creative jewish mom

Happiness Is A Jar Full Of Tiny Origami Paper Stars

I truly wish it were that simple, don't you? Truthfully, it really can be, and for starters it is all about putting things in perspective, being happy with your lot, and recognizing the need to be grateful for all the good you do have, not to mention for every moment and every morning that you wake up, as nothing is certain! On the other hand making tiny paper stars might come easily to some of us, while to others making a jar full of these would be torture. And that my friends is sort of like happiness: easy to come by for some and really difficult to achieve for others, sadly enough. And in case you are wondering, I do mean a deep sense of fulfillment as well as joyful moments, and hopefully some exhilarating ones as well, as true happiness is a combination of all of the above, and then some.

So, while it may sound a bit cliche, happiness can truly be a jar of origami stars, that put a smile on your face every time you look at them, that add that just perfect cute factor to your day, that brought together your family in an activity, or that became a sweet baby mobile for a new mommy. Right now that jar of stars that has been sitting on our dining room table for a few weeks now is just exactly what it is, a jar of paper stars that I made one at a time, and I love it! The combination of colors, the joyfulness of it, and the fact that it is not trying to be anything other than what it is.

Ah yes, so maybe that is another key to happiness, being true to who we are? In my case I am being true to who I am by writing this post in the first place, and by actually displaying this jar of stars front and center in my home. Do I need others to understand anything about this jar? No, loud and clear, no, on the other hand if you are reading this you likely do understand, and our mutual understanding across the seas creates global happiness, which is quite a significant thing to think about. I am rambling, so please don't think about it too much, just get yourself some quilling paper and make yourself a little jar of happiness, and then spread it!

How To Draw A Botanical Border For A New Baby Card

A new baby means a new baby card, and all that sketching or rather doodling in my sketchbook means it is time to put that practice to work in the form of a handmade card! And, why not do the artwork on a separate piece of paper, in this case notebook paper, and simply glue that on to the card? No pressure and great results, gotta love it! And while I don't really favor the look of markers these days, I love how this simple card turned out, and the recipients didn't even realize at first that it was hand made! So dear friends, learn how to make some simple flower and leaf doodles, practice a bit of simple lettering, and you are good to go, nothing fancy needed, just some sweet sentiments from the heart, made by you! Okay, lets find out how to make this card exactly, shall we?

Simple Watercolor Poppy Wall Art

After sharing a few posts last week showing the watercolor poppies I used to make holiday decorations I decided to hold off and publish this watercolor poppy wall art separately so that it wouldn't get lost in all the gorgeousness of the watercolor poppy cut outs and the watercolor poppies centerpiece! After making those watercolor poppy cut-outs with straight stems, I realized that I could paint a panorama (two sheets of large watercolor paper used horizontally) of curved stem poppies to fill the width of my kitchen picture ledge for some more lovely decor! And yes indeed, simply painting a long row of poppies with no added background looks quite good, and can be done fairly quickly. Best of all, flat art like this is certainly simple to store until you need to add a festive touch once again. Of course these poppies are so great looking you'll likely leave them up for a while! I have 3 picture ledges in my kitchen that are used to display art generally, and I love to change them up, so these poppies have been a nice addition, and quite a bit more calming than my flower paintings hung clothesline style! The great thing about watercolor paper is that I was able to simply stand the sheets on the shelf, and with just a bit of masking tape to secure them, voila, lovely art was born. Okay, I did have to paint the poppies first, but that was pure joy! Want to make some painted poppies to decorate a spot in your home? Let's do it!

Blooming Watercolor Poppies Centerpiece Is Festive And Very Budget Friendly!

I am totally in love with the watercolor poppies in a pot centerpiece, well one-sided centerpiece really, and I have already made two more! This idea, is something that you can play around with depending on your own needs, and there are so many ways to go! I actually made a small one using a small round plastic peanut butter tub, which would make an adorable teacher appreciation gift or a token of appreciaion for a neighbor, for example. Then again, making larger pots of poppies really doesn't take that much more time, so go for it, as this burst of festive and artful color is a joyful addition anywhere or anytime! The Jewish holiday of Shavuos is on Thursday night, so we'll be enjoying all the watercolor poppies as we celebrate the giving of the Torah, and then they will likely be used as centerpieces for any number of occassions. I'll admit, I can't wait to try this idea out with other flowers, but with the holiday approaching, together with houseguests, that will just have to wait. Okay, lets make some of these pots of blooming flowers, shall we?

DIY Origami Crane Mobile To Welcome Spring

After sharing with you my photos of cranes migrating over Northern Israel I realized that origami cranes are a perfect craft right now, so I've dusted off my origami crane mobile from 8 years ago to present to you once again! While most of the origami I've done lately has been giant origami to use as wall decor for Purim (giant origami clowns here, giant origami birds here), or table decor for a birthday party, (giant origami stand up giraffes, here) making origami cranes using actual origami paper is just so very satisfying, and the results are truly delightful. Add an extra dose of cuteness by including some pom poms and voila, an amazing mobile or wall hanging is born!

With so many folks finding themselves unexpectedly at home, together with the kids, due to the Corona virus, learning a new skill that takes time and patience is a great way to pass the time, rather than listening to too much news and just zoning out in a state of worry. So why not fold as many paper cranes as possible, string them together and make a cheerful mobile? Okay, lets do it!

Puffy Crocheted Flower Wall Hanging Is Perfect For Early Spring

If this looks familiar, it is! I am reposting this from the archives as it really is such a sweet project and perfect right about now. So get out those odds and ends of yarn and make a wall hanging!

Now you too can make a gorgeous crocheted flower wall hanging that is a breeze to whip up and is truly unique. I love the pastel colors for early spring, or baby's room, or you can go with brights or neutrals to make something that looks amazing in your special spot. Come to think of it this could also be great inspiration for a DIY wedding backdrop, right? Of course you'll need a bit of time to crochet all those flowers, but it would be amazing!

A full year ago I shared some fun crocheted flower pillows, that would be nice partners for this wall hanging, but first lets get started!

Crocheted Flowers Garland For Spring

Somehow I wrote this post last year on Tu B'shevat but in the end did not post is, possibly because I was not happy with the photos? A year later, yes, the photos do not do justice to the project, which looks so much better in person, but as I'm too busy right now to photograph the crafts I have been making, crocheted t-shirt yarn flowers it is. Hmmm, wonder where those flower are now, they would look great hanging with all the white pom poms now hanging from that light! So here is the post I wrote last year:

It is still the Jewish holiday of Tu B'Shevat in many parts of the world, so wishing you all a very joyful Tu B'Shevat holiday! A few weeks ago I shared my crocheted t-shirt yarn flowers, and guess what, I actually put them to use as birthday party decor that phased nicely into Tu B'Shevat decorations! So for the past few weeks pink crocheted garlands have been hanging over our dining room table, and some of the numerous guests have commented how lovely it looks, not realizing that it was actually a seasonal decoration. Truthfully most of the numerous guests did compliment me on the delicious food but somehow didn't notice these pink flowers floating overhead, or maybe just the idea is so foreign they didn't quite get it? Or maybe because most of the numerous guests happen to be young men, and wellllllll, not to generalize but they tend to notice less about interior decor. They do tend to notice the cow skin on the floor, but not too much else. In any case, once you crochet the flowers, assembling this spring blossom garland is oh so simple, and I just realized this would also be a perfect baby mobile.......another item that is somewhat "seasonal" as how long will that baby that baby stay a baby? And infact these crocheted glower garlands could make a nice wedding photo backdrop, look lovely hanging from a tree or really just about anywhere. Get a huge bunch of friends together, get lots of skeins of t-shirt yarn, and you can have yourself a great party backdrop that can then be repurposed into baby mobiles for the whole world, or floral lampshades, or one could even sew these flowers onto a blanket. Okay, enough babbling, lets whip up some crocheted flower garlands!

Going to a Kid’s Birthday Party: Which Gift to Buy?

Above: Every gift becomes more amazing when placed in a fun DIY gift box, more info here.

Have you been invited to a birthday party for a friends’ child? If so you may be wondering what present to bring? I love to give something handmade together with a purchased item to make it as personal as can be, and since I have kids of all ages in my life choosing something everyone will enjoy is part of the fun. If you are facing difficulties however, not to worry, I'm sharing some ideas here to help you out!

And just by the way, if there are siblings in the picture you might like to remember them as well with some small prizes or a small gift to avoid anyone feeling left out. Gift bags filled with an assortment of inexpensive prizes from the dollar store are a budget friendly and fun way to go. I just did that for a four year old and she was so excited she insisted on going to sleep with all the prizes beside her. She didn't even notice what her seven year old brother received! 

7 Ways To Make DIY Gift Wrap: Fun For All Ages!

 

With Chanukah on the distant horizon, as well as gift giving season for many, it is nonetheless quickly approaching, so now is a great time to get those creative gears spinning with some fun projects to save for the future: DIY wrapping paper! The fun part about creating your own wrapping paper is that it is fun for all ages, and seeing little ones light up later on when their creations have been used to wrap gifts is just too precious to miss! DIY gift wrap is also a great way to practice some painting skills, or become familiar with all the fun ways one can print shapes, namely with potatos, sponges, kitchen tools, leaves, you name it! Ah yes, and then there is doodling and exploring the wide variety of art supplies with which to make  DIY wrapping paper, whether it be watercolor paint, acrylic paint, simple kid's craft paint, stamp pads, or markers! Lets take a look at the seven ways we've made DIY gift wrap over the past ten years or so, and enjoy. After your wrapping paper had dried, roll it up, put it in a safe place and use as needed!

Crocheted Newborn Baby Bear Hat And Booties

Looking for a quick crocheted gift for a new baby? Look no further, this is it, simple and adorable and the kind of crochet project to whip up in numbers! These quick crocheted booties can be customized to your liking (I added the picot trim and later and ankle tie so they'll stay on) and the hat is adorable as is, but go to town if you so desire! Crochet this newborn hat and booties set in any color, and the results will warm the hearts of the new parents, guaranteed! So lets get crocheting, as little handmade gifts like these are always great to have on hand, even if there is no newborn on the horizon. Charity gifts for newborns are also a great way to add joy to the world, so give that a thought as well.