creative jewish mom

Painted Mittens Gift Box Or Artful Winter Decor!

I've dusted this one off from the archives as it goes wonderfully well with my latest cereal box doodle umbrella craft! Enjoy.

Ready to practice your painting and drawing skills and make the funnest winter themed gift box ever? What can I tell you, this one is a winner, not just the color combo, but the fun artful style, and the fact that it looks much more complicated than it really is! This winter clothes theme came about because I painted an ugly sweater for Chanukah, and then a graffiti ski cap, so mittens were a natural fit for my theme, and mittens with pom poms, is there anything cuter? So whether you follow my technique or not, do think about packaging your gifts this year in recycled containers that you've repurposed, or painted or made yourself, it makes gift giving that much more meaningful! Okay, lets get started!

Recycling Winter Craft: Cereal Box Cardboard Umbrellas!

Introducing cereal box umbrellas to use in garlands, as gift tags, place cards, or art journaling fodder, just for starters! There is something so very cute about these umbrellas that the more the better, plus they are so much fun to make, not to mention great to have on hand for any party or decor needs come the rainy season, whenever that is for you! For us, here in Northern Israel, the rainy season is right now, and we've just had a three day period of non-stop rain, so these little cereal box umbrellas looked great as part of a winter themed garland this shabbat. While I created these in a size that would work with some adorable cereal box striped winter sweaters that I already had on hand, you can of course make them in any size. We have a family birthday coming up, and I'm thinking the theme will be rain, so some giant cardboard umbrellas will likely come to fruition, can't wait! Ah yes and maybe some clouds with colorful raindrops, which our 8 year old unicorn loving cutie will just swoon over? Okay, but first, let me explain how to make these simply adorable cardboard umbrellas......

How To Upcycle Liquor Bottles For DIY Holiday Projects

I just love all the shapes and sizes that are used in order to make liquor bottles special......and of course I love the bottle itself much more than the contents, not to worry! While a huge collection of liquor bottles wasn't something I've had previously, one on my sons just got married, and the bride's little brother, knowing of my recycling ways, collected a large number of bottles from the wedding. I immediately got to work removing labels, spouts, metal necks and bottle decor, and actually ended up using them all to make bottle candlestick holders. I have to say, there is some work required, but with the right info it can be done fairly easily and is so very worth it! Okay, lets learn how to upcycle liquor bottles for all the DIY projects of your dreams. Mine are currently adorning a few side boards and marching down my very long dining room table, and I'd gladly do it all over again!

Wishing You A Very Happy And Light Filled Chanukah

Today is the eight day of Chanukah, called "zot chanukah" meaning THIS is chanukah, since it is the culmination of 8 nights of lighting the chanukah menorah, and giving thanks for the miracles we continue to witness, and all the amazing things that are a part of this life.

May the light of our chanukah menorahs shine especially bright this year, reaching even the darkest corners and erasing evil, and bringing good health and success to all, and filling the world with peace and loving kindness, today, tomorrow and forever!

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season. Hug your loved ones tightly and make an extra special effort to do acts of kindness for aquaintances and strangers alike.

How To Remove Labels From Glass Liquor Bottles, Wine Bottles And Jars

If you are like me, and you love DIY that especially makes use of recyclables, knowing how to remove labels from glass jars and bottles is imperative! After all, those amazing looking liquor bottles and great shaped jars and bottles of every kind can be used in so many ways, and it is such a shame to get bogged down by the label removal! After a recent family wedding one of the bride's little brothers collected a very lovely selection of alchohol bottles, and I just had to use them!  Check out my liquor bottle candlesticks, which I'm still enjoying marching down my dining room table! I'll admit, I put more effort into removing those labels than I needed too, as with the new info I'm sharing here label removal might not be quick, but it can be efficient! Okay, lets get started!

Simple DIY Polka Dot Candles For Chanukah Or Anytime!

Looking for a simple way to brighten up your Chanukah menorah? How about using DIY polka dot candles which are simple to make and so much fun! I'll admit, I'm using these candles for holiday decor to show off this lovely vintage chanukah menorah but you can certainly make candles like these to burn for chanukah, place in candlesticks for decor, or make as centerpieces for a festive party of any kind. Candles with tiny painted flowers and other designs are now popular, so why not make your own? It is truly simple and you'll only need one particular art supply item, can you guess what it is? Keep on reading.......and wishing you a light filled Chanukah and year to come! Happy crafting and don't forget that creativity is a great answer to everything!

Stand-Up Cardboard Dreidel Craft For Chanukah!

The wonderful thing about Chanukah is that it is eight days long, so we can make crafts during the holiday as well as leading up to the holiday! And of course simple recycling crafts that pack up well to save for next year and years to come are truly the best! One such craft is these stand up dreidels which can be used as place cards, or simply as a touch of something festive anywhere! Two years ago I shared my painted cereal box dreidels to use for Chanukah crafting, but I didn't actually share with you how I used some of them, so now I am doing just that, and truly friends, this one is a keeper! If you want to make some tiny puffy origami stars made from strips of quilling paper, check out my paper stars tutorial, another keeper! Okay, tonight is the 4th night of Chanukah, so lets get crafting!

Craft Schooling Sunday Returns Sunday Jan 7th

Wishing everyone a joyful Chanukah and a happy holiday season, looking forward to reconnecting in 2024!

Welcome To Craft Schooling Sunday!

Welcome to Craft Schooling Sunday, thanks for joining me here! With Chanukah coming up on Thursday night I am officially very busy with the crafting, but fortunately had a bit of a head start with the crafts I posted last week, so just a few more finishing touches and the decor will be ready, then time to move only birthday gifts for 3 family members plus desserts and ah yes a huge chanukah feast next shabbat.......and of course I'm loving it all, and really trying to plan ahead to avoid last minute stress!

Craft Schooling Sunday will be taking its customary break for the month of December and looking forward to reconnecting in 2024, and that would be Sunday Jan 7! In the mean time, enjoy the features from last week's party and wishing you a happy holiday season!