The pomegranate motif is a gorgeous one and perfect for the Sukkah! We love crafting DIY Sukkah decorations, and this one is a win.

String art is a mid-level craft: you don’t need experience to get started, and beginners can do it, however, it does require some level of dexterity. The results, though, are amazing – and yes, they are art!

The cool thing is that with a template, anyone can do this, including older kids and up. You need to be of the age that can be trusted with some hammers and small nails. The biggest challenge is getting the string looped around the nails and in place. Otherwise, we kept the wrapping simple and crisscrossed it in random patterns for a fun, layered look!

Choosing your materials for pomegranate string art

The wooden base

String art is typically created by hammering nails into a wooden foundation. I hit up thrift stores for mine, and found this really fun shadow box that was perfect for string art! Since I can’t exactly link what I used, here are some ideas:

• A wood art board – you can even flip this backwards for the shadow box effect.
• You can even use live-edge planks for a more unique look
• Or go for wood crafting bases in fun shapes, such as a circle or oval
• Thick chipboard is a great base
• Foam board is a great option for younger crafters (but they still need to be trusted with the nails)
• A canvas can work as well, but is slightly less forgiving.

When looking for wood, pine is ideal as it’s a soft wood. Mine was hard and a bit tougher to work with (though it looks fab!)

If you’re hanging this in the Sukkah, you will want to consider waterproofing it (such as sealing the wood with outdoor Mod Podge or a similar product). Don’t worry about the string absorbing water – it won’t ruin it. Just make sure to dry it well before packing away! (Be prepared for some color bleed – you can hand wash your skein first if you want to minimize this.)

And if using an unfinished surface, you’ll definitely want to paint it first!

Which string to use

You do not need to stick to a specific string type, though you DO want something with a bit of traction like yarn or embroidery floss (and not totally slick like plastic lacing).

Keep in mind that if you’re using very small nails closely spaced, you’ll want something with a maximum thickness of embroidery floss. You can use fluffier yarn with larger nails spaced more widely apart than on the template. Just place them at every other dot.

Other fun ideas can be metallic floss for adding that extra sparkle or thinner threads for a finer look. Think outside the box with color, since pomegranates have a distinctive enough shape to move away from nature. I stuck to shades of red, but you can totally deviate.

You can even use rustic materials like cotton twine or jute for a rustic look.

How to make pomegranate string art

You’ll need

• A wood base (soft pine is fabulous – I used a thrifted shadow box). The template fits an 8.5×11 paper, so something that size or larger is ideal.
• If the base is unfinished: paint, paintbrushes
• If hanging it in the Sukkah – outdoor Mod Podge or some other waterproof sealer
• The template (print it at the end of this post) printed on paper, not cardstock
• Washi, masking, or painter’s tape
• A hammer – I used a rubber-ended mallet
• String art nails – I used these, you can go for slightly longer ones if you want it to be a bit easier to string
• Recommended: serrated jaw needle nose pliers
• Embroidery floss (I used shades of red, but you don’t have to)
• Scissors
• A bit of glue (most glues would work) to finish your knots

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. If your base isn’t finished, go ahead and do that first, and allow it to dry completely.

2. Place your template where you want it on the base and tape it in place.

3. Protect your surface in case you hammer nails through to the back by mistake. Place each nail on the corresponding dot on the template. Hold it in place with pliers if needed.

4. Tap it straight down a few times to nail it in place. It should be nailed just enough to hold securely, but not so deeply that it penetrates the back. Most of it should stick up for easier wrapping.

5. As needed, use the pliers to straighten out the nails as you go along.

6. Add nails around the pattern until it’s complete. Fix it up, make sure all nails are straight and secure.

7. Start removing your template slowly, tearing it off from around the nails. You want to pull back, not straight up, to avoid removing any nails.

If any do come out, you should have a mark there and you can replace them – a little deeper this time!

8. Now the fun part can begin! Start by tying an open knot at the end of your string and placing it over the first nail.

9. Tighten it around that nail.

10. Knot again to form a double knot.

11. Start wrapping around the perimeter of your string art pomegranate. Go once or twice FULLY around each nail for security and then move on to the next.

Keep pulling the string taught as you go along to avoid it popping right off.

12. If you’re having a bit of trouble in tight areas, use the pliers to hold it down between the previous two nails as you string up the next.

13. Keep on going all the way around the edge to define your shape.

14. Now, start crisscrossing within your design to “fill it in”! Keep it within the design and don’t go between two nails on the outside of the crown.

15. You’re wrapping at random the same way – once or twice fully around each nail so it holds.

16. You can switch threads in the middle if you run out or want to change colors. Just triple tie the string around your final nail, glue the knot, and trim it (I recommend trimming with a one-inch tail until the glue dries – you can trim it later).

Start the next color like you did the first and keep wrapping until you’re happy with how your string art pomegranate looks!

Your string art pomegranate is complete! Where will you be hanging yours? Comment below!

Get the string art pomegranate template

Download your free template! 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.

The post Pomegranate String Art – Free Template appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Clay is magic Roll it, pull it, dry it, paint it, and wham… you have your own real working Menorah!

This is a craft that I am so looking forward to sharing for one major pressing reason: virtually anyone can do it. More on that to follow…

There’s no pride quite like lighting your own Menorah. Kids wait for the day that they can light their own, but they often start crafting them well in advance. For that reason I’ve shared DIY “candles” that kids can use to safely light – and it’ll work with this DIY air dry clay menorah too.

But did you realize just how gorgeous a DIY Menorah can be – one that anyone can craft? Whether you’re a kid or adult, you don’t need major skills to make a DIY air dry clay Menorah that looks fabulous, and I’m here to share my tips and tricks, and of course, a step-by-step tutorial.

And yes, if you’re wondering about that gorgeous mosaic menorah tray in my photos, the tutorial for that is coming right up!!

But first, the nitty gritty.

Tips & Variations for crafting a DIY air dry clay Menorah

The goal of this preface to my actual step-by-step tutorial (found a bit further on) is not to tell you about my Grandma and long-ago memories, but to share important tips for crafting this and to answer some critical questions you might have.

Is air dry clay fire-safe?

This is the first question that needs to be asked. Most of us know the frustration of kids coming home proudly with the wooden menorah their kids hammered together in school… wondering if we can get away with not lighting it or if we’ll need to stand close by with the fire extinguisher.

It’s important to know that not all air dry clay is safe to use for making Menorahs. Some brands are flammable. Most likely it’ll char if something gets onto it, but won’t burst into flames. But I wouldn’t risk it.

Years ago, when I was making these DIY clay candle holders (look familiar?) I went through a lot of the hoops of figuring out the concept of crafting things like this. At that time, I did a lot of research, including reaching out to companies to ask about flammability of their clays.

DAS was the only brand that could really tell me that their clay, after it’s cured, should be flame safe. But I didn’t take their word for it – I literally lit a match to it – a few times.

Please don’t repeat, and no, I can’t take responsibility for safety of outcome (feel free to test yourself in a controlled environment with a fire extinguisher handy) but if you’re going to make this, I recommend making sure you use a safe clay, such as DAS air hardening clay.

On that note, if you’re using paints and finishes, you probably want to make sure those are safe too. Water based paints and finishes should be safe. I had the brilliant idea to add a gilding wax type product and looked into it – and nope, those things wouldn’t be safe.

So, in a nutshell, when buying supplies for a DIY air dry clay Menorah, make sure what you’re getting won’t catch fire if a candle falls.

And of course, place it on a non-flammable tray or similar surface.

Different ways to finish your Menorah

As you can see, I finished my Menorah using gold paint (this one is from FolkArt’s Brushed Metal collection). Again, however you do it, make sure the finishes you choose are water based.

I also paused and took some photos of my Menorah before I painted it. That clean, ceramic look can be so lovely.

To create that gorgeous hammered look, I used the ball-end tool from my clay sculpting tools to simply make small marks. I simply sat, relaxed, and worked in a slightly methodical – but mostly random – order.

There’s another detail you might have noticed:

The Shamash has a candle cup in it, and the others don’t. One of the big challenges with crafting this is measuring out the size of the holes to make for the candle. On my first try, I simply poked in the candles, wiggled them around a litle (clay shrinks) and pulled them out. It shrunk too much.

On my second try, I used candle cups, poking them in and then pulling them out. But to see if the clay will crack around it (due to shrinkage) I did leave the Shamash cup in place. It did not shrink.

On our subsequent tries, we’re leaving the candle cups in place, even though it makes the project a bit pricier. It’s the nicest, most polished way of doing it and it wasn’t easy to pull them out – it left nail marks. These cups are a bit large for the cheapie Chanukah candles, but they work beautifully with a small square of foil jammed in, which makes cleanup easier anyway.

They also fit small, narrow oil cups.

On my first try, I also skipped the whole hammering bit, and smoothed on the Shamash portion instead of leaving it in place. The Shamash that was created as a separate ball needed gluing after it dried (no biggie). This one didn’t.

This was also painted with a standard craft acrylic with some fun embellishments. I also molded a “well” with my fingers for the candles to sit in.

This is just to show you the different ways older kids especially can be creative when making an air dry clay Menorah.

Making it with preschool-age kids

But what about preschoolers?

I’ve been running Sunday craft groups for A and her four-year-old friends and so I tested if this is a project that she can do with minimal guidance.

I showed her how to gently pull apart the clay and then roll it to make a snake. We skipped smoothing it with water (I thought she might go too crazy with it – I might reconsider that). I showed her how to flatten it a little and then pinch up one end to make it higher. She did most of it on her own with minimal guidance.

When pressing in the candle cups, I did instruct her to poke her finger in and use that to press the cup into the clay. Taking out the cups is quite challenging and so we’re leaving them all in.

We still need to paint it, which should be an no-brainer. This can easily be done as a two-session craft – and I WILL be doing it with the group.

I did straighten out the cups a bit after she placed them in (when she didn’t see) but it took 30 seconds and she doesn’t know the difference.

How to make a DIY air dry clay Menorah

Now for the step-by-step! I always share here how I made it – but you can definitely switch it up!

Supplies

• Air dry clay – I recommend DAS. I used about 1/5 of the 2.2 lb package
• Water based paint – I used FolkArt Brushed Metal Gold
• Paintbrush
• Candle Cups
• Clay tools (optional, more for adults carefully crafting than kids doing it pinch-pot style.) I used DAS’s set for the round tool and the rolling pin and metal brush were from my own stash
• Jar with water for smoothing
• Tip: use plastic cutting boards to protect your surface

Process

1. Roll out your clay with your hands to form a roll. It should be large enough for 9 candle cups with a bit of space in between. Flatten it slightly with a rolling pin.

2. For the Shamash/elevated “helper” candle, roll out a ball of clay and flatten it. It should be a tiny bit larger than the main Menorah’s narrow side.

Alternatively, simply scrunch up a small portion of the side and smooth.

3. Use water to smooth all your surfaces, getting rid of creases. Do this by dipping your fingers and using minimal amounts of water and pressure to smooth them out.

4. Scratch up the surface of your Menorah and Shamash add-on in the area where you need them to connect. Place it on top with a bit of pressure to connect it.

5. Arrange your cups, placing them evenly spaced on top of the main Menorah base.

6. Press them all in to make a slight indent, so you don’t lose the placement. Then, one at a time, press the cups in. I removed mine, but I don’t recommend doing that.

7. Add any texture you’d like – if you’d like.

8. Allow it to dry completely. I gave it two nights. One night I let it dry right-side-up and then I flipped it over and let it dry from the other direction.

When it’s totally dry, give it a coat of paint (or don’t).

Your air DIY dry clay Menorah is complete!

How to make a Hanukkiah from Clay

Active Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 2 days

Total Time: 2 days 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Craft this beautiful flame-resistant Hanukkiah (Hanukkah Menorah) from clay! It can be crafted simpler or more elaborately, depending on kids' skill level. Go crazy!

Print

Materials

• Air dry clay - I recommend DAS. I used about 1/5 of the 2.2 lb package
• Water based paint - I used FolkArt Brushed Metal Gold
• Paintbrush
• Candle Cups
• Clay tools (optional, more for adults carefully crafting than kids doing it pinch-pot style.) I used DAS's set for the round tool and the rolling pin and metal brush were from my own stash
• Jar with water for smoothing
• Tip: use plastic cutting boards to protect your surface

Instructions

1. Roll out your clay with your hands to form a roll. It should be large enough for 9 candle cups with a bit of space in between. Flatten it slightly with a rolling pin.

2. For the Shamash/elevated "helper" candle, roll out a ball of clay and flatten it. It should be a tiny bit larger than the main Menorah's narrow side.

Alternatively, simply scrunch up a small portion of the side and smooth.

3. Use water to smooth all your surfaces, getting rid of creases. Do this by dipping your fingers and using minimal amounts of water and pressure to smooth them out.

4. Scratch up the surface of your Menorah and Shamash add-on in the area where you need them to connect. Place it on top with a bit of pressure to connect it.

5. Arrange your cups, placing them evenly spaced on top of the main Menorah base.

6. Press them all in to make a slight indent, so you don't lose the placement. Then, one at a time, press the cups in. I removed mine, but I don't recommend doing that.

7. Add any texture you'd like - if you'd like.

8. Allow it to dry completely. I gave it two nights. One night I let it dry right-side-up and then I flipped it over and let it dry from the other direction.

When it's totally dry, give it a coat of paint (or don't).

Notes

I tested this with DAS air dry clay which is not flammable. Use water based paints only - no gilding wax or similar products. Always exercise cation and never leave flames unsupervised.

You can skip the painting and leave it with a white ceramic look. You can add texture or skip that step.

Clay shrinks, which is why you don't want to just poke candle holes. You can place the candle cups or pull them out - but I do recommend leaving them.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Your air dry clay Menorah is complete! Who will you be crafting it with? Comment below!

The post DIY Air Dry Clay Menorah (Flame Tested) appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Ready to make a super fun Chanukah craft that doesn’t require advanced skills on your part? Craft some really fun faux stained glass art using these Hanukkah stained glass patterns!

These can be crafted right onto glass frames, or created as window (or mirror) clings to take on and off.

Originally created for my main blog Moms & Crafters before I started this one, I needed to reshare it here so that it reaches all the right people.

It’s the kind of craft that makes such a pretty statement but can be relaxing to create.

I love these as window clings to dress up a mirror or window in the house.

They’re also fabulous as faux stained glass artwork, such as in the DIY gallery wall we had in our old home. Or, turn them into actual faux stained glass art!

To make it easier to create this gorgeous Hanukkah decor, I created some Hanukkah stained glass patterns that you can download for free directly within this post and place under the glass to trace.

You can use this as a permanent seasonal gallery wall, replacing your window clings seasonally, or just make a single frame or two for the holidays.

If you’re framing them, you can layer them on a mantel as well. The Hanukkah stained glass patterns include modern imagery for a dreidel, a menorah, a star of David, as well as the word Chanukah written out in Hebrew.

To make this Hanukkah stained glass, I used PLAID Gallery Glass paints and Simulated Liquid Leading. You can, of course, try these with Sharpies and standard glass paints as well. I loved the idea of flooding the simulated leading with paint, though.

The window clings are translucent when finished, so be aware of that if you plan to place them on a wall painted a darker color. They’ll also show through if you use them as mantel or book case decor.

Ready to get your Chanukah craft art with these free Hanukkah stained glass patterns? Let’s go!

And when you’re done, make the pomegranate stained glass art too!

Download your free Hanukkah stained glass patterns

Download your free template! 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.

What you need to make Hanukkah stained glass

• The template, printed from the form above.
• Gallery Glass paints in your choice of colors
• Simulated Liquid Leading
• A smooth non-stick surface to work on (or work directly on your glass.)
• Toothpick
• Optional: Frames, painted in your choice of color, with the backs removed and the glass intact

How to use these Hanukkah stained glass patterns

1. Place your blank over the template you plan to trace. This can be the glass itself, or a smooth surface to work on. It can also be a stencil blank.

2. Trace your stencil outline with the liquid leading. Allow it to dry overnight. Tip: the more complex the design, the harder this stage will be.

3. Fill your spaces with an even layer of window color.

Use a toothpick to make sure your color goes all the way to the simulated leading. Any holes can weaken your project and make it tear when you pull it off. If you’re working directly on glass, this just helps give it a more polished, professional look.

Fill in all the holes on your artwork. Keep in mind that the color turns translucent and looks darker when it dries.

4. Allow your stained glass art to dry completely before removing them from the blank. Dry time will depend on your environment, so test it and remove it slowly, waiting longer if needed.

Place your Hanukkah stained glass wherever you’d like them to be, and enjoy seeing them all Hanukkah long!

The post Hanukkah Stained Glass Patterns appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Hanukkah is one of my favorite holidays. While I love the cooking and hosting that comes with the major holidays, there’s something so fun about when it’s optional. There’s less pressure. There’s more room for doing things just because.

Today, I’m sharing a really pretty wooden beaded star of David craft.

This pretty craft was intended to be a coaster for starters. However, because of the large, open center it’s not so ideal for that.

It does, however, work as a smaller trivet, since flat bottomed dishes would cover more of it.

You can also make a wooden beaded star of David as part of a Hanukkah gallery wall. The open-endedness of it means that you can make it in the size you’d like for the project you need.

I used roughly 14mm beads for a coaster size. Go for 25 mm beads and you have more of a trivet. Work with 6mm beads and you can make a necklace. You can even turn it into a gorgeous boho-chic wall hanging as part of a gallery! Place it on your Menorah table as part of a Hanukkah display, prop it on a tiered tray or on an open book case.

My favorite part of the wooden star of David is that it is such a simple, classy piece of decor that’s seasonal but not overly so.

It’s also a fantastic workshop or party craft and a great idea for older kids to make in the classroom. It doesn’t take too much time or space, but is enough of a skill-building lesson to occupy people and give a satisfied feeling. The take-away is a gorgeous, giftable end-product. And since it doesn’t require any special equipment, and only minimal, affordable supplies, it’s really inexpensive when creating it in bulk.

Which type of string to use for the wooden beaded Star of David

To make this, I used cotton twine. My main reason for choosing that was to make it very visible for the tutorial while keeping it classy.

You can also use fishing line. You may prefer to use fishing line as it will basically be invisible, just make sure it’s really strong.

While you can use wire, you may find it kinking too much to work well with. And finally, you can try matching up your string to your beads so that it camouflages, however, if you’re making a high-contrast two tone like I am that won’t work.

Supplies needed

• 30 round wooden beads (I used 14-16mm beads). 12 are for the center, 3 each for each point. Ideally they should be the same size, but in a larger size, a tiny variation won’t really matter. They can be the same color or not. I used separate colors for the inner circle and for the points to make the tutorial easier to follow
• String – I used cotton twine (see notes above for more recommendations)
• A large, strong needle that will fit your string (I used one from an upholstery kit)

How to make a wood star of David for Hanukkah

1. Thread your needle. String on your 12 center beads.

2. Thread your string back through the first bead. Pull it into a tight circle, with no extra space between beads.

3. Add two of your star point beads. skip over one bead in the circle, and thread through the next.

4. Your beads should sit flush over the next bead in the inner circle. Add your next two beads, skip over one, and thread your needle through the next.

Pull the string tight so that these two again sit right over the inner bead that you skipped. At this point, if that first circle came loose as you were working, tighten it again. You’ll still be able to move around the beads if you force it, and you won’t want that extra string.

5. Keep working with this pattern, adding two beads and then threading the needle through every other bead from the inner circle. When you have six sets, you should reach your starting point. Thread the needle through the next base layer bead and then through the first bead only of the first set of two.

6. Add a single bead that nestles between the pair below it. Thread your needle through the second of the pair below.

7. Bring your thread to the correct position to add your next point. Thread it through the center bead separating the two stars, and the first bead of the next point pair.

8. Thread on your point. Continue this process for all six points.

9. Thread your twine through beads to meet the other.

10. Tie together a few inches down-thread if you want a hook to hang it. Otherwise, thread your ends through a few beads in the back to make it more secure.

11. Knot in the back and trim. You can glue your knots for an extra level of security.

Your wooden beaded star of David is complete! What will you be making yours as? Comment below!

Star of David from Wood Beads

Craft a gorgeous star of david ffrom wood beads - perfect for Hanukkah or any time of year! Use it as a coaster or trivet, hang it form a wall, display it on a shelf...

Print

Materials

• 30 round wooden beads (I used 14-16mm beads)
• String - I used cotton twine
• A large, strong needle that will fit your string

Instructions

1. Thread your needle. String on your 12 center beads.
2. Thread your string back through the first bead. Pull it into a tight circle, with no extra space between beads.
3. Add two of your star point beads. skip over one bead in the circle, and thread through the next.
4. Your beads should sit flush over the next bead in the inner circle. Add your next two beads, skip over one, and thread your needle through the next. Pull the string tight so that these two again sit right over the inner bead that you skipped. At this point, if that first circle came loose as you were working, tighten it again. You'll still be able to move around the beads if you force it, and you won't want that extra string.
5. Keep working with this pattern, adding two beads and then threading the needle through every other bead from the inner circle. When you have six sets, you should reach your starting point. Thread the needle through the next base layer bead and then through the first bead only of the first set of two.
6. Add a single bead that nestles between the pair below it. Thread your needle through the second of the pair below.
7. Bring your thread to the correct position to add your next point. Thread it through the center bead separating the two stars, and the first bead of the next point pair.
8. Thread on your point. Continue this process for all six points.
9. Thread your twine through beads to meet the other.
10. Tie together a few inches down-thread if you want a hook to hang it. Otherwise, thread your ends through a few beads in the back to make it more secure.
11. Knot in the back and trim. You can glue your knots for an extra level of security.

Notes

Adapt your size to your finished project size. When used as a coaster, you may want to stabilize it further since the inside is open.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Wooden Beaded Star of David Craft appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Last year was our first year building our own Sukkah and I was determined to make it gorgeous. I headed to Michael’s and stocked up on some florals and more to start building our decoration stash. I plan to share more ideas for Sukkah decorating shortly, but meanwhile I want to share our brilliant and beautiful solution for hanging kids sukkah decorations while maintaining a gorgeous aesthetic.

Hanging kids’ Sukkah decorations while blending them into your Sukkah decor

We ran into two issues with the kids’ artwork: they were mostly flat art that could not be hung on the canvas walls. And they honestly would clutter up the sukkah.

But the truth is, when it comes to passing things on to kids in a meaningful way, having them take an active role in decorating is so important. Kids take great pride in decorating the Sukkah.

I needed an all-around solution that would work for everyone: it would look great, make them easy to hang, and fully celebrate our children.

The solution was simple: we created a “clothesline” for the art. We made it an integral part of our Sukkah decor by stringing on wooden beads, turning it into a “chain”. Clothespins interspersed between the beads hold the art.

It’s brilliant: kids can hang up their own art, making them even more involved! They helped me string it, making it a family DIY. And the beads were chosen specifically to match the colors of our other decorations, only enhancing the beauty of the Sukkah.

Here’s how it blended in with the rest of the Sukkah:

It also helped that we don’t have a ton of kids’ art for the Sukkah, as most of them are at my parents’ house, where we celebrated other years.

However, the larger your sukkah, the larger you can make your clothesline. Ours is quite small. And you can also do a double layer one, place artwork closer together – and purge from year to year!

More tips for hanging kids sukkah decorations

We like to laminate anything that goes outdoors.

Laminated decorations can be slick for clothespins. There are two easy fixes: either add a little hot glue to the insides of the clothespins (just prop it open until it dries). Or, punch holes in the tops of the papers you’re hanging.

You can also use stick-on silicone cabinet bumpers.

If you’re using twine that frays, to make it easier for little hands, wrap the end in masking tape. Young kids can fully help.

They can practice fine motor skills and sequencing if they’re making a pattern.

And don’t worry if they’re not doing a pattern! We didn’t and we prefer the random look anyway.

The twine and sealed wooden beads, and clothespins should be fine if they get wet, as long as you dry it thoroughly before putting it away.

How to make a DIY Wooden Beaded Chain for Hanging Kids Sukkah Decorations

What you need:

• Sisal twine or cotton thread
• Masking tape
• Large hole wooden beads
• Standard size clothespins
• Glue gun, or cabinet bumpers

How to make it:

1. Measure your twine with a foot extra on each end for hanging PLUS a couple of feet extra to allow for some fraying and trimming.

2. It’ll be MUCH easier to string if you wrap masking tape to measure in length double the size of your bead around each end.

3. Thread on the beads, adding clothespins as you go along as placeholders. You can also string it loosely and add them after when you’re ready to add artwork. Just make sure to leave the spaces in increments so that you only need to slide over a few beads.

4. Finally, attach something non-skid to the inside of the clothespins if you have slick, laminated posters.

5. Hang from Sukkah poles! Clip on artwork.

You’ve nailed hanging kids Sukkah decorations with this DIY hack! Do you have any sukkah tricks in your arsenal? Comment below!

DIY Kids' Art Sukkah Garland

Active Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Hang up kids' art in the Sukkah in an aesthetically pleasing way! Make this super easy DIY Sukkah chain. And yes, the kids can help make it too!

Print

Materials

• Sisal twine or
• Cotton thread
• Masking tape
• Large hole wooden beads
• Standard size clothespins
• Glue gun, or
• Cabinet bumpers

Instructions

1. Measure your twine with a foot extra on each end for hanging PLUS a couple of feet extra to allow for some fraying and trimming.

2. It’ll be MUCH easier to string if you wrap masking tape to measure in length double the size of your bead around each end.

3. Thread on the beads, adding clothespins as you go along as placeholders. You can also string it loosely and add them after when you're ready to add artwork. Just make sure to leave the spaces in increments so that you only need to slide over a few beads.

4. Finally, attach something non- skid to the inside of the clothespins if you have slick, laminated posters.

5. Hang from Sukkah poles! Clip on artwork.

Notes

Hang this against a wall from your bamboo schach poles or from the structural Sukkah poles. If you have a wood sukkah, you can also just tie the ends to pushpins on the walls.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Hanging Kids Sukkah Decorations on a DIY Chain appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Faux leather tablecloths is a popular trend in the last few years and it’s sooo practical. You don’t need to cover it – just wipe it clean!

However, they can be hard to find and the options are limited. You know what’s NOT hard to find, and much less limited? Faux leather by the yard. That’s why, knowing the simple no sew hack to make a faux leather tablecloth from yardage can be so convenient. You can choose from much more options and have a beautiful tablecloth.

Just one thing to note: While I thought it would last me forever (and it can) I have not yet nailed the cleaning process. It does simply wipe clean, however, the more texture it has, the more things get into the grooves. So you might not find it to be the perfect solution for your Shabbat tablecloth needs, however, it is a very good one.

What you need to make a faux leather tablecloth

• Faux leather fabric 2-3 feet longer than your table and at least six inches wider

• Marker or tailor’s chalk

• Good fabric scissors

• Six inch round plate

Choosing the right fabric for a leatherette tablecloth

I love fabric.com’s selection of faux leather options. I did, however, create a more in-depth list of my favorite places to buy fabrics online. Search for faux leather and find something that has a good, natural texture. Years ago, I went with a brown alligator skin and the last time I did this, I chose a pewter colored pebbled fabric.

I decided against linking to specific fabrics as they tend to vary and fluctuate with trends (and I want you to enjoy this tutorial for years to come!) However, I will provide a few tips for choosing the correct fabrics for a faux leather tablecloth, as well as how to measure what you need.

Tip 1: The deeper the texture the harder to clean.

Go for a more basic surface texture that isn’t too deep. It can sometimes be hard to tell, but don’t worry. In the worst case you might just need to learn how to care for it a bit better. I have found that using a bit more water helps.

Tip 2: Go for something that feels natural.

Especially when choosing texture, going for something that doesn’t make sense will feel garish and fake. While leather can be colored, a texture that doesn’t make sense feels wrong through and through. This can even be a subtle texture, but it should be as organic as possible, whatever it is.

Tip 3: Opt for neutrals.

Neutrals can range from rich browns to deep navies, however, keep in mind that you’ll want it to match your setting. For a traditional Shabbat look, go for white or cream. Keep in mind that this may stain more than others and require deeper cleaning. While it’s harder to stain than fabric, and wipeable on Shabbat (consult your halachic authority on that just to make sure), anything can stain and lighter colors will show it more.

Tip 4: Measure correctly.

A yard is three feet. Some fabric retailers will sell by half a yard. Opt for extra rather than less. Measure the length of your table and add at least a foot for each end. Keep in mind that you’ll loose a few inches in the curve over the edge.

Tip 5: Pay attention to width.

If you have a very wide table, you might not be able to work with typical yardage. So do pay attention to how wide your tablecloth will be! I’ve found that I don’t mind as much if it hangs a little less on the sides than the ends – the corners make up for it. But I’d say you need at least 6-8 inches overhang on the ends regardless.

Tip 6: Check the backing when purchasing.

I’ve always only used faux leather that had a soft flannel or other woven backing. I don’t know if any comes without, but if it would be just clingy vinyl it would be hard to use. So definitely double check that the fabric you’re purchasing has that flannel backing or something similar.

How to make a faux leather tablecloth in five minutes from yardage

I made this a few years ago and snapped some awful photos on the way – but don’t worry, it’s so easy you don’t even need the photos!

Start by spreading your yardage on the table and trimming off extra if there is. Note how it drapes in the corners as your measuring point, and try sitting on the ends to see the comfort level. Unlike with thinner fabrics, it’ll be hard to sit at the ends if it’s too long.

The trick to giving it a polished look is to round out the corners! That’s it! No sewing or hemming required. You can add trim but you really don’t need to. A faux leather tablecloth is enough of a statement that it doesn’t need it.

To curve your corners:

1. Trace around a 6-7 inch salad plate at the corner of your faux leather. I used a silver permanent marker that didn’t show much – little enough that I didn’t care. You can also use tailor’s chalk on the back as well.

2. Use good scissors to cut around it as neatly as possible. Faux leather is an easy fabric to cut and get a clean edge with.

Your faux leather tablecloth is complete! Which is your favorite fabric to use for this? Comment below!

The post Faux Leather Tablecloth: DIY in Five Minutes from Yardage appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Years ago, when I first started blogging, I wanted to help fill the world with cool Jewish craft ideas. I created a menorah from old baby food jars.

I had much less crafting experience then, especially when it comes to different mediums. Sometimes I had creative ideas but either overdid it, or didn’t come up with as polished or smooth a craft as I could have.

Ironically, although it wasn’t so well-made, my baby food jar menorah was really popular. I realized that people liked it as a large centerpiece more than a menorah.

With a new baby eating food out of jars, I decided it’s the perfect time to remake it and stage it as a much nicer centerpiece! And stage it I did.

I love how this variation came out, so I decided to recreate the whole tutorial right here in this space. You can still see the original here.

My main modifications:

• I simply placed the Shamash on another cap to raise it up a little. I felt like it’s more stable this way.
• I skipped spray painting that mist on the bottom. I felt like keeping it simple was the way to go here.
• I didn’t spray paint the Shamash – I just made it a little bluer to help it stand out.

A word of caution: always be careful when crafting for fire! Make sure you use non-flammable paints (most spray paints are highly flammable when wet, but not when dry, as the solvents evaporate.)

Another thing: I staged it on a wooden cutting/serving board with fake foliage – obviously not a smart move if there’s even a chance of it coming off! So if you’re using it as an actual menorah that stays lit until it finishes, don’t do that. Put it on a glass or ceramic tray instead in that case. The same goes if you are using it with children around.

If you plan to supervise (for example, using it as a menorah-inspired centerpiece on a party table) just be careful around it. You can also use LED lights if you’re using it as a centerpiece.

I also wanted to note: these might store well from year to year, but they might not. Unless you could figure out how to make an opening in the center of the jar lid (I tried but couldn’t) you can’t drain and dry them, so they might mold.

You also need a really good seal, and I’m not sure that E6000 or the hot glue gun I tried is good enough.

Either way, it’ll make a beautiful centerpiece to last you through the holiday.

What you need to make this menorah Chanukah centerpiece

• Baby food jars – or other jars if you can’t get those. Milk bottles also have fantastic size lids for a slightly different look. You need 9 jars plus a tenth lid. FYI you CAN purchase baby food jars, if you’re willing to invest in this.
• Spray paint
• Food coloring or any water based paint to color the water
• E6000 glue – works great for gluing two smooth surfaces
• Cups for mixing

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How to make a tea light Menorah centerpiece

1. Start by spraying the top of your lids in a well-ventilated area. Even though this side is glued down, you want to spray paint it, so that no bright green (or whatever color you have) shows through the glass or around the edges.

2. When they’re dry to the touch, flip them over and spray paint the inside. You don’t need to do this with the bonus one that’s propping up the Shamash. Allow it to dry completely (dry time varies by spray paint brand).

3. Mix some food coloring with water in a cup. I recommend using a larger cup and making a concentrated version of the color you want, so that you can use the same base for all jars. This ensures they’re the same color. I used a few drops of blue with a drop of green to make a slightly less harsh blue. (I was actually aiming for teal, but felt it looked too green so I blueified it.

4. Pour a little bit into each jar. If you want you can mix up a separate color for the Shamash – helper – candle.

5. Fill them up the rest of the way with water. I filled until the ridges – overfilling will just make a mess.

6. Glue the lids onto the jars upside down. Glue the shamash onto another lid to raise it up a bit.

When you’re done, simply arrange the jars in a row to make a menorah!

Your Chanukah centerpiece is complete. How will you be staging yours? Comment below!

The post Chanukah Centerpiece – DIY Jar Menorah appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

There’s nothing like some natural decor to spruce up your sukkah. But what better way to spruce up your Sukkah than with an actual Sukkot themed item?

First, you’ll want to learn how to dry Etrog slices. When you’re done and you have dried Etrog slices to use, come back here and follow the tutorial for these really cool DIY Sukkah decorations.

What to do with your Etrog after Sukkot

Many people will pierce cloves into the Etrog to make a fragrant fruit to smell at Havdalah. Others use them to make infused scented oils.

We always grew up with Etrog jam for Tu B’shvat. That was the classic go-to thing to do with an Esrog once the holiday of Sukkos was finished.

Today, that is a controversial thing to do. Many people say that these are NOT grown for eating and have excessive amounts of pesticides. Others day that the amount you eat is negligible.

I don’t really have an opinion on this. But I figured that it’s worth offering another option for those who want to know what to do with the Etrog after Sukkot. And I simply couldn’t think of a more appropriate thing to do than to make DIY Sukkah Decorations. Because I also can’t think of more appropriate Sukkah decor.

I did dry last year’s slices too so that I can share another idea, hopefully next year. This is from Etrogim from two years ago, and the decoration was made last year.

Making Sukkah Decorations from your Post- Sukkot Etrog

I started with an embroidery hoop to make a classic wall hanging.

The full slices were used as the main pieces hanging from the threads. The smaller slices were also fantastic for embellishing it further.

Unfortunately, this is not the best idea for classrooms, unless you fake it with dried lemon slices. If you’re a teacher, you’ll need to think in advance, and collect as many Etrogim as you can when people are done with them. I’d say you need an average of an Etrog per Sukkah decoration.

The original plan was to thread the slices, but I decided to hot glue it instead as I was afraid of ruining my precious slices. You can definitely give it a try if you’re willing to risk it.

Materials for Etrog Slice Sukkah Decorations

• Etrog slices, dried
• Embroidery Hoop
• Sisal Twine or favorite string
• Hot glue gun and sticks (I have this heavy duty one and love it)
• Wood beads with large holes
• Leaf ribbon or similar embellishment

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How to Make a Dried Etrog Wall Hanging

1. Separate your slices and choose the most beautiful ones to hang.

2. Place a little bit of glue on the back of your slice and stick on a piece of twine.

3. Plan your layout. String your beads on as you’d like.

4. Start by tying your center string on the external hoop of your embroidery hoop ring, at the height you want it to hang.

5. Continue tying your strings at the height you want them to hang. Don’t worry about excess string. Insert the inside ring of your embroidery hoop. You may need to force it a little – that’s okay.

6. Take the extra/overhang twine from each one and wrap it around both rings of the hoop. Glue to secure.

7. Starting at the base, start wrapping your leaf cut ribbon around the hoop, gluing in place at the ends when you’re finished. I recommend wrapping more at the base, and doing it more vine-style sparse on the top half.

8. Take your smaller slices and glue them in place at intervals on the bottom portion of your hoop.

9. Attach a hanger to the screw of your embroidery hoop. Your dried Etrog Sukkah decorations are complete! Now hang them in your sukkah to enjoy and celebrate beautifully!

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The post DIY Sukkah Decorations from Dried Etrog Slices appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Last year we found ourselves suddenly making Pesach for the first time (with the kids home, being Zoom schooled, me in my first trimester and unwell).

Needless to say, it was an especially challenging time and while I managed to create this fun matzah plate, I did not manage to share it.

And I’m thrilled to share it now, because it’s one of those projects that looks so polished but is really easy. It makes use of texture for a beautiful centerpiece for your table.

It’s also washable – or as washable as the felt you use.

I used a soft felt to make this, but you can use stiffer felt, or stiffen felt using fabric stiffener.

I made this matzah tray for square matzahs, but if you’re using soft felt, just make it larger and don’t stiffen it, and it’ll work for round matzahs too.

What you need to make this matzah holder:

• Felt
• Leather lacing
• Ruler/tape measure
• Good fabric & detail scissors
• Optional: hole punch that works on felt
• Optional: fabric stiffener

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How to make a felt matzah plate:

1. Measure a square of felt, about 2 inches larger all around than your matzah.

2. Measure 2 inches in from the corner and cut a little notch.

3. Cut up 2 inches from the notch.

4. Repeat by each corner pinwheel-style so that you have one cut on each side: bottom side on the left, right side on the bottom, top side on the right, and left side on the top.

5. Use something round to help you round off the little square flaps you just made.

It should look like this.

6. Repeat on all your flaps.

7. Use a hole punch (or mark with a pen and use detail scissors). Overlap the flap with the side next to it, forming a corner, and punch 2 holes about 1cm apart.

8. Thread a strip of leather lacing from the inside of the solid corner, so that it forms a stitch inside and the loose ends face out.

9. Overlap the curved flap over the corner, and thread the lacing through the holes you made in the curved flap.

10. Knot securely.

11. Repeat with all four corners. You’ll have a loose shape if you used soft felt, perfect for keeping a pile of Matzah handy for Pesach meals.

I hope you enjoyed making your own matzah plate! Have you done any other Pesach DIY projects this year? Comment below!

Want to make your Pesach prep easier, your seder table more beautiful, and your kids’ happier and busier? Get the printable Pesach bundle today for 65% off the full value! It’s full of loads of planners, coloring pages, and activities as well as cool table decorations and place cards!

The post DIY Matzah Tray from Felt appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

When we got married, we got a gorgeous challah board as a wedding gift. Then we moved to Israel, and, along with most of our housewares and wedding gifts, it got lost in transit.

It was gut-wrenching to be setting out with almost nothing as a young couple, my husband a student, and me unemployed without any credentials to work with.

Over the years we slowly recovered what we had lost, purchasing the basics – dishes, utensils – and getting some from people who were purging.

But there’s one thing that took us almost ten years to restock: our Challah board.

Because it’s a typical Judaica item, we were facing either buying a cheap mass-produced item, or spending a fortune.

So I wanted something rustic, my husband likes simple. Buying a really nice wood challah board can be expensive and nothing I found was quite where I wanted it to be.

So I combined our styles, found a  live edge wood cutting board with a gorgeous grain and tone, and turned it into this beautiful DIY challah board.

Making your DIY challah board:

As mentioned, I started with a wood cutting board.

I pulled out my woodburning tool and added the words נוֹתֵן לֶחֶם לְכָל בָּשָׂר which mean  “[He] gives bread to all mankind”.

You can choose to add any words, customize it with a family name, or even doodle on a mandala.

One big mistake I made while making this wood challah board:

I chose my board without paying attention to the wood type. It ended up being a hard wood which is harder to burn. I’d imagine it stands up to cutting better, but keep this in mind when you’re choosing your board.

You CAN use a harder wood and a finished board like I did, but it’ll take more elbow grease.

If you want something easier, get a softer unfinished wood board and stain/finish it yourself after you burn it. Great options are basswood or pine.

I penciled in my design right on the board, planning to align it left for a bit of a more minimalist look. Because it took up most of the board it looks a little off-center. I toyed with the idea of adding a swash on the left to center it but chose to keep it simple instead.

Tip: if you’re not comfortable with penciling in your text yourself, or if you want to be able to place it more accurately, just print out the letters in the size you want them.

Then use erasable carbon paper to transfer them to your board. Outline the words with a blunt tip using the ink of the carbon paper to transfer it.

I added leather handles to the side – totally optional but a nice touch! They’re purely decorative and not functional.

There are a lot more ways you can customize a wood challah board.

Any woodburning technique can work, including painting in your outline.

If you’re new to woodburning, check out my friend’s woodburning tutorial for everything you need to know.

What you need to make a wood challah board:

• A wooden cutting board
• A woodburning tool
• Pencil and ruler
• Leather scraps
• Eyelets and tool to install (I used eyelet pliers) OR rivets
• E6000 glue
• Masking tape (optional)

How to wood burn a cutting board to turn it into a challah board:

1. Use a ruler to pencil in straight lines to mark your text placement.You can use masking tape as guides too.

3. Start penciling in your letters. I created a second set of lines so that I can keep my letters even.

4. Keep on going! You can erase the lines at this point but you can also wait until you’re done burning.

5. Burn your letters! Move slowly and steadily, going over some spots as needed to darken them. Turn on some music and relax – this can take time!

6. When you’re done, erase the outline and any remaining lines.

7. To make leather handles, cut a strip of leather a few inches (measure according to the width of your board). Mine is about 1cm thick. Punch holes on each end and set brads. These are dummy brads – they are decorative and don’t actually hold the “handles’ in place.

8. Glue on your handles as pictured – so that they bubble up a little. You might want to tape it in place with masking tape until the glue sets.

Your wood challah board is complete and ready to set your Shabbat table with pride and beauty!

Pro tip: flip your board over to cut your Challah on it so you don’t mark your design.

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