Last year, I picked up this pretty plastic serving tray from the dollar store, with the intention to turn it into a decoupage Ke’arah – or seder plate. I wanted a craft that kids of multiple age groups can craft and then actually use.

I created this decoupage seder plate craft using fabric, craft paint, a base plate and some Mod Podge. It’s quite simple, can be adapted to different age groups, different materials, and finished different ways.

In this post I’ll be sharing with you the process that I followed as well as loads of ideas for adapting it. But the basic premise is: decoupage fabric circles to a foundation plate to make markers and spaces for the different foods.

The basics of making a decoupage seder plate

I’ll be sharing with you here what I did to create this from start to finish, including my mindset behind the materials I chose.

The foundation plate

To make this, I used a clear plate that’s a bit larger than a typical plate. That’s ideal, since a Seder Plate is usually a statement centerpiece. Mine is a decorative one from Dollar Tree (meant as a cake plate).

The only issue was that originally, I had wanted to decoupage the reverse of the plate. That way the surface is food-ready (more on that below.) But the plate I got had a very not-smooth back, with loads of ridges. So I ended up decoupaging the front.

I will share in the next section of this post, some alternate ways to make this decoupage seder plate craft, including food safety concerns, specific alternate plates, and more. But the one I used is really pretty and came out quite lovely.

Decoupage Mediums to try

Mod Podge comes in many different mediums. Some of them finish harder than others. When making a functional, usable finished craft like this, I always recommend using a hard finishing formula.

I used Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge, which works wonderfully and might be a bit of overkill for a kids seder plate craft like this.

If you’re making this with older kids who may want to actually have their own usable seder plate, dishwasher safe Mod Podge works, but takes 28 days to cure to dishwasher safe. But also, most people won’t put it in the dishwasher anyway. It just make it good and waterproof, even after a few days.

Other good options for function are Mod Podge Super Gloss (the regular gloss doesn’t finish hard) or Outdoor Mod Podge.

What to decoupage

I absolutely love the look of decoupage fabric. It still retains the look of the textured fabric, and comes in many fun prints.

The easiest fabric to work with will be a quilting cotton fabric in a bit of a stiffer texture. I had some leftover from mask-making (remember those days) that is bright and graphic.

If you’re crafting this with a group, getting a fat quarter bundle with an assortment of simple, graphic prints is ideal.

More ways to decoupage a seder plate craft

Here’s your full rundown of variations and more ways that you can make it your own.

More things you can decoupage

Fabric can be a bit harder to cut than other options (although stiff fabric is a bit easier than soft fabric). So you don’t need to stick to that!

Cut your circles out of fun scrapbook papers for a similar eye-popping look (minus the fabric texture.)

You can also use circles that feature the images of the foods (you can even steal it from this craft template.) Have kids color the images and then decoupage them on. Please note: decoupage can cause many mediums to run, so do test in advance, or only use glue on the back.

If you find mini doilies in a size that works with your base plate, go ahead and give that a try!

More ideas for your base plate

For something more substantial and durable (an “adult-ified” version of this), go for a large glass plate or platter.

You can use an opaque ceramic plate and decoupage to the front. Upcycled serving plates (Kosher for Passover, of course) can work too.

You can also use more basic plastic plates for younger kids, or even colored plates (if you’re decoupaging to the front.)

More ways to decorate the plate

I painted my plate white to provide contrast for my fabric circles. Different colors can be used – they should just contrast nicely with the fabric.

You don’t even need to paint the plate – it just makes the circles stand out more.

For more of a kid-crafty look, glitter glue, stick-on gems, and other decorations can be added. Lines of gems or glitter glue can be used to outline the circles too.

Finishing it up

I didn’t really think beyond marking spots for the foods. You can, of course, add small glass or plastic bowls (make sure they fit) as a modular seder plate. Keep them transparent so that the design still stands out.

For a kid-crafting, more “pretend” experience, you really don’t need to add bowls. But if you do, glue them on.

If you’re making a more durable, real-life use version of this, consider adding the names of the foods using Cricut cut decals, or even Aleph Bet/alphabet stickers.

Adapting the seder plate craft for different age groups

This craft is purposely open-ended and adaptable to different crafting skills and needs. Here are some pointers (but you know your crafter best):

• Toddlers: Pre-cut circles with the pictures for them to color. Have them glue it on, guiding them. Skip the decoupage 🙂 You can offer clay, paper cutout or felt toys for them to play with. They can paint the plate before gluing circles on top, or after gluing the circles on bottom.
• Preschoolers: A similar approach to toddlers, but you can throw in things like stick-on gems and they can cut the circles themselves.
• Younger school age: Go for rigid plastic platters or plates, and let them cut out scrapbook paper circles. They can trace a template (make one that fits your plastic plate size) and cut it out themeselves. Bring out the regular Mod Podge, and do it in two stages. First decoupage the circles and seal it. Then, paint the back of the plate.
• Tween/Middle school: Here’s where you can bring out the stiff fabric – just make sure you have good fabric scissors for them to use, or they’ll get frustrated. Bring out the hard finishing Mod Podge for this age group.
• Teen and adult: I’d definitely see if I can get better base plates (glass or ceramic) for these age groups. You can even allow them to finish their crafts with ceramic paint markers or paints.

Care and post-crafting a decoupage seder plate

Here are some general tips for how to treat your finished seder plate.

Sealing your craft and food safety

The Mod Podges I suggested above are going to basically protect your craft. However, they are not food safe. They ARE non-toxic, they’re just not FDA approved for direct food contact.

My approach to seder plates is usually to assume the foods aren’t eaten (they are left out for SO many hours) but if they might be eaten, your best options are:

1. Either have little bowls to actually put the foods in.
2. Or, decoupage to the back of the plate only (you’ll need a smooth-backed plate for that, though. The ones I used wouldn’t work). Leave the top the original plate surface.

For very young kids, it really won’t matter – they won’t really be using it. If you’re afraid they may, you can also just stack another clear plastic plate on top of their craft.

Washing your seder plate after use

The finishes that I suggested are supposed to make it washing-friendly. The outdoor Mod Podge will allow it to be soaped down and rinsed. I wouldn’t soak it, though. Same for Super Gloss Mod Podge.

The Dishwasher Safe formula is absolutely good enough to put it in the dishwasher. I have decoupaged glass plates with fabric using that and run it through the dishwasher many times safely (just make sure to follow cure time directions).

The paint is another story. If the paint is exposed, I’d really just wipe the front clean and leave it at that. You can also seal the paint with Mod Podge.

How to decoupage a seder plate craft – step by step

You’ll need

• A base plate – I used these but a smooth-backed rigid plastic or glass plate would be ideal
• Fabric scraps or fat quarters – I used one from this bundle. I recommend something stiff and easy to cut, that won’t fray easily
• A circle to trace. Mine is 2.5 inches, but size something to fit your plate
• Good fabric scissors
• A pen/marker/erasable fabric marker to trace
• Decoupage – see notes above. I used Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge
• A paint brush for Mod Podge and one for the paint
• Good quality acrylic paint in a contrasting color

Watch the video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Process

1. Trace your template six times on the back of your fabric.

2. Carefully and slowly, cut them out.

3. Arrange them in an equally-distanced circle around your plate. You can do this on the back if you’re using a smooth-backed clear plate, just make sure the good side of the fabric faces down if you do this

Then, one at a time, apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge to the back.

4. Carefully glue it to the surface of the plate. Smooth it out, allowing any excess Mod Podge to ooze out of the sides. If it’s more than a thin smear, wipe it off.

Repeat with all your circles.

5. Give it a few minutes to set just so that the circles don’t glide around. Cover it with a thin layer of Mod Podge. The trick with Mod Podge is: don’t overwork it. Just spread neat, even strokes. Err on the side of thin, and seal with multiple layers if needed.

6. When the circles have dried, flip you plate over and paint the back. If your circles are on the back, paint right over them. I decided to leave the border unpainted.

7. Paint doesn’t adhere so well to smooth surfaces, so you may need to apply a few layers. Again, a few smooth, even, thin layers beat one thick layer every time.

Note: you may experience some chipping on the final project. Sealing it can help but won’t be perfect. This adds to the “shabby chic” charm of this decoupage seder plate craft.

You decoupage seder plate craft is complete!

How will you be crafting your decoupage seder plate craft? Comment below!

The post Decoupage Seder Plate Craft – Functional DIY Ke’arah for Kids! appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

These 5 Pesach mazes are a super fun Passover activity for kids – and include a free printable as well! Check out this Kids’ Interactive Haggadah Craft Template as well! This post contains affiliate links.

It can be hard to find tabletop activities for kids who are a bit less crafty, but puzzle-type activities that require a bit of brainwork are often a big winner. For Passover, when neat boredom busters are often in high demand, I figured that some Pesach mazes are in order!

Get the Pesach Mazes

I created a total of five Pesach mazes for you to download and print. They cover various cleaning and Pesach themes. I’ll explain more in-depth on each below, but meanwhile, here is where you can get them.

I decided to offer the first one for free – the “A Chametz Maze.”

Get the Full Bundle

The full bundle includes all five mazes as well as printable solutions – “spoilers”. That is the Chametz maze (the one available for free as well) a 4 cups maze, an Afikoman maze, a Seder Plate maze, and an exodus themed maze.

The full bundle of Pesach mazes is available for a few bucks in my shop, on Etsy, and on TpT. Purchasing premium products from me enables me to keep doing what I do, to give more focus to my Jewish blog, creating authentically Jewish resources for homes, educators, and parents.

Get the free printable Passover Maze

The free maze is a challenge to “bag” all the ten pieces of Chametz. It’s in the shape of a piece of bread. some pieces are off the solution path and are detours, some are along the way. It’s highly educational, and serves as a pseudo “bedikat chametz” (searching for Chametz) activity for kids.

Download your free maze! It’ll arrive right in your inbox. By downloading, you’re subscribing to our FREE newsletter with updates on cool printables like this, ideas to simplify Jewish life, and more. Unsubscribe at any time at the bottom my emails. I respect your privacy and the law, and won’t share or sell your email address.

More about the 5 Pesach Mazes

My 9 year old, Y, is very into mazes and he tests them for me. This is important because he HAS found mistakes that I then went and fixed.

All my mazes are hand/digitally drawn using graphing paper and a very simple (but painstaiking and long) technique. In a world of AI, I hope you can appreciate it!

The designs

A 4 Cups Maze is one of my favorites. It has multiple entry and exit points, and you need to figure them out! Y took a few tries but he got it. If you have a child who doesn’t love that concept, you can simply look at the solutions (spoilers) pages and make arrows for them. But I wanted to add to the challenge and switch things up a bit.

An Exodus Maze is the only one that really focuses on the story behind Passover. It’s shaped in a kind of tapered squiggly rectangle intentionally to symbolize a journey. The maze starts at the pyramids (for Egypt) and ends at the date palms (for Israel.)

A Ke’Arah (seder plate) Maze is a simple shaped maze that uses the circles of the “bowls” on the seder plate as part of the maze. The pathway goes through some of the circles.

An Afikoman Maze focuses on the kids’ favorite part of the Seder – finding the Afikoman. Solvers need to help Moshe unearth the Afikoman before midnight.

A Chametz Maze has a really cool twist – and is the one you can download for free above. I added some pieces of Chametz (mostly bread, but a few others too) througout. Some were added along the solution pathways, and some are detours. All pieces must be collected.

It sounds hard, but it’s not! Kids can complete the whole maze, circle pieces as they pass them, and then go back along the path (starting from the solution) to collect the ones they miss. The goal of this one was twofold: 1. They learn the basics of Bedikat Chametz (searching for Chametz) and Biur Chametz (they collect the pieces and bring them to a dumpster fire) 2. They get a bit of a review of different foods that in their standard wheat form are Chametz.

Tips for solving and completing it

I don’t REALLY have a system for “grading” the mazes. I have a system for drawing them to make sure they are solvable one way and not too easy. I switch between grid sizes and try to add a little twist to switch things up.

My best system for doability is my 9 year old. He gets excited when I’m done a new set and does them right away.

My goal is to have him need to use a pencil, but able to solve it with minimal frustration. So I definitely recommend doing this with a pencil – as I encourage him to. That way, it can be erased and restarted. Of course, since it’s printable, you can always print a new copy if needed.

When the maze is completed, I usually encourage him to outline the final path with a marker. I used to color in my maze solution pathway totally.

Since I also provide Spoilers with your purchase, you can also provide hints for kids as needed. And of course, when complete, kids can always color them in too!

If you didn’t get get the Pesach mazes in my shop, on Etsy, and on TpT.

The post Pesach Mazes to Print – 5 Medium Passover Maze Printables appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

I wanted to share a doable tutorial for DIY Purim tags to supplement the slightly more complex sewn paper tags I shared a few years ago.

I decided to go a little rustic and create some fun Kraft tags that anyone can make. This does require a little more confidence and illustration, but with a little guidance, anyone with a bit of a creative streak can doodle these!

Each tag takes just a couple of minutes to doodle, making them perfect for making a pile of tags. They’re also great for doing at lettering workshops, in the classroom, or for a Mishloach Manot exchange. I feel like it’s a great way to incorporate a bit of skill learning in a regular Purim craft workshop – that is, hand lettering.

Tips for making DIY Purim Tags

Here I’ll walk you through my material choices and more tips for success. You’ll find a step-by-step process at the end of this post.

Kraft Board vs other materials

I chose Kraft board as a sturdy and rustic looking material. It can match many different package types and is really easy to find. Keep in mind the weight (thickness) of the Kraft board that you use.

If you want to go even quicker with this, you can use pre-made tags. You can find that in all sorts of materials. Black is a great option for a really chic look. Avoid patterns or anything busy.

The best markers to use

I tested my full range of markers for these DIY Purim tags, and my main discovery was really in color. Look for markers that are well-pigmented (brand DOES matter, though mid-range markers will work well here.)

You want an OPAQUE (not see-through) marker like an acrylic marker – not something that’s meant for layering like an alcohol or classic water-based marker.

For a high quality option that’ll last you a long time, try Poscas (the 3M size is a good in-between size that’s fine enough for some detail but thick enough for coverage.) For a mid-range option, Ohuhu has a few lines that will work. These brush tips are great for brush lettering (and were really a favorite for this craft), and these are great for both bold and fine lines.

And finally, gel pens look great on this. I recommend Gelly rolls (again, cheaper gel pens are often disposable, but you can get a small pack with just/extra blacks or whites for this.)

The colors you choose will matter. Test the colors in advance on your chosen paper.

Cutting your tags

I cut my tags myself. While, as I mentioned above, you CAN buy pre-made tags, it’s really easy to cut a basic tag shape.

A few options for cutting neat tags:

1. I used a paper trimmer to cut the rectangles, and a quick snip with scissors for the angled top.
2. A 2-2.5 inch circle punch makes a fun round tag.
3. Or cut square tags and use a corner punch (I use this on my business cards) to give it a polished feel.
4. You can even get a tag-shaped punch.
5. If you’re a Cricut owner, they have tons of base tag shapes you can use.

Tips for lettering your DIY Purim tags

Hand lettering is a whole art in itself, but it’s surprisingly simple. I like to advise that it’s not about your handwriting – it’s about drawing each letter.

If you’re doing this on your own, definitely watch a video or two on some hand lettering tips before getting started. But, unlike traditional calligraphy, you don’t need to really learn and remember a large variety of fonts.

Setting up the structure

If you’re concerned with your DIY Purim tags looking neat, penciling in lines can help. I simply imagined the main square (minus the top portion) and started from there.

You can definitely pull out a ruler and make some grids to show where you want to place your letters. To avoid having to map out each letter, you can start your words from the center. For Purim, for example, R is the center letter and should be centered. But because there’s a narrow I, make it slightly to the right of center.

Decide where/if you want doodles and borders and work from there.

Lettering tips and inspiration

Lettering is about drawing the letters instead of just writing them. I played with many different types of lettering. You can definitely practice some ideas on scrap paper before taking it to the tags.

Some specific ideas I like to play with:

• “Bubbles” or rectangles for only one downward stroke of each letter
• Filling with doodles vs. leaving blank vs. filling in blocks
• Tall and skinny with very short top-portions of letters (like the semicircle on the P) or very fat and chunky letters with exaggerated top-portions of letters.
• Playful all-caps
• My favorite: brush lettering. Start with very basic script and the following rules:
  • Up strokes are skinny, down strokes are thick.
  • DRAW, don’t write, your letters.
  • Work slowly

You can definitely play with alphabet stickers, “Ransom note” magazine cutouts, etc.

Doodles, borders, and more!

To add a little pizzazz, I switched between doodled borders, images, and both! I really like simple pattern borders the most. This can be around the whole tag, around the focal “square” of the tag, around just the words, top/bottom, etc.

Hamantaschen are the easiest to doodle and so appropriate for Mishloach Manot. Dont’ just stick to Purim – think flowers, paisley, butterflies…

And if you’re not confident with your doodles, pull out the craft stash!

Think: adhesive bling, Purim stickers, dot sticker borders (cut in half) with added doodles around them…

How to make DIY Purim tags for Mishloach Manot

Obviously, I’ve shared so many variations above, but this will take you through the basic process that I followed.

You’ll Need

• Kraft board
• A paper trimmer
• Scissors
• Paint markers and gel pens in white, black, off white, etc. I used a mix of Posca, Ohuhu direct ink brush markers, Ohuhu double tipped markers, Gelly roll gel pens, etc.
• Hole punch (standard 1/4 inch is best)
• Twine

Watch the Video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Step by Step Tutorial

1. Cut your tags to size. Decide how large you want them (about 2×3 inches is great). Cut your Kraft board into strips the correct width and then cut the strips to the correct height.

2. Snip off a small corner on the top.

3. Flip that corner over to measure and cut the second corner. A quick, confident snip will get you the neatest cut.

4. Punch your holes. I tried to do 1/16th inch holes at first, but ended up punching them larger when my twine didn’t fit, so I do recommend going with a standard 1/4 inch punch to begin with.

5. Choose your markers. Test them on your corner scraps.

6. Start lettering! Opt for high contrast where possible, but light beiges that show up really milky will look amazing too!

Start with some lettered text.

Or start with your borders.

Mix up bold and thin strokes. Mix images with patterns.

Try doubling up and adding patterns. Images don’t have to be Purim-themed.

7. Add a string. Cut a length of twine about 4-5 inches long. Loop the center through the hole from back to front.

8. Put the ends of the strings through the loop you formed on the front and pull tight.

Your DIY Purim tags for Mishloach Manot are complete!

The post DIY Purim Tags for Mishloach Manot appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Paper plates are the perfect medium for making masks – because you have the round shape, in the right size, and the curvature that fits over the face! Today I’m going to share with you some of my best tips for making them with kids of all ages.

We’re going to explore different shapes and ways to cut it out, how to use the ridged edge as elements, and even show you what my kids came up with! I’ll be sharing our art supply experimentation and recommendations based on our successful results.

We tested this with kids ages toddler (2.5) through 9!

These are great for the classroom, Purim parties, and even make a great Purim carnival booth idea!

Tips and Variations for crafting paper plate masks

Crafts like this are very open-ended and I highly recommend allowing room for creativity. Here are some of our experimentations, as well as ways you can take it to the next level.

Different ways to color it

One of my favorite ways to color paper plate masks is using paint. However, with limited dry time, I wanted to give paint sticks a go. They are my go-to paint solution for any time a project needs paint, so why should this be different, right?

However, I ran into one major issue? they were too wide and clumsy for the textured paper plate!

So while they worked, control was challenging.

On round two, I pulled out two more mediums to try: watercolor paints and gel watercolor crayons. They both worked fabulously! The watercolor crayons are similar in texture to paint sticks, fast drying (although you’ll need more time if you’re watercoloring over them) and have finer tips that allow for much more detail.

Watercolors are just EASY – especially for younger kids. They can do a simple wash or paint in additional details.

They can also use markers to add details afterwards.

We also used paint markers (I recommend instant ink ones when crafting with kids). Those are fabulous, especially for older kids who will want to add real detail.

Playing with Shape

The shape of the paper plates really lend themselves to adding pretty designs – especially if you’re making the paper plate masks for Purim!

We cut some with a crown edge to make different characters.

You can also simply play up the shape of the plate to make half masks. I like outlining the eyes in a winged shape.

And my 9 year old got really creative! He traced one of my masks on his own to make a template and cut it out entirely on his own. He added cat eyes and whiskers – and it was all his ideas.

More Decorating Ideas

There are more ways you can craft this and here are some tips and pointers. I’ll also offer different styles of setting up this paper plate masks craft based on group size and age later in this post.

• Use colorful plates with permanent/paint markers for a bright, colorful effect with less coloring needed.
• Add feathers to the center of the forehead.
• Add stick-on gems around the eyes and to the crowns.
• Bring on the foam shapes!

How to turn it into a mask

There are a few ways to turn anything into a mask. One of my favorites is to stick a dowel on the side. A paper straw or craft stick does the job too. These handheld masks are more fun for kids to use as a toy – it’s less uncomfortable to wear.

Of course, you can also go the traditional route and use elastic! Opt for 4mm round braided elastic. You can get it in white or in fun colors, or get pre-made mask elastics with metal stoppers at the ends.

Making Paper Plate Masks with Kids

When you’re crafting this, so much of what you might want to do/how you do it depends on the size and age of the group! Here are some pointers for making paper plate masks for Purim with different group types.

Tips for younger kids vs. older kids

Since we crafted this with a nice range of age groups, I can share some pointers based on personal experience.

• Toddlers – Precut the masks and keep the shapes basic. Use watercolor gel crayons if possible, stickers are great too. Use washable paint if you’re brave. You can use regular crayons but the color will be very faint.
• Preschool – Precut the masks. You can incorporate simple shapes like crowns, cat ears (one-piece). Some kids will use it, some won’t. Stick-on embellishments like foam shapes and gems are great here too. They can watercolor or use gel crayons, paint sticks, paint, etc.
• Grade school – Older kids can cut their own masks. Younger ones will need pre-cut. You can offer a mix of options. They can use paint markers (as long as they’re wearing junk clothes) for more detailed drawings. Or allow them to play with watercolors, gel crayons, etc.
• Tween and up – Just hand them the supplies (the more sophisticated the better) and let them explore!

Tips for small groups vs. large groups

When crafting this with a smaller group, you can go more detailed with the instruction, and higher end with the materials. You can also wait and see if they need help with cutting out the masks.

For larger groups, you will really want to have everything set up and self-serve. Precut masks. Offer more bulk of more basic supplies. Go for paint markers if you can as it’s easier to spread out for a group (but get cheap ones and plan for them to be “used up” in this craft session.)

I also recommend instantly drying materials only for larger groups since it’s harder to track which project belongs to which kid. And stick-on embellishments are a win for large groups.

How to make fun paper plate masks

You’ll Need

• Paper plates
• If possible, grab a mask you have handy to trace
• Scissors
• Coloring supplies. My top 3 are: watercolor paints, watercolor gel crayons (fine tip but instant dry if not actually watercoloring), and paint markers
• Optional: embellishments like stick-on gems, feathers, and foam shapes
• Hole punch: if you can swing a 1/16th inch one that’s ideal, otherwise use a standard one
• Elastic or pre-made mask elastics
• OR use a hot glue gun (adults only) or tape to stick on a dowel, jumbo craft stick, or paper straw

Watch the video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Cut your mask from the plate: Use a mask (or a nearby child) to figure out eye placement. Sketch out and cut your mask. Keep your first mask as a template to trace more masks.

On average, you can fit two masks to a plate.

Try using the plate in different directions and ways for a bit of variety.

2. Color your masks. Try outlining the eyes and adding detail based on the winged eye shape.

Use paint markers to get around the ridges, and use the ridges as a crown shape.

Add facial details like eyebrows and lashes if you want.

3. Turn it into a mask. Punch holes on each side and add an elastic. Or tape or glue on a dowel.

Your paper plate masks for Purim – or anytime – are complete! Which styles will you be crafting next? Comment below and then check out this fun mask decorating activity.

The post Paper Plate Masks for Purim appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

When I was making my triple chocolate hamantaschen a couple of years ago, I realized that it would be so cool to practice on air dry clay! I decided to craft these quite simple clay hamantaschen this year as a fun little Purim craft that’s fabulous for kids and adults.

Adults can make it for little kids to play with, and kids can make it to just have fun and learn the basics of how to make perfect hamantsachen. Well, it won’t quite take them all the way to perfect, but they’ll have fun making it.

The idea is that they can get really hands on and do it “for real” but not on food, and without dealing with messy jelly!

Including DIY Clay Hamantaschen in your Purim prep

I figured before I dive into the clay Hamantaschen tutorial, I’d share with you some ways you can include them in your classroom or home pre-Purim prep.

What to do with them when you’re done

I made these having in mind my kids’ play kitchen. I love updating it with seasonal supplies and I know that many classrooms convert their play kitchens seasonally. We did this with felt hamantaschen in the past, but clay really does mimic the real thing better.

FYI the kitchen toys I have pictured are from this set – a favorite in our house.

Just a word of caution: if making it for younger toddlers, or any kids who might try to eat it, you’ll want to closely supervise it at the very least. J tried taking a bite out of it, and he didn’t manage to, but he did break it. Air dry clay can mimic ceramic when cured so it’s not exactly a shatterproof toy. It’s more likely to crumble, and really just a corner came off, but again, young kids might abuse it .

They are still totally functional, just not as nice!

Some more fun ways to use these clay hamantaschen after you craft them – beyond the play kitchen:

• Use them as part of a Purim sensory bin.
• Have them as a seasonal bowl filler that almost looks real.
• Or add them to a tiered tray.
• Play Purim jokes “shtick” with them (on the right people).
• String them up into a garland (either by folding it around a string and letting it dry that way or by hot gluing a string to the back.)

Adapting this for younger kids’ crafts

This was a mom-made craft, but it’s totally the type of thing that older kids can nail. In fact, if you’d consider offering your kids to help assemble hamantaschen, they can definitely help craft these!

If you’re doing these with younger kids, here are some adaptations:

• Definitely pre-color your filling – that’s a very messy part of the process. Just make sure to store it properly until it’s ready to craft with.
• Work together with them, one-on-one to fill the hamantaschen.
• Do the pinch-corner style and not the overlapping corner style of folding.
• Skip the glitter!
• Consider making a small mark (such as by pressing in a toothpick to make a line) at the corners so they know where to pinch.

More tips for making clay hamantaschen

Here are some tips for success. These are designed to help you understand a little more about the process and my material choices so that you can make it work for you.

Coloring and painting options

There are so many ways you can color air dry clay (which typically comes in white or terra cotta colors). One of the absolute messiest ways to do it is to add paint ot your clay. That’s probably how you want to paint your filling, because you will have a hard time painting it when you’re done!

For the outside, watercolor paints just look so cool – like freshly baked hamantaschen. You can also use acrylic paints – or washable paints. You can even color it with paint markers, but it may ruin the marker, so get cheap ones for one-time use.

There are also all sorts of things you can press in. I really wanted to do the chalk pastel shavings method that I had done in the past on these seashell necklaces, but I couldn’t find my pastels (time to purge the craft room!)

I instead pressed in glitter. Glass glitter works the best for this (and doesn’t get on everything), but I also used tinsel glitter and microbeads.

Sealing the clay Hamantaschen

I chose to seal my clay hamantaschen with outdoor Mod Podge for a water resistant finish. You can use dishwasher safe Mod Podge as well (it takes 28 days to cure but will be playable after a few days).

If I had the time, I’d seal them with UV resin for a real hard finish. I think that would have made it more durable and less crumble-able.

Whatever you use, choose something non-toxic if you’re using it as a toy.

How to make clay hamantaschen

What you’ll need

• Air dry clay – I’m a big fan of the quality of DAS brand
• Acrylic paint in red, purple, etc.
• Optional: glitter
• Rolling pin dedicated to clay
• Watercolor paint
• Paint brush
• A bowl/glass about 3 inches round to trace – and a clay-dedicated craft knife (if it’s a good, straight edge glass, you may be able to just press it in to cut it) – or a cookie cutter that shape and size
• Hard finishing Mod Podge (such as Super Gloss, Outdoor, Dishwasher Safe) or UV resin to seal it.

Watch the video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Step by Step tutorial

1. Protect your surface. Start by softening your clay if needed (just knead it in your hands a bit) and separate small bits of clay for the filling – a bit bigger than a marble.

2. This part is messy: add a glob of acrylic paint to your filling and mix it in. It’ll be very diluted in color.

3. Roll out your clay to about 1/8 inch thick (don’t measure! It should be thick enough to be durable but not crazy thick).

4. Trace and cut out your circle.

5. Carefully remove the excess.

6. Place your filling in the center of the circle.

7. If you’d like, you can add glitter on top.

8. Assemble your Hamantasch! There are two ways to do it. One way is to fold over each third of your circle towards the center.

Overlap the sides – each side should go over one side and under the other.

Give a little pinch at the corners to secure them. Make sure the center opens up a bit to reveal the filling.

9. The less-neat-but-easer method is the pinch method. Pinch each corner (fold up the sides of the circles in three spots to form these corners.

And pinch them together to form your triangle.

10. Allow your clay hamantaschen to dry completely. How long it takes will depend on your environment – temperature, humidity, etc. Then, paint it with a wash of brown watercolor paint.

11. When the top is dry to the touch, flip it over and paint the back. Just a tip when doing watercolors on air dry clay – don’t overwork it or make it too wet.

12. Allow it to dry completely (an hour or so) and seal it with your choice of sealer.

Your clay hamantaschen are complete and ready to be played with!

The post How to Make Clay Hamantaschen from Air Dry Clay appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

This paper gragger craft for Purim is so much fun to color and assemble – and you have eight designs to choose from! If you want a more traditional shape Grogger craft, try this. This post contains affiliate links.

One of the reasons that I love turning coloring pages into crafts is that kids can really get busy with it, playing a meaningful part in the “design”, and then come out with a functional creation.

Sometimes I create something that requires a bit more assembly – more of a complex template. With this paper gragger craft for Purim my goal was the opposite: keep assembly as simple as possible and leave room for creativity there too.

I’m going to share loads of assembly tips and ideas, plus a closer peek at this, but first, you can download it here.

Download the Paper Gragger Craft for Purim here

The paper gragger craft for Purim is available for a few bucks in my shop, on Etsy, and on TpT. Purchasing premium products from me enables me to keep doing what I do, to give more focus to my Jewish blog, creating authentically Jewish resources for homes, educators, and parents.

About the Paper Gragger Craft for Purim

The design of this craft is meant to be a simple “pillow” gragger. You have two designs back to back (identical deigns mirrored) and sandwiched between them is a filler that makes noise when shaken.

They’re like mini paper stuffies.

Different ways to craft it

I wanted to keep assembly versatile and assembled it a few different ways. The clown was crafted with a craft stick as a handle for easy shaking.

The Gragger style was designed with a stick in mind. I used a dowel in the same color as I colored the stick.

The tambourine I kept flat – it leads less into having a stick or anything like that. All of these were glued shut.

On the Hamantaschen, I wanted to show you how you can lace these. I punched around the edge and laced it up. It’s purely decorative – you don’t want your filler to fall out so it’s anyway glued around the edge.

The versions your craft comes with

To make this paper gragger craft for Purim fabulous for everyone, I’ve included repeats of the ones with text in Hebrew as well as English.

These are PDF files, with each design on one page to make it really easy to hand out. You can put these out at a shul event or workshop, let everyone choose, and finish it off different ways. Provide a simple printout of instructions, the supplies needed, and a few crafted samples.

Each Gragger has a secondary border to allow for a bit of a border around the project so the actual image can stand out. You can cut that border off if you don’t like it.

8 Styles to choose from

To keep things creative, I provided eight styles of Gragger – that way everyone can craft the one THEY want. These are fun illustrations made special for this craft.

Some can be crafted in more unique image-specific ways. For example, the Gragger can be crafted with a stick that “continues” the illustrated one. Maracas would be filled only at the rounded point, with the base glued together.

The Gragger styles included are:

• Gragger top
• Clown
• Megillah
• 3 Hamantaschen
• Single Hamantasch with text
• Tambourine
• Maracas with text
• Different maracas without text

How to Assemble the Paper Gragger Craft for Purim

You get a printable version of instructions with your download.

You’ll Need

• The templates (get them in my shop, on Etsy, and on TpT) printed on paper
• Markers, crayons, etc.
• Filler – I used plastic pellets. You can get more ideas in myPurim gragger game instructions here.
• Glue – if an adult is assembling it, hot glue is best because of the fast dry time. Otherwise school glue works, Tacky glue is better.
• Optional: yarn and plastic needle for lacing.
• Optional: hole punch for lacing
• Optional: Sticks – dowels or craft sticks

Assembly Instructions

1. Print your chosen templates on paper.

2. Color it in. I skipped coloring the extra border.

3. Cut it out around the outer border.

4. Glue it most of the way around, leaving an opening. If you’re not using hot glue you’ll want to let it dry.

5. Fill it with about a tablespoon of plastic pellets.

6. Glue it shut.

7. If you want to lace it, you can follow the same process as above. But make sure to glue it on the inside perimeter of the border, so you don’t poke holes in the actual container that’s holding the pellets.

8. Punch holes around your border.

9. Tie on a piece of yarn.

10. And sew around the edge!

11. To add a stick: First, glue your stick in position on the back of one piece.

12. Glue around the edge, leaving an opening, and glue securely over the stick so it totally seals.

13. Glue the corresponding side. You may need to smush it down a bit so it seals around the edges. Fill and glue the last bit.

14. Do a craft stick the same way – but you don’t really need to glue along the hole thing. A dowl needs more secure gluing or it’ll poke through.

Your paper gragger craft for Purim is complete! Just a reminder that you can get it in my shop, on Etsy, and on TpT

The post Paper Gragger Craft for Purim appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Color and craft a fun Shivat haminim garland with this beautiful printable – or print the full color version instead! When you’re done, try this felt Shivat Haminim template too. This post contains affiliate links.

Ready for a low-key and fun way to decorate for Tu B’shvat? Assemble this simple Shivat Haminim garland printable! There are two crafting styles:

• The full color garland to print, cut, and assemble OR
• The color-in one for when you want more of a detailed activity, and you want to sit and color!

Both of these are available in my shops: my own website shop, Etsy, and Teachers Pay Teachers. Or scroll on for more details and a few ways you can assemble this!

Get the Shivat Haminim Garland Printable

The Shivat Haminim Printable Garland is available for a few bucks in my shop, on Etsy, and on TpT. Purchasing premium products from me enables me to keep doing what I do, to give more focus to my Jewish blog, creating authentically Jewish resources for homes, educators, and parents.

Get the color-in version:

Get the FULL COLOR version:

Crafting your Shivat Haminim garland printable

Here are some general tips for crafting these – but I do have a full tutorial at the end.

Stringing it up – & More cool ways to craft this

The garland is scaled to full pages so that you can display it large. Since images can be scaled down without losing quality but not up, I wanted to leave you with the maximum quality. I did not include any specific hanging mechanism in the template so that you can choose that as well. Here are some ways you can string this Shivat Haminim garland printable – or not!

• Print it any size by using the PNG images. On Windows, you can right click all the images and choose “print” (under “show more options”) and it’ll give you the option to print them in different sizes. I chose 5×7 for this.
• I glued the full color one along a string – simply gluing the back.

• You can glue two back to back to make a two-sized garland. If using the above method, first glue one side, flip it over, and glue the second side to make sure it’s in order.
• For the color-in one, I punched two holes in each one and strung it up with a ribbon.

• You can make tabs on the top of your garland to make hanging loops. Leave two tabs on the top when cutting out your pennants and loop them over. Or, attach loops from a separate piece of colored paper.
• This is a really fun craft for Tu B’shvat or as a Sukkah decoration. If you’re making it for Sukkot, laminate it and leave a laminated border around any cuts. Even if crafting it for Tu B’shvat, laminating it will really protect it and allow it to last from year to year.
• Print it in full size and use it as a bulletin board. Even though these are pennant shapes, you don’t even need to turn it into a garland! You can even make these as a coloring or flip book.

Coloring Tips

If using the color-in version, there are many ways you can color this in!

I used these paint markers to color mine. They are somewhat opaque and a good low-key grown-up marker. Colored pencil gave me a light background. Alcohol markers are also great for adults, as are colored pencils. For kids, colored pencils, markers, or anything really goes.

You can also simply print it on colored paper. Or print on colored paper AND color them in with opaque paint markers.

Variations

There are different options to print – I’ll walk you through them here!

Full color vs color-in

Available as two separate downloads, you can choose from full color Shivat Haminim garland printables or from a color-in version.

If you want more of an instant decoration with minimal assembly, the full color one is the way to go. The photos hardly capture it, so check out the preview below.

It is digitally colored, using digital watercolor brushes for dynamic, artistic color.

The color-in one is great for kids to create home decor for Tu B’shvat or the Sukkah. It’s great for crafting workshops, as an activity that can be started and taken home.

With Text vs. Without

For each version, I’ve made one both with text and without. The text says the Hebrew word for that fruit. The biblical verse for the fruit isn’t always an exact match (for example, dates are referred to as Devash – or honey.) I used the Hebrew word for the fruit (dates are Tamar).

Choose if you want it with text or without and print the one you want.

PNG vs. PDF

As usual, I offer both PDF versions and PNG. The PNG does have in mind Cricut crafters who want to use their machines to Print then Cut, but it’s also fabulous for crafting them different sizes.

The PDF size is quite large. You can print it at scale (for example, 75%) if it’s too big. I did want to give the option of having it large enough for a bulletin board, for example. Print one page to test before printing them all.

This Shivat Haminim garland printable makes gorgeous home or classroom decor for Tu B’shvat, Yom Ha’atzma’ut (celebrating the special fruit of Israel), or as a Sukkah decoration. It’s easy to assemble and will look gorgeous – whether you’re coloring it yourself or using my colored version.

How to assemble your Shivat Haminim Garland Printable

You’ll need

• The files – get them in my shop, on Etsy, and on TpT – printed, preferably on cardstock
• Markers or other coloring supplies, if assembling the color-in version
• Scissors
• Hole punch – optional
• String
• Hot glue gun – optional

Process

1. Cut out your pennants.

2. Color them in.

3. Punch holes at the top if stringing it that way.

4. Run a string through them.

You can also just hot glue them along a string. Hang them and enjoy!

Just a reminder you can download these in my shop, on Etsy, and on TpT. Enjoy!

Get the color-in version:

Get the FULL COLOR version:

The post Color & Craft Shivat Haminim Garland Printable appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Celebrate Tu B’shvat with a fun Shivat Haminim puppets craft – featuring the 7 species of Israel. When you’re done, check out these Neviot puppets too! This post contains affiliate links.

If you’re looking for a fun and engaging Tu B’shvat craft that can be made by many different age groups, you’ll want to give these Shivat Haminim puppets a try! This is a really easy craft that can be made more simply, or colored more ambitiously. And I created a color-in AND full color version based on how much crafting you really want to do.

I explain more about each puppet and how to assemble the set below, but meanwhile, if you want to get them, you can do so in my shop, on Etsy, orTpT.

Get the color-in version:

Get the full color version:

The Seven species of Israel feature five fruit, plus wheat and barley. These are the fruit that were biblically the celebrated “special” foods that Israel was blessed with, and so they have always been special in Jewish culture, and even have significance in Jewish practice, in the priority given to foods when reciting blessings on mutliple foods.

While some of these are featured as Rosh Hashanah simanim (and I made puppets special for those too) This set is very specifically the seven species. In order, they are: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegrate, olives, and dates.

Tu B’shvat is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the “birthday” of the trees (or more accurately, the new year for the trees). It falls of the 15th of the Jewish month of Shevat (its name is actually that as “tu” spells out the Aleph-bet of the number 15). This usually is sometime in February – about a month and a half after Hanukkah and a month before Purim.

IT’s a very minor holiday, usually celebrated by eating fruits, with a focus on the five of the seven species that are fruit. Okay, grapes grow from a vine, but they are included in our Tu B’shvat fruit celebrations.

These puppets are fabulous for Tu B’shvat, or any time you’re highlighting the seven species. It’s great as a Parshat Eikev craft – the portion of the Torah that lists the seven species.

About these puppets

The puppets were hand-illustrated digitally (that is, with a stylus but without any generation or anything along those lines) on my Surface Pro using Adobe Fresco. They were colorized the same way and then turned into puppets for you to enjoy using Illustrator.

2 versions: Color-in and full-color

I love “color & craft” projects – they offer the same easy entertainment of a coloring page, with lots of input from the kids, and an educational factor. But they also give kids an end product to play with! For that reason, I offer a line-art only version, which is perfect for classroom or at-home activities.

These offer so many options for any age group. I pulled out alcohol markers (perfect for teens and older) for a more professional color. Toddlers can use do-a-dot markers, preschoolers can use crayons, and grade-schoolers can use SuperTips.

Sometimes, you just want a quick finished product to cut and assemble as a classroom tool, toy, or visual. For that reason, I decided to create a full color version too! And while the puppet itself is a bit smaller than you might want for a bulletin board or classroom decor, you can scale up the PNG images a little to get a larger size for more versatile use.

The Shivat Haminim(the 7 species)

The seven species featured are as follows. If you want to learn more about them, I recommend this resource. You do get printable instructions as well as explanations with your download.

The source – Deuteronomy 8:8 – lists them as: “ אֶ֤רֶץ חִטָּה֙ וּשְׂעֹרָ֔ה וְגֶ֥פֶן וּתְאֵנָ֖ה וְרִמּ֑וֹן אֶֽרֶץ־זֵ֥ית שֶׁ֖מֶן וּדְבָֽשׁ׃ – a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey;“

• Wheat: Chita (חִטָּה)
• Barley: Se’ora (שְׂעוֹרָה)
• Grapes: Gefen (גֶּפֶן) – This translates to vine but refers to grapes
• Figs: Te’ena (תְּאֵנָה)
• Pomegranates: Rimon (רִמּוֹן)
• Olives: Zeit Shemen/Zayit (זֵ֥ית שֶׁ֖מֶן/זַיִת) (olive oil/oil) – While it refers to olives as the fruit, the Torah refers to it as olive oil.
• Dates: Devash/Tamar (דְבָֽשׁ/תָּמָר) (honey/date honey) – Once again, it states honey but we understand it as dates/date honey.

The puppets were illustrated to be playful, with some showing more than one of the fruit and adding character to them.

Get them here

The Shivat Haminim puppets craft is available for a few bucks in my shop, on Etsy, orTpT. Purchasing premium products from me enables me to keep doing what I do, to give more focus to my Jewish blog, creating authentically Jewish resources for homes, educators, and parents.

Get the color-in version:

Get the full color version:

How to assemble your Shivat Haminim Puppets Craft

You’ll need

• The puppets, printed on cardstock
• Craft sticks
• Glue or glue lines. I like to prep these in advance with glue lines for kids, with the backing still intact, so that they can just peel it off and stick it on without glue.
• If using the color-in version, crayons, markers, etc, depending on the age group. I used alcohol markers – perfect for teens and adults,
• Kid-friendly scissors.

Process

1. Print your puppets on cardstock. Choose the color-in or full color version.

2. Color them in if crafting the color-in version.

3. Cut them out on the solid outer line. To make it easier, I placed each one in a shape that creates the puppet.

4. Glue or tape a stick to the back/bottom.

5. That’s it! Your Shivat Haminim puppets are ready to play with and celebrate Tu B’shvat.

In case you missed it, you can get the Shivat Haminim puppets craft here!

Get the color-in version:

Get the full color version:

The post Shivat Haminim Puppets Craft (Perfect for Tu B’Shvat) appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Tu B’shvat is such a fun chag to celebrate. It’s also easy to gloss over it and miss it, as it comes between Chanukah and Purim, two of the kids’ favorite holidays.

However, it really is a cool one, and while not as serious (no one tried to kill us), it’s a wonderful opportunity to show gratitude for the world around us.

M preschooler and toddler both LOVE making hats in school, so I thought I’d design a hat craft for them. Then I realized… why not do a birthday hat, instead of the traditional crown-style hat? It is, after all, the trees’ birthday!

I designed this as a free printable coloring craft that you can download at the end of this post. I illustrated it digitally in a fun, kid-friendly way.

Tips for crafting the Tu B’shvat Hat

Choosing your hat

To keep this open to all, I made three hats for you to choose from. One is blank with no text – just the drawings of the trees. One says on it “Tu B’shvat” in Hebrew. And one (my favorite” says “Happy birthday to the trees!” along the bottom.

Finishing it off

To add a really playful touch, I topped my hat with a pom pom. The one I used was a DIY one (learn how to make pom poms from yarn here) but you can also purchase large pom poms to top your hat with – recommended if doing this with young kids.

I also attached some colorful elastic to the bottom. You can swap that with ribbons, flat elastic, or even glue it onto a headband.

Different ages variations

I totally had this Tu B’shvat hat in mind for the preschool stage, however, after I illustrated the trees, I realized that they might be slightly more complex than I had intended.

However, I find that young kids don’t necessarily stress about filling in all the lines anyway. Younger kids generally enjoy the overall image and then color in larger areas.

If you want to make it more little kid friendly, you can:

• Give them a more specific way to color the small areas – like dotting paint with a cotton swab.
• Give them a more specific way to overcolor the whole thing – like Do a Dot markers or watercolors (where they won’t try to color in the lines and get frustrated)
• Or just encourage imperfection, focus on the process, and provide a sample of one with larger areas colored in as they would do it.

More creative preschoolers can color in the lines with sharpened colored pencils.

A closer look at the free printable Tu B’Shvat Hat craft

The trees included

One of the reasons that my tree details are somewhat fine is because I wanted to be accurate with my trees! I focused on fruit that grown in Israel as that’s where the holiday is centered.

On the hat you have:

An orange tree – while not one of the seven special species of Israel (Shiv’at Haminim), Israel is famous for its Jaffa oranges.

Olives are one of the Shiv’at haminim, and engrained in Jewish practice thanks to its use to light the Hanukkah Menorah (and, of course, the one in the Holy Temple, historically). Its gnarly trunk gives it a distinctive look that dots the Israeli landscape.

The date palm is another tree that produces one of the Shivat Haminim and can be seen throughout Israel. Its presence flanks the historical sites and of course, its fruit is a treat used both in traditional cooking and as a honey.

Bringing it together with Tu B’shvat

Tu B’shvat is a holiday that is best celebrated by… eating fruit! You can try making these dried fruit chocolate lollipops as part of your celebration. Make a whole birthday party with fresh or dried fruit as the centerpiece, and of course, these birthday hats!

Play some Tu B’shvat music and of course, celebrate the trees!

How to assemble your Tu B’shvat hat craft

Supplies needed

• The template, printed on cardstock
• Markers. I used these more big-kid style markers. Crayola SuperTips, colored pencils, or any coloring supplies work!
• Scissors
• Hot glue (adults only) and/or double sided tape. I recommend hot glue for the pom pom and glue lines/double sided tape for the hat assembly.
• Optional: a bone folder if you have one to make your crease sharper
• Large pom poms (or make your own)
• A hole punch (if you have a 1/16th inch one it’ll look prettier, otherwise use a standard 1/4 inch one).
• Elastic – I used braided elastic cord in fun colors

Step by step tutorial

1. Color in your hat.

2. Cut it out around the solid line edge.

3. Fold it along the perforation.

4. Apply double sided tape or hot glue along the extra tab next to the dotted line. Form your hat into a cone. It can be a bit hard to glue around the tip. I find that flattening the hole design and putting your hand inside to apply pressure helps. You’ll just need to reshape your hat after.

5. Punch two holes – one on each side of the hat. They should be opposite each other, with the seam in the back.

6. Measure the elastic you need to fit around the child’s chin (or the back of the head – it can be more comfortable). Add an extra inch or so to each side. Insert it from outside to inside and tie a knot inside the hat.

7. Glue on a pom pom on top of the hat.

Your Tu B’shvat hat is complete and ready to wear!

Download your free printable Tu B’shvat hat

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The post Free Printable Tu B’Shvat Hat Craft appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

The highlight of every Chanukah party in our house is the kids’ craft or activity table. We always have something fun to do to keep the kids happy, away from lit Menorahs, and not just eating junk.

Hanukkah party activities can also serve as bonding experiences when people don’t know each other so well. Instead of just milling around, it provides a conversation starter. And yes, these Hanukkah party activities are great for adult parties too. In-fact, the icebreaker element is stronger at adult parties!

And a final note: craft activities done at parties can double as a fun take-home activity too.

Different types of parties and choosing activities

A Chanukah party can be so many different things – and so while I categorized the ideas below by activity type, I figured I’d also share some pointers for how to choose, which categories to look at based on who’s attending.

The small, intimate family party

For smaller family parties, gift-giving games can be a hit – especially if you’re not the type of family where everyone is exchanging gifts anyway.

You can also do slightly more involved crafts that require supervision or instruction. Choose ones that are good for multiple age groups and have parents help. Dry time shouldn’t be a big issue if all family is local – it can stay at the host’s house until pickup time. If family traveled in, look for crafts that dry within an hour, and close down the activity early enough for things to dry.

For very small families, Hanukkah-themed (or not!) board games can really be a win.

The “friends and family” party where not everyone knows each other

For parties where not necessarily does everyone know each other, activities serve as ice-breakers too. Avoid games (like those gift-giving ones I mentioned above) where knowing each other is more necessary. Stick to open-ended crafts that can be put out and enjoyed without much instruction.

Things like decorating crafts that don’t require assembly – you’re just decorating an item – work best. Opt for those with minimal dry time so that they can be brought home the same day. We also like non-craft activities like coloring pages, activity sheets, sensory bins, etc for this type of event.

The large extended family party

When the crowd is very big, the activity needs to be staggered and very simple. Each family member can contribute for a larger activity (I have one super cool idea that our extended family has been doing below) or keep it to a simple puzzle that people can do individually.

Another idea is once again to have a very simple no-explanation-needed tabletop decorating activity. Avoid food for this (it’ll make such a mess and get chaotic fast) but coloring, decorate-your-owns, etc work well for this. Printables work well here too as they are super cheap and self-explanatory.

If doing a craft, make sure there’s no dry time at all – parents should be able to tuck it right into their bags to take home.

The classroom party

Classroom parties can be hyper-targeted towards the age group you’re working with. That means you can do much cooler things as it’s a naturally calm setting, where oversight is the norm.

Dry time won’t be an issue with crafts done in the classroom – that’s the norm.

The shul or school-wide party

When working with a very large group with various ages, activities that work best are passive entertainers – like magicians, game shows, or similar receptive activities. If you want something the kids (or adults) can actually do, follow the model of the large family.

For schools, if it’s for students only (and not families), you’ll want something kids can do totally independently, with a staff member or two there for oversight. If you want to do something more involved, you’ll need a few helpers and to do it in batches.

Since shul parties are usually family parties, you can work with things that parents can oversee for their own kids, just avoid crafts that require dry time if you can.

An Adults-only (work, shul, etc) party

Here’s where I highly recommend that you work with the workshop model. You can do a real cool take-home project that teaches a DIY skill.

You can also do gifting games in this setting but a workshop is really a cool thing to have.

The Big List of 32 Hanukkah Party Activities

Ready for some actual ideas? Choose the ones that work best for the crowd that you’re hosting! Some of these are ideas I’ve shared in this space, some are fresh ones, and some are more generic or third-party ideas. For those that I have a more involved tutorial, I’ll share a link with more info.

Kids Crafts and Craftivities

Crafts and craft-type activities are always a win with kids. I try to have a craft table at any get-together with kids, but for a Chanukah party, let’s give it a Chanukah theme!

Tip: cover your craft table with a colorable tablecloth! We do this most years and the kids ask about it year after year.

Low-Supervision Crafts for Kids

These are crafts that can be set up for kids to do. Some require more supervision than others – especially for the toddler and preschool age, but all can be supervised by a parent. None of these need any real instruction.

Hint: for items that require dry time, choose fast-dry supplies. Tempera paint sticks are my go-to for younger kids, and paint markers are great for kids who are old enough for it. Both dry in minutes.

Color and craft projects are really fun for this category – bonus points if they can be pre-cut to avoid mess.

• Decorate Dreidels – simply decorating wooden dreidels is a fun on-theme project with a take-home end product.
• Clothespin Menorahs – this color & craft project is fun for toddlers and preschoolers. Provide cut out, ready-to-go elements (base, clothespins with candles attached) and coloring supplies.
• Hanukkah suncatchers – While this does require some prep-work, it’s a really fun one for any age group. Just cut the black cardstock frames, attach them to clear contact paper, and have kids toddler and up tack on tissue paper squares.
• Hanukkah puppets – Another fun color & craft project! When I do stick puppet crafts at parties, I always prep the craft sticks with some double-sided tapes/glue lines with backing. That way, when the puppet is colored, the stick is self-adhesive and ready to tack on.
• Black glue watercolor painting – you’ll need to prep it, but once you do, all you need is watercolors for everyone to make artwork they’re proud of! Watercolors are washable and dry relatively quickly so they’re party-friendly if you can allow for some dry time.
• Dreidel making STEM challenge – this is a really fun any-age activity where you set out supplies and challenge kids to make their own dreidels that are playable! It’s super creative and great for a school setting.
• Dreidel lacing craft – I provide the template and you can do dreidel lacing two ways: either as flat lacing cards, or as a felt plushie.

Coloring Pages

While coloring pages don’t make for high profile Hanukkah party activities, they are one of the easiest things you can set out, especially in mixed adult/kid gatherings, just so that there’s something to do.

In years where I had low energy, low patience, or just didn’t get to it, I still set out a pile of coloring pages and art supplies.

• Dreidel coloring page – a really pretty adult coloring page that’s fun for big kids too
• Hanukkah coloring pages for Kids
• Hanukkah coloring pages for adults (great for kids7+)
• Dreidel Game Rules Coloring Page – This any-age coloring page features a fun poem with the dreidel rules. Put it alongside dreidels and coins for a 2-in-1 activity.

Printable Activity Pages

Activity or “fun” pages are grea tfor kids who might not strictly enjoy coloring but will enjoy pen-to-paper activities. They are low key and easy to set up – some are even easier than coloring pages!

• Hanukkah Mazes – I designed these with my son in mind and they are a classic fun activity.
• Hanukkah Dot to Dot – my son had also been asking for dot to dots so I created this set as well. Kids can color them in when they’re done the drawing.
• Hanukkah Do a Dot – Bingo markers are always a hit, but you can also do this super fun activity with dot stickers! These are ideal for toddler, preschool, and maybe early elementary aged kids.

Family Games

When you get together with family, games are often a hit! These require more face to face interaction than craft tables so go ahead and give them a shot. Some are only for smaller crowds, some can work for bigger crowds.

Just as an FYI: “Jewish” versions of games should always be vetted in advance of giving it to kids – sometimes there are some cards that are a bit off, you may want to remove.

• White Elephant – this is a popular gift exchange game. Full rules here, but in a nutshell: Everyone brings a wrapped gift within a budget (you can choose a theme too.) It’s placed in the center. First player chooses a gift, unwraps it. Next player can choose a new gift or steal a previous one (and then the one who it’s stolen from chooses or steals again.) Find some favorite white elephant gift ideas here.
• Dreidel Game – Of course you can simply put out supplies to play some rounds of dreidel! Bonus points if you play with something real that the can take home. Pennies are a bit obscure right now, but you can do nickels, chocolate coins, jelly beans…
• Dreidel Roulette – a twist on the dreidel game where you need to knock the balls into the slots.
• Hanukkah Mad Libs – classic mad libs but in a Hanukkah theme! This top-rated game comes with 21 pages that can be done as teams or individually.
• Hanukkah would you rather – Would you rather always makes for some fun and hilarious conversation, and this one is in a Hanukkah theme.

Guided Craft Workshops

Craft workshops have their time and place – especially in an adult setting, or with older kids. For a more structured party format with a timeline, a craft workshop offers not only a cool way to fill the time – but an incredible take-home project. These tend to lean pricier (but these types of parties are also often fundraising events with a fee). Here are some favorite guided workshops to do at a party for ages tween through adult.

Most (but not all) of these require finishing and/or dry time rather than immediate take-home.

• Resin Menorah Trays – resin is a popular workshop type, just make sure you have the proper protective gear for each participant, as well as good ventilation. Menorah trays are a fun spin on Chanukah crafts – they’re so popular but you don’t see them a lot! I put Chanukah candles in mine.
• Mosaic Menorah Trays – if you don’t have the ability to work with resin, these mosaic trays are even cooler! I made mine on a sheet pan base!
• Clay dreidel making – Go with the popular song, and make dreidels out of polymer clay!
• Clay Menorah making – This craft is one of my most popular Chanukah crafts and it’s a classic. Always use non-flammable materials when making Menorahs.
• Hanukkah stained glass – a classic that can be done on cheap frames. You an provide a few templates and work with Gallery Glass supplies for easy results.
• Easy Hanukkah Pillow Craft – perfect for tweens, this classic summer camp craft spinoff requires no sewing and can be taken home the same day.
• Beaded star of David – as trivets or as pendants. This easy beading tutorial requires no dry time at all.
• Clay star of David – Use air dry clay or polymer but the air dry clay does do best with an after-it’s-dry layer of paint.
• Hanukkah candle making – and finally, grab a candle making kit and craft some candles! Allow participants to make 9 candles for a full menorah rather than the 44 required for the full Hanukkah.

More fun Hanukkah Party Activities

Looking for even more ideas? Try these!

• Carnival – my mother’s parents hold a party every year for the very large extended family, including lots of kids. Last year, we did a mini carnival at the party (usually held in a synagogue or school lunch room, with plenty of space).
  Each set of siblings takes on a booth and man it. Kids can swap off with sibling so that they get to play too.
  Tickets are provided by the grandparents, and prizes are provided by families (mainly things like closed toys they don’t really need, regifted duplicates, or even good condition pass-ons of toys they really love, depending on the family vibe. You can also ask each family to contribute an actual purchased toy with a budget. It’s a bit hit – and something we’re repeating because the kids loved it.
• Scavenger hunts – I’m not a pro at this, but it’s always a fun idea! Make it Chanukah-themed of course.
• Donut Decorating – The easiest way to do this is to go to your local bakery and ask for unfrosted donuts. Provide 2-3 “flavors” or colors of frosting and some sprinkles (themed or not). Bonus points for mini chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, and other toppings. Kids hardly finish it before they eat it!
• Hanukkah Sensory Bin – this was possibly our most successful Hanukkah activity ever, but there is a germ factor to consider.
• Cookie or Cupcake decorating – at last year’s party, my sister-in-law got some simple Hanukkah cookie decorating kits and the kids went to town with it. You can DIY this by baking cookies using Chanukah shaped cookie cutters and putting out prepared icing in piping bags, and of course loads of toppings.

Got any favorite Hanukkah party activities to add to the list? Comment below!

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