafting is a great way to connect with one's heritage and culture. As a Jewish student, you might be one of many looking for ways to learn about their roots, traditions, and history? While you are at it, why not think of including others in your creative endeavors by assembling some DIY craft kits for a get together or even to give as gifts!

If you ask me, honing some new crafting skills and discovering artistic abilities while looking deeper into the meaning of Jewish symbols and Jewish holidays is a really productive way to spend some down time! Let’s take a closer look at several DIY Kit ideas that can be a great way to honor your Jewish roots as you learn more about the culture and customs. Ready?

Craft Schooling Sunday Is Sadly Postponed

Dear Friends, the unthinkable happened on Shabbat (Saturday morning) in southern Israel, with a mass surprise attack starting at 6:30 am on Shabbat and our festive holiday of Simchat Torah that were celebrated together this year. As we in the  North of the country celebrated, oblivious to what was happening in the South of the country, Jews were killed and kidnapped, sirens sounded in places like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and rockets fired from Gaza landed in places as far north as Rehovot.

I am so very very sad to report that more than 300 Israelis have been killed, and more than 1,500 wounded. An additional 100 or more civilians have been taken hostage. The wounded and dead resulted from all attacks: the invasion, the rockets, and from a surprise attack on various youth events in open areas. (I just heard that the son of a neighbor was at the festival in the dessert and was able to escape though watched his friends being murdered.) This is the largest number of Israeli casualties, especially civilians, in decades. Suffice it to say the country is now at war and we have been alerted to stay near bomb shelters. (We have one built into our home, as do all homes built in the last 20 or so years.)

Please hug your loved ones tightly and pray for the Jewish people. I just learned that the mother of a friend of mine was sadly killed yesterday morning in Gderot, a truly wonderful woman whom i have met and greatly respected, so so very difficult. And reading the lists of young soldiers killed defending our country is beyond heartbreaking.

Watercolor Feather Cut-Outs For Art Journaling

There is something so very wonderful about watercolor feathers, and when you cut them out, wow! I am currently making a third watercolor art journal as a pre-wedding countdown gift, and have used many of the feathers shown here as collage elements. And when you consider that the feather is a writing tool, it is even more relevant in a journal of any kind, or as a greeting card. So friend, paint some watercolor feathers in many sizes and colors, and I'm quite sure you'll find wonderful ways to use them. I have made giant watercolor feathers as Jewish holiday decor, and have made wall hangings and mobiles with them. For my complete watercolor feather tutorial, click here.