creative jewish mom

The Benefits Of Art Therapy for College Students And Teens

Have you ever heard of art therapy and wondered what it is and whether it is the real deal? As a lover of all things art (and crafts), you won't be surprised to learn that I've time and again looked into getting another degree in art therapy, you know, because it truly sounds interesting! While I've seen certification programs in art therapy, to be a licensed practitioner in the USA, art therapists must have master's-level or higher degrees and are trained in both art and therapy. So friends, art therapy isn't just an arts and crafts session, it is a therapeutic method that uses art as the tool to help patients both express and understand their emotions, with the goal of conquering and resolving the negative thoughts and behaviors that have been a source of anguish. Art therapy is especially suited to those for whom communication is difficult, as the making of the art not only takes the pressure off of just talking but also relaxes the patient to a point where communication might be much easier. 

To sum it up, art therapy uses a range of creative arts together with clinical psychology to improve mental health. Art therapy in schools can take different forms, and can be facilitated through painting, photography, collage, sculpting, and drawing, together with a professionally trained art therapist. Many people who might be wary of standard therapy can benefit from art therapy to help improve self expression skills and self-awareness, and improve overall mental health in a significant manner. This sounds great, right? Lets learn more about art therapy and how it can benefit so many and especially college students and teens who may be especially susceptible to mental health issues due to stress.

Empowering Student Creativity: Integrating Arts Education into the Curriculum

Creativity is becoming an increasingly valued component of student development in today's evolving educational environment. One effective means of encouraging creative development among children is through arts education programs. Teachers can utilize innovative methods that stimulate critical thinking, inventiveness, and creativity by including the arts in their curriculum and helping their students realize their full creative potential while becoming even more invested in their studies. Sound great to me!

Quick Front Door Decor Craft For Lag B'Omer

If you've been paying attention, you may remember the ten plagues Passover cards I made a month plus ago? The art was mounted on gold cardboard that was actually some metallic gold cardbaord dessert platters left at my front door. And of course, after I cut out the flat middle I just had to save the outside frame for a future craft, and yippee, I actually used two of the frames for this fun bonfire craft for Lag B'Omer, miracles do happen! This is such a fun craft for kids, who can create according to their level, in this case a 4 1/2 year old drew the flames on top of the logs I drew first, and an 8 year old drew the men, who were actually part of a paper doll chain. There are so many ways to go with this fun craft, so don't toss those cardboard trays that aren't filthy, craft with them!

DIY Bonfire Cake Toppers For Lag B'Omer!

Today is Lag B'Omer, so yes, sharing this a bit on the late side, but you could still make a cake to enjoy in a pinch. Just gather around the family, together with some simple supplies and draw some beautiful flames! It is true, these flames were placed in the middle of a bundt cake, with rings of paper dolls dancing around them, which might be something to save for next year, or use as an idea for a different occasion. I'll be sharing that shortly, but in the meantime, some lovely flames colored with markers are just the thing! Keep on reading for the simple how-to.....

Craft Schooling Sunday is Taking A Break For Lag B'Omer

Thanks for stopping by, with all the guests and holiday activities I simply did not have time to prepare this week's party. My apologies and looking forward to see you next week!

Logs Craft Using Recycled Aluminum Foil Boxes!

For the first time ever, I decided to try and make some logs from recycled aluminum foil boxes, and I just LOVE the results, especially after drawing wood grain patterns on a large number of tubes of all sizes. There is something about the square edges that just really lends the boxes to being covered in wood grain doodle patterns, and now I'm about to stack them and make a bonfire, all in time for Lag B'Omer, and this coming shabbat and some little ones! With my newly neutral and elegant dining room, I've decided to try crafting without bright color, and it has been interesting! Okay, gotta run, still so much to do to set the stage for the holiday! Keep on reading for basic instructions!

Simple Home Decor Craft Ideas For Students

When children become adults handmade crafts are unfortunately something that is generally omitted from everyday life, except of course for those like myself who just have to include creativity in their life. Many people find great satisfaction with textile related hobbies like sewing, knitting, crochet and embroidery, which can be attested to by the great number of yarn and fabric companies that exist today, though of course if you step into a big box store like Michaels you'll quickly realize that there are so many creative hobbies one can pursue! For me going into such a store is a bit dangerous as I want to buy it all, so I'm currently trying to use up what I have first!

Age is absolutely not important when it comes to crafts, and for those individuals, like students, who are often under stress, crafting can truly be a live saver.  There are so many crafts and creative activities that don't have to take huge chunks of time and/or can be worked on slowly over the course of weeks or even months. The satisfaction of making something with your own hands can help anyone facing challenges to relax. Got it? So lets get crafting!

Recycled Cardboard Tube Logs Craft For Lag B'Omer!

The festive holiday of Lag B'Omer, which is the 33 Day of the Omer and a day when we pause the mourning of this period to celebrate the great Sage Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Since one of the things we do on the holiday is celebrate the great light of Rebbi Shimon with community bonfires, all things logs and fire make great subject matter for the holiday! I've been saving paper towel tubes and aluminum foil tubes, and they are perfect for making "logs" which will be used to make bonfires and wall hangings, though what exactly is still to be determined! The last time I made "logs" with paper towel tubes I did close the ends with round colorful circles, but for now these logs look just fine as is!

Welcome To Craft Schooling Sunday!

Welcome to Craft Schooling Sunday, thanks so much for joining me here! In just one week, on Saturday night, we will usher in the festive holiday of L'Ag B'Omer, a holiday that occurs during the middle of a mourning period, and a day in which 3 year old boys are given their first haircut, and one can listen to music and celebrate the day, in the honor of the great sage Rebbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Bonfires are customarily lit, and generally there is a pilgrimage to the burial site of Rebbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron, Northern Israel. Unfortunately because of the war-time and security situation in Israel right now, the location will be closed and folks will have to celebrate from afar, and pray that next year things will be different! Big sigh. Okay, lets take a look at the features from last week's party!

How To Get Your Orchid To Rebloom

Isn't this white orchid lovely? I have had this plant for four or so year, and it reblooms roughly twice a year, which is always a treat. Orchids are truly special, with so many colors to choose from, and make a wonderful gift as they can bloom for up to 3 months! Many folks don't have patience to take care of the plant after the blooms have faded, and don't know what to do to get their plant to rebloom, which is truly a shame! Of course if one is not accustomed to taking care of living breathing houseplant, I can understand that maybe taking care of an orchid might seem like a task, but truly orchids require so little care, with such great reward, that the one minute investment once a week is surely worth it? What is that one minute you might ask? Basically going the freezer, pulling out four ice cubes and placing them at the base of the plant, that is it! If this sounds like something you would like to do, keep on reading for more tips!