creative jewish mom

A Peek In My Sketchbook

At long last this past summer I started working in a sketchbook in an attempt to go out of my comfort zone, and while it wasn't easy (on account of the fear of making bad art that is then stuck in a book...) I was thrilled with my progress. It took a good month, and then I actually started creating some sketches that I'm happy to share. And that dear readers is truly an accomplishment for a quasi-perfectionist like myself. Now unfortunately I have not had the time to continue the sketchbook process, but that is more of an excuse, truly I can and should just work even an extra 15 or 20 minutes into the day and devote it to sketching, as practice and more practice is the only way to advance in the creative journey! Okay, now that I've given myself a little lecture, I'll have to remind myself to follow my own advice!  Okay, maybe after Purim, for which the pressure is now on, or maybe even after Passover, for which the pressure will also be on in another week. Hmmm, excuses?

Rosh HaShana Symbols Mobile Or Wall Hanging Craft

Rosh HaShana starts on Sunday night yet there is still time to whip up a few fun decorations to add extra meaning to your holiday. Or maybe you are celebrating at someone else's home and would love a fun way to add a special holiday touch to a bottle of wine or wrapped gift? Here is it my friends, simply paint some whimsical shapes that look like a fish, a carrot, a pomegranite, a beet, a gourd, and an apple for starters, and either use them together to make a mobile, or use them separately as gift tags, place markers, cupcake or cake toppers, or you name it!

Having spent two good weeks going to museums in the USA this past month, I am all for crafts and creativity that use the simplest of materials and therefore the most creativity. And you know what, generally the results are also the most heartfelt. Who ever said ahhh about something cut from a craft cutting machine? Got it? So get out those paints and enjoy, because quite honestly just applying color to paper is so very very satisfying and a great way to jump start your family's (or your) creativity!  Ready?.......

Simple Gold Leaf Rosh HaShana Card Craft Makes A Perfect Fall Craft Too

If you enjoyed my simple Rosh HaShana card craft, well now get ready to take that project up a rung with the addition of some gold leaf, love it! It is true, real gold leaf comes in sheets, and can be pricey, but for some fairly small change one can buy little containers of gold leaf flakes that are perfect for crafting and not breaking the bank. The addition of some gold leaf pieces to the leaves or even the apple itself turns nice cards into something spectacular! And I'll let you in on a little secret, I actually did it with black and well and wow! Ready to make some fabulous cards for Rosh HaShana, for Fall gift giving or even for teacher appreciation day, it is so simple and the results are fantastic. Just don't even think if making those leaves green please, that would spoil all the fun. Ready, lets get crafting!

Simple Rosh HaShana Card Craft To Whip Up Tonight!

Yes indeed I am back from a lovely six week hiatus, and with Rosh Hashana coming up Sunday night now is the time to get crafting! This year I decided to be just a bit traditional and make Rosh HaShana cards for all the neighbors, which I'll give together with a tiny jar of honey, or as is, the only problem is I'm so in love with the results I'm going to have a hard time giving them away! So make a bunch of sweet Rosh HaShana cards so that you too can save a few, and believe me this card craft is truly so simple you'll have no trouble making a whole pile. I'm running off to finish up all those card blanks I've had hanging around for years, but first, a simple tutorial, ready?

Summer Doodling: Making Patterns On Glass

This past week I discovered while substitute teaching for a candle making workshop that doodling on candle jars can be a wonderful way to turn candlemaking into something truly wonderful and unique. While I was thinking about doodling a cityscape of Jerusalem on the jars, one of my students did this sweet doodle pattern, which was one of the better efforts. The only boy in the group drew the stones of the Western Wall on his glass which was also quite successful while others wrote blessings or their names. I'm quite sure you can think of a long list of ways to decorate your glasses or jars filled with colorful wax, so get inspired and start crafting! Even a solid color candle could be a great backdrop for some creative doodles, right?

Okay then, lets get started.......

Summer Doodling: Travel Inspired Doodles For A Travel Journal?

I just love this summer travel themed doodle that my daughter added to her drawing journal a few weeks ago! And it is a very nice addition to my little summer doodllng series, says one proud Mama. My daughter has shown us all that one can doodle with a theme, which is such a great idea. In other words, if you have a travel journal, you don't have to actually sketch places you've visited, but  you could start with a few architectural elements (like the arch and domed roof houses seen here) or symbols of the place you've visited, and doodle around these. Add words, and voila, it could be great. So go for it, start a travel themed doodle journal and let your creativity soar.......Ah yes, but first you'll need some simple supplies, so lets get started.

Summer Doodling: Micro Doodles Are Amazing For Those With Patience

I'm not exactly sure when my daughter started making micro doodles, but as you can see she has become quite accomplished at the art of very tiny doodling! Originally she started making patterns like this using post-it notes, and now she has graduated to filling an entire 11" x 14" journal page, wow! I love the idea of little phrases amidst the doodles, and I'm thinking that she certainly has a future in pattern design, among other things! Want to make something like this yourself, or encourage a teenager in your life to doodle away? Lets get started......

Summer Doodling: White Gel Pen On Black Paper

Ah, yes at long last a post showing that we are actually involved in creativity around here at CJM! What can I tell you, life is busting at the seams and have been working hard on so many projects other than blogging, but I promise, all this will change soon. in the mean time I have a few doodling posts to share with you, and summer is the perfect time to just relax and doodle, so I hope this inspires you to take pen to paper just because. Now of course I do have plans for these sheets of patterns but that will have to wait until next week. In the mean time, lets get out those simple supplies and enjoy!

Simple Passover Craft: Napkin Rings For The Seder

With just one week left until Passover, time is of the essence, and so I'm here to share with you this oh so simple and yet totally adorable Passover craft to use at your Passover Seder, or during the week of Passover, you decide. In any case, make a ton of these ahead of time and you'll create smiles all around regardless of when you decide to use them.

I just love the clean modern look of black and white with light pink IKEA napkins and matching straws, and since this craft is something for adults or teens and tweens (little ones may or may not be able to use the necessary supplies with success, but give it a try!) the whole family can take a break from holiday preparations to do a little doodling!

Passover Craft: Make Your Own Patterned Paper

If you are looking for some simple Passover crafts right about now, good for you, there is still a whole week until the Passover holiday starts, which means more than enough time to make some quick crafts to enhance the holiday. For starters, how about getting some black paper and making some of this fun "eyes in the dark" patterned paper that refers to one of the Ten Plagues recounted in the Haggadah? Make a bunch of sheets in no time while you're taking a few minutes to relax, or give this task to some medium sized kids and you'll be off to a great start.

I've already used the  paper seen here for a fun craft, and I have more suggestions for you as well. Ready to get started? Full steam ahead......