I grew up in a home with a gorgeous wood Sukkah that my parents built themselves (yes, they still have the same one!) I always took for granted how easy it was to hang decorations in the Sukkah.

Many years later and my first (and current) Sukkah is actually a canvas one! Canvas Sukkahs are possibly the most challenging to hang things in.

I decided to share with you some ideas for hanging all sorts of posters and decorations in different types of Sukkahs.

While this post is focused heavily on the HOW to hang Sukkah decorations, if you’re looking for WHAT to hang, I’ve shared that in the past! You can check out my favorite DIY Sukkah decorations for every age group or my favorite cool Sukkah decorating ideas in general.

How to hang posters in the Sukkah

This section focuses exclusively on wall decor, one of the most challenging things to hang in slightly different Sukkahs.

When hanging, keep in mind the weight of your decoration. A large poster can get quite bulky. A small kids’ craft that’s a paper size is usually lighter. Foam board creations are light but bulky, and wood panel crafts, like these Sukkah welcome signs or this pomegranate string art can be their own challenge.

Things that are breakable need to be more secure. It’s kind of expected that a few things might fall here and there, but you don’t want that with heavier or breakable items. With all that in mind, here are some of my favorite tips for how to hang decorations in a Sukkah of every type.

Hanging things on the walls of a wood Sukkah

• Use picture hanging hardware or nails for anything with a natural hook on the back. Heavier items can be reinforced with a mounting tape (see below).
• Use binder clips on nails for flat items like posters. This is a great solution for nails that are left in the wall from previous wall art.

• Use thumb tacks to hang flat items – you’ll need to hammer them in. This is one of the most secure methods and you may even want to leave items in place from year to year because they can be challenging to get out!

• Or, go a bit prettier with fun push pins. This will work with softer woods (you can’t really hammer these)

• You can even go with push pin hooks that you leave in place from year to year, just hanging the decorations!

Another great method for hanging heavier items is to attach two screw-in eye hooks to the top/back of the art and a string between them. Hang it from a nail but wind the string around the nail a few times to reinforce it. It’ll have a bit more hold than a simple alligator hook.

Ideas if you don’t want to put holes in your Sukkah walls:

• Try nano gel tape – that super strong but non-permanent mounting tape that’s super popular! look for a waterproof variety and test it with heavier items in advance. It may pull off some paint finishes so again, test it in an area you don’t care about.

• Another option with the same caveat as above: outdoor-friendly command tape. This mounting tape is often used indoors for pictures and there’s no reason that a water-resistant variety wouldn’t work outdoors as well.
• On that note, command hooks are a great option instead of nails. Again, make sure to get a variety that is water resistant, and graded for the weight of your artwork.

• Velcro strips are a great way to create a “template” to add removable posters. They’re not necessarily “renter-friendly” so again, test ahead of time.
  

Plastic Sukkah decorating tips

Those plastic Sukkah walls come in so many varieties, it’s hard to come up with a one-size-fits-all solution! Some have ribbed walls making it even harder to hang things. Here are some ideas, and I hope you find one that works well for you!

Similar to wood you can try:

• Nano gel tape – you’ll have less of a problem of stripping paint, unless yours has an external printed finish. On ribbed finishes, it may work but it might be a bit less secure.

• Command tape – again, mounting tape can be a great solution. If it leaves residue, you can always try Goo Gone. You have the same caveat with ribbed finishes.
• Velcro strips – These will probably work even better even if your Sukkah is ribbed! It Should be able to catch and hold if it’s not crazy heavy, even if it’s in increments.

• You can also try making use of the metal supports if your plastic Sukkah has those! Magnets come in the form of clips and hooks, and you may be able to glue some magnets directly onto the decorations themselves. Be careful with magnets around kids; they are extremely dangerous if swallowed. And they may blow down in extreme weather, but that’s somewhat expected.

• You can also try suction hooks on smooth walls – but get good ones!

Hanging Wall Decor in a Canvas Sukkah

Yes, this is the sukkah of my own experience, and it can definitely be a challenge! But we’re all up for that challenge.

Most of my ideas will use the poles or roof/schach:

• One of my favorite methods of hanging all the kids decorations is using a beaded clothesline tied from pole to pole.

• Hang posters or other wall art from the ceiling using invisible fishline to “drop” it to wall-level.
• You can use strong magneticnclips and hooks from the pole frames – especially the upper ones, if they show. This is a bit more awkward but it’s a way to do it without tying or finagling anything. Again, magnets are extremely dangerous if your toddler finds them. And it won’t be as secure as tying methods
• You can also hang decorations against the walls from poles using most of the ceiling/schach hanging methods below.

If you want to hang it from the walls, there are ways, but you’ll be adding weight to the canvas. Make sure the poles can handle it.

• Something that I haven’t yet tried personally: you can use large safety pins to pin items to the canvas wall, but it’ll be a bit more challenging, and it can tear cardstock posters.

• If you feel like a bit more DIY: Grommet kits can be used to to add reinforced hanging holes to canvas walls. You’ll want to do this in pairs and thread a ribbon or something to hang your posters from. Be careful not to add too much weight to your canvas this way.
  
• You can also try magnets on both sides of the canvas but be careful if you have young kids around – strong magnets are extremely dangerous if swallowed.

How to hang things from the Schach (Sukkah Roof)

The schach – or roof – is one of the easier ways to hang decorations in a sukkah! Here are some favorite methods.

• My favorite is zip ties – it’s the easiest – and so affordable! You’ll need to cut the decorations off when it’s over, and make sure to trim the ends.

• Ribbon or string is the most obvious method of hanging things from schach.

• And once again, you can use fishing line for that invisible suspension look. This is great for lower suspended items.
• Rubber Bands – These can be used to wrap things onto poles by doubling it over through a hole on the decoration and looping both ends over the end of the bamboo pole.

If you want a less disposable solution, try these:

• If you’re looking for something easy and aesthetic, try metal S-hooks. They won’t be as secure if it’s windy but they’ll look great.

• You can also use shower curtain rings. They may slide around a bit but they add a fun decorative touch.

More tips for hanging decorations in the Sukkah

• Try group hanging methods to make things go faster. For example: a bulletin board with multiple items pinned on.

• Test things in advance so you don’t end up with a Sukkot surprise!

• Clean your base first with rubbing alcohol when using adhesive methods. Otherwise, the dust and oils there get in the way of the adhesive. Alcohol evaporates faster, making it ideal for cleaning, but if you need to clean large surfaces, you can mix it with water.

• When searching for supplies, search for outdoor or “water resistant” options.

• Understand that in especially stormy seasons, things just might not stay perfect if you decorate as you want.

• Trim down any loose ends – ribbons, zip ties, etc – for a neater look.

• Hang heavier items strategically, and add extra fasteners.

Got any more tips for how to hang decorations in a Sukkah? Comment below!

The post How to hang decorations in a sukkah appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

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.

As we look forward to decorating our sukkahs for the upcoming Sukkot holiday, today I’m sharing a craft that is simple to make but will give your Sukkah a really upscale, sophisticated look. Mine isn’t built yet, but I’m planning to hang this floral hoop from the roof as a chandelier – I’ll update this post with pictures when it’s all set up!

You can add fairy lights (make sure they’re outdoor safe!) to make it really sparkle as a chandelier, but the flowers themselves are enough to add sophisticated beauty to your decor.

You can also use this technique to make a centerpiece, either to match your chandelier or instead of one, if your ceiling won’t accommodate it. Place some candles in the center of the ring for a glowing, holiday-ready tablescape.

Choosing the Right Materials for your Floral Sukkah Chandelier

As the base of this project, I used a mini hula hoop that I found at a local dollar store. You can choose a size that you like or that you think will look perfect in your sukkah, but obviously a small hoop will make for an easier project – you’ll need fewer flowers to cover it. And you’ll definitely want to stay mini if you’re making a table centerpiece.

You can find everything you need for this craft at a dollar store, making it a very approachable craft. But for maximum impact, I recommend using higher quality faux flowers from a store like Michael’s. If your ceiling is on the high side, you might not be able to tell the difference, but great flowers really take this piece to the next level. A store like Michael’s will have a wider selection and the flowers are much more realistic – and they’re still affordable, with frequent sales and coupons.

When you’re choosing your flowers, focus on a color scheme of 2-3 colors. You can vary the shades of each color to make the design more interesting, but stay in the same color family for a cohesive, sophisticated look. You can get different types of flowers in similar colors, so you have some variation in the shapes and textures while still maintaining that coordinated look.

Aim for a few very large flowers, a handful of medium-sized ones, and a whole lot of small ones to help fill up your ring with lots of depth and variation.

Faux flowers come in different types. Some are held together by the stem and fall apart easily when cut off, while others are attached to the top of the stem and can pop right off. For this project, it’s best if you can pull off the flower head in one piece. If not, you’ll need to be able to snip off the head.

It’s great if your flowers also have nice leaves that you can use as accents around the wreath.

How many flowers should you buy? Your best guide is to bring your hula hoop along to the store. If that’s too cumbersome, you can measure the circumference of the hoop and bring along a ruler or tape measure. Get about 2-2.5 times as much as the circumference of the hoop, because it will look best with many flowers overlapping. You definitely don’t want spaces where the hoop would show through.

This hula hoop flower chandelier is held together with a very generous amount of hot glue. To help with this, especially if you’re a frequent crafter, I love to use the Surebonder Hot Glue Skillet (they gifted me one once, but not for this post – I like it enough to keep using it again and again!)

The skillet keeps a bunch of glue hot and melty so you don’t need to keep pressing the trigger on your glue gun, or deal with lag times as the glue heats up. Instead, you can dip the base of the flowers into the pool of hot glue and stick it right on.

Just be careful, because the edges of the skillet get very hot. It’s a little harder to avoid than the tip of a hot glue gun.

If you prefer to use a simple glue gun, check out this post to help you find the right one for you. The right glue gun can help you have the best experience for both ease of use and durable sticking power.

OK, enough chatter. I’m just trying to help, but I know what you really want is to get crafting!

What you’ll need

• Small hula hoop (Dollar Tree has these seasonally)
• Faux flowers – I used about 12 small bunches, but you should measure up against your hula hoop to be safe. Get about 2-2.5 times as long as your hula hoop so you have enough for layering (measuring the head of the flower)
• Glue gun or glue skillet, plus plenty of glue
• Strong ribbon, twine, or wire for hanging (wire will be strongest, we don’t want it falling on your head or food!) – 3-4 pieces, long enough to hang the hoop several inches below the ceiling.
• Optional: spray paint
• Optional: fairy lights

How to make a floral sukkah chandelier

1. Many hula hoops have an outer layer of thin plastic to give it its color or sparkle. If possible, peel this off so you have a solid colored hoop. If you can’t do this and the color is loud, consider spray painting the hoop so that the plastic will look nice if it shows through.

2. Take 3-4 equal lengths of wire or twine and tie them at even intervals around the hoop. Gather them in the center so that the finished ring will hang evenly from each side. (skip this if you’re making a table centerpiece). I did this at the end, but you can also do this before you’re start. Next time I’m going to do it this way, so I’m adding the step here.

3. Heat up your glue. Pull a flower head off its stem and dip it into the glue or apply glue to its base. Try to hold the petals out of the way and not get them gluey (it’s OK if it happens. Just easier and neater if you can avoid it.)

4. Place your flowers on the hoop one at a time. If you like a very balanced look, start by placing the largest flowers at intervals around the hoop, and then fill in the in-between spaces. You can also go for a more random arrangement.

5. Keep placing flowers, tucking them between each other and overlapping a bit so they fully cover the front of the hula hoop.

Mostly just one side will be visible when hanging from the ceiling, but if you want you can stick some smaller flowers around the side. 

6. Pull some leaves off the stems. Apply glue to the ends and stick them between flowers that look like they could use some extra green – or at random intervals around the hoop.

7. When you’re done, turn the hoop over and check for loose flowers that could use more glue. Reinforce with a glue gun as needed.

8. If you’re adding fairy lights, wrap the strand loosely around the hoop and flowers.

9. Pick the perfect spot to hang this in the center of your sukkah!

Your floral sukkah chandelier is complete!

DIY Floral Chandelier for your Sukkah

Print

Materials

• Small hula hoop (Dollar Tree has these seasonally)
• Faux flowers - I used about 12 small bunches, but you should measure up against your hula hoop to be safe. Get about 2-2.5 times as long as your hula hoop so you have enough for layering.
• Glue gun or glue skillet, plus plenty of glue
• Strong ribbon, twine, or wire for hanging (wire will be strongest, we don’t want it falling on your head or food!) - 3-4 pieces, long enough to hang the hoop several inches below the ceiling.
• Optional: spray paint
• Optional: fairy lights

Instructions

1. Many hula hoops have an outer layer of thin plastic to give it its color or sparkle. If possible, peel this off so you have a solid colored hoop. If you can’t do this and the color is loud, consider spray painting the hoop so that the plastic will look nice if it shows through.
2. Take 3-4 equal lengths of wire or twine and tie them at even intervals around the hoop. Gather them in the center so that the finished ring will hang evenly from each side. (skip this if you’re making a table centerpiece)
3. Heat up your glue. Pull a flower head off its stem and dip it into the glue or apply glue to its base. Try to hold the petals out of the way and not get them gluey (it’s OK if it happens. Just easier and neater if you can avoid it.)
4. Place your flowers on the hoop one at a time. If you like a very balanced look, start by placing the largest flowers at intervals around the hoop, and then fill in the in-between spaces. You can also go for a more random arrangement.
5. Keep placing flowers, tucking them between each other and overlapping a bit so they fully cover the front of the hula hoop.
6. Mostly just one side will be visible when hanging from the ceiling, but if you want you can stick some smaller flowers around the side.
7. Pull some leaves off the stems. Apply glue to the ends and stick them between flowers that look like they could use some extra green - or at random intervals around the hoop.
8. When you’re done, turn the hoop over and check for loose flowers that could use more glue. Reinforce with a glue gun as needed.
9. If you’re adding fairy lights, wrap the strand loosely around the hoop and flowers.
10. Pick the perfect spot to hang this in the center of your sukkah!

Did you make this project?

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

The post Floral Sukkah Chandelier – A DIY Decoration 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.

Last year, I needed a last minute Rosh Hashanah centerpiece. You know the scenario: you’re setting your table and you think: something is missing!

I searched my house for what I can put together and the Rosh Hashanah centerpiece became obvious: apples.

The premise is simple:

Start with a clear glass vase – preferably in a modern shape with clean lines.

Fill it loosely with a single holiday-themed item. Aim for something that can be used after, or saved from year to year.

Reuse the vases from holiday to holiday.

You can gather a few different shapes of vases together to fill more of the table (I prefer not to, as when we have guests we need to take things off to clear space.)

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

Different ways to put together an easy apple centerpiece

You can see from my recreation of last year’s Rosh Hashanah centerpiece that I already displayed it simply in two different ways.

The first, the way that I did it last Rosh Hashanah, was simply to fill it as much as you can. You may get a better result with smaller apples if you do this, unless your vase is very big.

There’s the modern/minimalist way. I lined up three apples side-by-side with space. This is a great option either for after your apple stash has gone down a bit, or if you prefer things simpler.

If you’re using a more standard tall vase for this, simply use one narrow enough to stack three (or another visually-appealing number).

More Rosh Hashanah Table Ideas

And here’s a glimpse of last year’s table! Sadly, I didn’t take good photos that included the Rosh Hashanah centerpiece. I had to recreate it this year, which obviously wasn’t complicated…

But it does mean that I couldn’t get you a full view of the centerpiece on the table. You can see that I did use smaller apples, which filled the vase better.

To give you a few more table decor ideas that go with the Rosh Hashanah centerpiece, I figured I’d share some of the things you see on our table!

• Plates: First of all, I always recommend having a good stash of simply colored plates. I like the square ones for a more modern look. I got a huge stash at the Dollar Tree (this set from Walmart is fab too – I got that for Passover).
• Simanim cards: You can download these free printable Simanim cards. I printed them on cardstock, folded them back-to-back, and rounded the edges. Then, I laminated them using 5 mil laminating sheets so that they’re stiff. That way, everyone can have the same card as part of the table setting, and we can reuse them year to year.
• Place cards: I made this using an SVG that I offer in my Etsy shop. It not only adds a personalized element to your table, but it looks amazing and helps people be seated quickly.
• Glassware: These glasses are so classy and add a festive touch. They go with virtually any table setup, but in this one, the geometric cut goes well with the square plates.
• Tablecloths: In last year’s photo, above, you can see the beautiful DIY faux leather tablecloth I made. It just takes a few minutes to put together, zero skills, and a few inexpensive yards. The burgundy is a tablecloth I got at Target – also not expensive. It washes very well. The navy one is actually outdoor fabric that I bought to reupholster my dining chairs with, but haven’t gotten to yet. I just draped it on the table. I’m wondering how it would wash and work as a tablecloth, how I’ll need to finish the edges.

Update: check out how we switched this up for Sukkot here!

More ideas to put inside your Rosh Hashanah centerpiece

Beyond Rosh Hashanah, you can fill it with other seasonal items, however, here are a few more ideas for what you can do with it for Rosh Hashanah:

• Pomegranates – Especially if your other decor is pomegranate-centric, you can fill your vase with a few of these. It’s a great option if your family enjoys pomegranates even after the holiday. Or, get faux pomegranates to reuse year after year, and for Sukkot.

• Decorative honey jars – You can line up (or stack) a few jars of artisan/flavored honey in a glass vase. Just keep in mind that if you’re actually using the honey, the vase may get sticky and will need to be cleaned after each meal.

• New fruit assortment – The tradition is to eat a new fruit on the second night. You can fill your vase with a few exotic fruit.

• Dried/fake/potpourri apples – Purchase decorative apples instead of real ones and save it from year to year.

• Gourds – Use a larger vase and gather a few gourds inside. You can use these for your Sukkot meals after the holiday. If they need to be used sooner than two weeks, you can make soups and freeze them.

• Apple garlands – if you can find faux flower garlands that have apples on them (a popular item for the Sukkah too), you can gather these in clear vases instead.

I hope you enjoyed the Rosh Hashanah centerpiece inspo! What are your favorite last minute centerpieces? Comment below!

The post Rosh Hashanah Centerpiece 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

[show_boutique_widget id=”1040389″]

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.

During the winter, I’m often content with Shabbos as is- a time to cozy up on the couch under a blanket with a magazine while the kids play nearby. A traditional Shabbos meal, including hot chicken soup of course, followed by family time. But during the summer, we’re all itching to get outside, and socialize more with friends, family and neighbors.

Below are a few great ways to “summer”ize your Shabbos. The general idea is to keep things (especially the food) light and easy, and spend more time playing and socializing, enjoying the beautiful weather while it lasts.

6 Ways to Enhance Shabbos During the Summer

1. Bring the meal outside

Consider eating one of your Shabbos seudos outdoors. This will change things up a bit for you and your family, and you’ll have a wonderful time enjoying Shabbos surrounded by nature.

If you tend to avoid the heat, the Friday night meal might be a better option as it’s usually cooler at night. If you live in an area where mosquitoes abound, invest in mosquito sticks or repellent to place strategically around the patio or deck. Use plastic dishes to make clean up easier.

2. Use more fresh produce

Take advantage of the wonderful fruits and vegetables that are in season during the spring and summer. Make more fresh salads, fruit cobblers, infused water and lots of roasted vegetable sides. They’re not only healthier, but they’re lighter than carb-filled dishes and you’ll enjoy your walk after the meal that much more.

Use fresh fruit in your centerpieces too! Fill tall vases with oranges and lemons for a fresh, summery look.

3. Switch out your dishes

I’m a big fan of plastic dishes. I have real china, but when it’s just the family, I’d rather spend more time enjoying our time together than standing over a sink. If you want something a little sturdier, or don’t want to be constantly buying, consider reusable melamine dishes. They’re far cheaper than china, and you can buy bright-colored, springy dishes just for the season.

[show_boutique_widget id=”717333″]

4. Potluck Seuda Shlishit

Want to socialize more during the summer months? Get all the neighborhood women together for the third meal. Indoors or outdoors, you’ll find this to be a beautiful way to enhance Shabbos.

Have one person host and delegate- have some women bring food, another bring drinks, and another paper goods. This is one of my favorite ways to get to know my neighbors, and it’s a lot of fun for everyone involved.

5. Get out of the kitchen

Yes, you read that right. Don’t spend too much time over a hot oven. Keep Shabbos meals in the summer simple, with quick and easy to prepare dishes, more salads, or one pot meals.

The best thing I did to enhance Shabbos in the summer for myself was investing in an Instant Pot, an electronic pressure cooker. My apartment has poor ventilation and having more than one burner on leads to the whole place getting extremely hot. In my Instant Pot, I can easily make a few delicious Shabbos meals, without dealing with the unbearable heat. Most of your regular recipes can easily be reconfigured to cook in an Instant Pot.

6. Keep the meals light

There’s no need for heavy meals on Shabbos in the summer. Skip the matzah ball soup and make cold soup, like gazpacho or fruit soup instead. Some people like to go for a dairy or pareve meal instead of a heavy meat meal. Find what works for your family and go for it.

What kind of things do you and your family do to enhance Shabbos during the summer? Comment below!

[show_boutique_widget id=”717341″]

The post 6 Ways to Enhance Shabbos During the Summer appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

I love creating a beautiful table for Shabbos and one of my favorite ways to do that is using pretty napkin rings. I used to make elaborate beaded creations as gifts, but I wanted something simpler and more modern for myself and I FINALLY got around to it.

I used simple copper wire to hold an array of ceramic beads in coordinating tones. I chose three different types of beads in my set to add interest to the table.

What you need to make DIY napkin rings:

• 12 gauge copper wire (I go for real copper, aluminum is easier to manipulate but the final result won’t be as secure).
• Large (20-30mm) porcelain and ceramic beads – have a few extras as some break in the process! (you might do best shopping around for this in person, finding something cool because this will be the focal point of your piece.)
• Nylon jaw pliers (so you don’t nick the wire)
• Wire cutters

Shop the tablescape:

[show_boutique_widget id=”711703″]

How to make DIY napkin rings:

Measure your copper wire about six inches long. Mine ranged from 4-6 inches, so if you plan to use paper napkins you might want to stick to four inches. They don’t all have to be the same – that’s part of the charm of this! Use wire cutters to snip it. Note: I used my regular jewelry cutters. I made a deep notch and then broke the piece off. If you want a clean cut, you’ll need heavy duty cutters.

Use nylon jaw pliers to bend it up about 3/4 inch from the end.

Continue to form your ring shape. They don’t have to be the same, once again – part of the charm is the assorted shapes that form when making these as a set. The main thing is to have those two prongs on top that will poke into your bead and the shape beneath it to contain a napkin.

Use the pliers to shove one side at a time into the sides of the bead.

And then use your hands to secure the bead. Since the wire is a hard, strong, thick wire it should be enough just to make sure that the opening when you shaped your ring is smaller than the size of the bead. On some of my DIY napkin rings I heard a “click” when the sides overlapped but that’ not necessary.

Make a bunch using coordinating beads in different shapes. They’re cheap and quick so you can make enough even for large events!

Roll up and insert a napkin, place it on your plate, and take pride in a beautiful Shabbat table!

How many of these DIY napkin rings will you be making? How do you upgrade your Shabbos table? Comment below!

The post DIY Napkin Rings for your Shabbos Table! appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

My husband and I have been making Pesach ourselves since the second year of our marriage. It’s just something that has worked best for us, and we absolutely love it. Yes, I’m one of the crazy people that loves not just Pesach itself, but the whole process leading up to it.

It took a couple of years to get it right, but we have found a good rhythm that works for us, in terms of cleaning, cooking and shopping. I work full time, especially in the days leading up to Yom Tov (that’s retail for you) andyet, we still manage to turn out a great Pesach every year.

The most important part of making Pesach is to reduce your stress. There’s no need to get stressed and it will actually be beautiful if you can find the joy in your preparations.

Below are three lists; one is my most helpful tips on making Pesach. The second list is essentials you’ll need for making Pesach the first time, while the third list is non-essentials that you can stock up on over time throughout the year.

Tips for Making Pesach Stress-Free

1. Plan your menu in advance

Before any shopping or preparations, plan your menu. Plan the seder plate, every single meal, every snack, every Chol HaMoed breakfast. This will achieve two things. One, you will only have to shop for food once, maybe twice. Two, next to each item write down every ingredient needed. That will form your grocery list. Then, write down everything needed to make that dish- pots, pans, peelers, knives, cutting board etc. Like this, you will have a better idea of what you’ll need to stock your Pesach cabinets with.

Get Pesach Planned here to help you organize everything! 

2. Make a budget

Whatever you think you might need goes onto a list. Plan your expenses carefully and include obscure things that you might forget- like cookbooks, shelf liners, Afikoman gifts and a Chol HaMoed trip. Whatever your expenses add up to, up that number. Pesach food costs more than usual, and you will likely end up buying things you forgot to add to the list.

3. Buy cheap

Throughout the year, buy items on sale. It takes people years to build up a Pesach collection- you don’t need all your kitchen gear and every utensil and gadget the first time you make Pesach. Dollar stores are your best friend. You don’t need top of the line products for one week every year.

4. Don’t buy unnecessarily

There are three types of things you don’t have to buy for Pesach:

• Don’t buy items that don’t need to be kosher l’Pesach, or buy ones that are already kosher for Passover all year round. Those are often cheaper than products specifically made for only Pesach.

• Don’t buy items that you likely won’t need. Pesach is only one week. If you can, do without. Try to make foods that use similar ingredients so you’re not buying a whole cabinet worth of spices and ingredients that you’re only using a bit of.

• Don’t buy items that you can make kosher l’Pesach; for example, you can kasher your silver kiddush cup, or you can wash dishtowels and tablecloths to use for Pesach.

5. Eat clean

Stay away from processed foods made kosher for Passover. They are mostly all overpriced and also, not particularly tasty. Stick to proteins like meat, chicken, fish, etc. which will have similar pricing to year round. Buy produce in a produce store for better prices. If you have a sweet tooth, make your own desserts and snacks.

6. Avoid dairy

If at all possible, consider no milchigs for the week of Pesach. You will save by not buying any utensils for that. If you love matzah with cream cheese, you can use a disposable knife to spread it, and you can get disposable foam cups for coffee.

7. Lists, lists, lists

Lists before Pesach will help you keep organized and focused. It’s helpful to plan out exactly what you plan to clean and cook and when.

Pesach Planned is the ultimate dot grid Pesach planner for the busy Jewish home! It’ll help you organize all your lists, and keep them from year to year, saving you money, time, energy, and lots of sanity!

Lists after Pesach are immeasurably helpful, as well. Keep running lists from year to year with recipes and menus that worked, items you have on hand or will find helpful for next year, and things like that. An Excel or Google Docs spreadsheet will work great. Keep them in a handy spot so you can easily reference them as you get closer to the following Pesach.

8. Hire help

If you can afford it, hire help! It is a lifesaver and the relief is worth its weight in gold.

9. Don’t spring clean

I repeat, do not spring clean! It is not necessary, and it can wait for after Pesach. It just adds to an already overwhelming amount of things to do. If you know there is no chametz in the attic, or that the encyclopedias (does anyone still have those?) haven’t been touched in a year, then don’t waste your time cleaning those areas.

10. Plan storage space in advance

In order to keep yourself in check when buying, and in order to keep Motzei Yom Tov less stressful too, plan your storage space before Pesach. Where will you be keeping things from year to year if you don’t have a dedicated Pesach kitchen? I like to use large storage bins. My parents like to use a storage closet that they can move in and out of the kitchen as needed. If you don’t have enough cabinet space to clear over Yom Tov itself, consider storage drawers to keep what you need on hand nearby. Find what works for you.

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 75% off the full value! It’s full of 30+ cleaning and menu planners, kids’ games, coloring pages, and activities as well as cool seder table decorations!

Must-Haves for Making Pesach

This list is a good place to start with to figure out what you’ll definitely need when making Pesach for the first time. You may choose to get more than one of certain items, like spatulas or peelers. If you’re looking for things to stock up on throughout the year, but that you don’t necessarily need the first time, scroll down to the list of non-essentials.

• dishes. Many people opt to use disposable dishes over Pesach for both convenience and lack of storage space. However, it can also be more cost effective to buy a cheap set of real dishes to use from year to year. I use plastic, but I have real silverware and glasses (for both drinking and wine).

• hand grater (I put a food processor on the non-essentials list, but that’s because I don’t use mine often during the year and I don’t make tons of potato kugel. However, if you are heavily dependent on yours, this can definitely be an essential item for you.)

• Seder plate

• Kos shel Eliyahu – try making one yourself for a little “me time” in all the Pesach rush!

• knives– this is one item where you don’t want to skimp on quality. Good quality knives will not only last longer, but they are safer to use.

• cutting board

• peeler– if you’ll have help in the kitchen, get a few of these!

• meat and dairy labels; trust me, you think you’ll remember from year to year which pot is meat and which is parve, but I can guarantee you won’t

• If your counters cannot be kashered, you’ll also need some form of counter covers; be it contact paper, or something else. I find it best to find these in your local stores.

• mixing bowls that can also double as salad bowls

• disposable aluminum foil pans; your best bet is to buy these by the case in your local supermarket

• hand mixer (only if you’ll be baking)

• baking sheets– these are great for roasting as well. You can use disposable cookie sheets as well, but your food will not cook evenly.

• serving spoons

• cutlery- disposable or real

• shelf liners

• measuring cups and spoons

• wooden spoons

• spatula

• soup ladle

• saute pan

• sauce pan

• stock pot

• hot plate or blech

• storage unit or storage bins

• corkscrew; from experience I can tell you that you don’t want to find yourself without a corkscrew on Seder night.

• can opener

• dishwashing sponges

• salt shaker

• kettle

Good-to-Have Items for Making Pesach

The items on this list are great for stocking up throughout the year. They’re not a must for making your first Pesach, so you can buy slowly over time, look for good deals and save some money.

• cookbooks- I debated putting this on the essentials list, but you can find a lot of great recipes on the internet and in Facebook cooking groups without spending the money on a cookbook. However, if you find you’re the type that wants guidance with unfamiliar recipes, definitely invest in one of these. My favorites are Perfect for Pesach (I use it year round) and Spice and Spirit Passover (particularly helpful if you have a lot of strict chumros.)

• hot water urn

• food processor

• crockpot

• Instant Pot – this is particularly helpful if you want to get a head-start on cooking early or streamline your cooking process. If you’re new to the Instant Pot, here’s a great chicken soup recipe to get you started.

• potato masher

• immersion blender

• grill pan

• crepe pan

• serving platters

• nut cracker

• dish rack

• real dishes if you chose to go with plastic for the first year or two

• tongs

• kitchen shears

• trivets

• whisk

• kitchen timer

• egg slicer

• food chopper

Have you ever made Pesach on your own before? Do you have any tips to add for those making Pesach for the first time? Let us know in the comments!

The post A Guide to Making Pesach for the First Time appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

My Erev Shabbos checklist is comprised of a couple of parts. I like to check what time candle-lighting is early in the day so that I can pace myself properly. Because I work on Fridays, in the winter it’s a tight race sometimes to get things done in time.

I like to get all my cooking done on Thursday night, but there’s still a myriad of things to take care of on Friday; like tearing toilet paper, filling up the urn and setting timers. Even though it’s the same tasks every week, there are also other things on my mind, and I don’t want to forget anything.

The things I included on this Erev Shabbos checklist printable are not things like slicing veggies for my Friday night salad- simply because if I don’t get to that before Shabbos, I am able to do it on Shabbos itself.

I specifically kept this list to things that are muktzeh, or forbidden, to do on Shabbos. These are things that must be done before Shabbos comes in. I did not include shopping for food or cooking, because that’s not something I’m afraid I’ll forget to do.

Using your Erev Shabbos Checklist

In order to keep this Erev Shabbos checklist simple, I formatted it as follows: it has a place for the current Parshah of the week, as well as candle-lighting time. On the left side are items mostly related to food or the kitchen, and on the right, are things to do around the house. The checklist includes items that are pretty universal, but in case I didn’t include something that is important to you, I left a few extra lines for you to fill in.

There are two checklists on the printable, so when you print it, simply cut the paper in half, and save one for next week.

You can print it on regular paper or card stock if you’d like to make it a little sturdier.

You can also self laminate it as a card and use it with a dry erase marker, so you don’t have to print it out again every two weeks! Stick a magnet on the back and hang it on the fridge so you always know where it is.

Download your Erev Shabbos Checklist below:

[show_boutique_widget id=”684835″]

How do you streamline your Erev Shabbos preparations? Do you use an Erev Shabbos checklist?

Let us know in the comments!

The post Erev Shabbos Checklist Printable appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.