Use this simple felt Shivat Haminim template to craft some beautiful home decor for Tu B’svhat or the Sukkah. When you’re done, try making an air dry clay fruit bowl too. This post contains affiliate links.

While I created an SVG and PDF template a while ago for a paper Shivat Haminim garland, I wanted to create one that is more felt-friendly. While they are totally interchangeable, that one is more detailed and a bit harder to work with felt.

So I loosely based this off of that one, but also changed it up to make it more current and simpler. I wanted to show it beautifully stitched but ran out of time, so I hot glued mine together.

Get your felt Shivat Haminim template

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

Assembling your felt Shivat Haminim Template

The basic structure of the template

The idea of this template was to avoid any unnecessary details and focus on the basic shape of the fruit. To accomplish that, each piece has a background base, and a fruit made of simple shapes that fit on it.

Additional items like leaves are separate pieces that fit over the “main” fruit to lend it some texture.

Cutting it out

The felt Shivat haminim template can be cut out by hand or using a Cricut. I cut mine by hand. Some of the shapes (especially on the wheat and barley) do get quite fine and need to be handled with care.

It’s a bit time consuming to cut by hand, but if you can put on a podcast and relax with the job, it can be really enjoyable.

The hand-cut template is a fixed size. The Cricut one is scalable and can be made any size.

I used a mixture of different textures and finishes of felt to cut out my garland. Stiff felt is okay for glued-on details, but you’ll want softer felt for any items that will be sewn. Very thick high quality felt is worth it if you want to make a quality piece that will last, but it can get pricey.

Assembling it

There are many ways to assemble your final piece. I highly recommend carefully stitching your work together by hand… but that takes time. You can glue on the finer details and stitch around the outline for a good mix. Or just hot glue them all together…

You can also machine sew some parts, but you’ll need precision and a good command of the sewing machine for that. I only recommend doing that if you’re using your Cricut to make these large.

Another cool way to assemble this is to glue it and then use careful stitching as a decorative edge.

I turned mine into a garland by simply gluing the fruit along a piece of twine, but I’ll share more ideas for this below.

More ways to use this felt Shivat Haminim template

Adding detail

Felt projects look so much cuter with detail added. If you’re hand or machine sewing, add some embroidered detail. Think: lines down the leaves, French knot seeds on the pomegranate and fig, a little shine on the grapes…

If you’re not up for sewing or embroidering, you can also try puffy paint! Add color-on-color details for a classy touch. For example, use green for detail on the leaves. The goal is to add texture, not necessarily color.

Beyond a garland

While I designed this as a garland, felt lends itself to so many different final creations.

Repeat the back layer and turn them into stuffies by filling them with poly fil and then stitching around the edge. You can even make beanbags by filling them with poly pellets. Or turn them into crinkle toys by adding crumpled cellophane between the layers.

Use these as appliques as well. Make them smaller (it will be a bit more challenging) and from stiff felt and glue them onto headbands or barrettes. And you don’t need to do all of them! Choose your favorite fruit and run with it!

How to make your felt Shivat Haminim Garland

You’ll need

• Felt – quality matters. If gluing, you can use stiff felt, if sewing go for a soft felt.
• Good fabric and detail scissors OR
• Cricut, rotary blade, and fabric mat
• Embroidery floss in corresponding colors or hot glue gun – or both!
• Recommended sewing clips and/or straight pins
• If hand sewing: scissors that are not fabric scissors for your template.
• The template – find it in my shop, on Etsy, and on TpT

Assembly instructions

1. Print out your templates if hand cutting. I recommend printing them in color as an easier color reference. The last page is a color reference, so if you’re short on ink, you can print only that one in color.

2. Cut your shape around the outer line. Start by pinning the outer layer on your background color.

3. Cut out your outer layer from felt. Then, cut out the outer layer, preserving it to use as a placement guide when assembling your fruit. Pin and cut out the next color.

4. Repeat with all your parts. Use the cut outlines of the fruit as guides for placement and glue or sew them on the base.

5. For designs with leaves, sew that on top of the piece. It’ll give it a bit of texture.

Your felt Shivat Haminim are complete! If you want another fun craft for Tu B’shvat, try this Tu B’shvat coloring page – it’s free! Or, download these Shivat Haminim puppets – a fun craft for kids.

In case you missed it, you can download your Shivat Haminim template in my shop, on Etsy, and on TpT.

The post Felt Shivat Haminim Template – DIY Garland appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

These Neviot Puppets include the 7 Prophetesses of the bible from a Jewish perspective to color and craft! When you’re done, check out these Ushpizin puppets too! This post contains affiliate links.

When someone reached out to me about featuring more Jewish female role models in my Jewish puppet sets, I figured that the 7 Neviot (prophetesses) of Judaism are the perfect way to go!

I illustrated these 7 Neviot puppets based on the stories surrounding them, but of course, they are in no way accurate depictions. They are simply as true to Jewish tradition as I can get them.

I explain more about the puppets and how to assemble them below, but meanwhile, if you want to get them, you can do so in my shop, on Etsy, or TpT.

Get the color-in version:

Get the full color version:

Girls thrive from seeing female role models, and boys will benefit from learning about our great mothers and the heights to which our women can reach. Each of these women is a true Jewish hero, each one teaching us valuable lessons about what a strong role a woman can play in our nation.

About these puppets

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

2 versions: Color-in and full-color

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

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

The Prophetesses (the 7 Neviot)

Included in the puppets are the following prophetesses. Please note, this is just a short synopsis (included as a PDF file in your download). If you want a fuller rundown of the 7 Neviot, their stories, and what they’re famous for, check out this series of articles from Chabad.

• Sarah – Our matriarch – with the candles that stayed lit, the cloud that rested over her tent, and the Challah that stayed fresh from Shabbat to Shabbat.

• Miriam – With a tambourine as she played out of gratitude

• Devorah (Deborah) – Twisting wicks while judging by the palm tree.

• Chanah (Hannah) – She set the tone for what our prayer should look like as she prayed for a child.

• Avigail (Abigail) – Saving her husband as she delivers food to King David

• Huldah – She prophesized the message behind a Torah found while renovating the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple).

• Esther – The famous queen of the Purim story, who rescued her people from tragedy.

Each one is illustrated with care, but is, of course, derived from my imagination because we don’t know much about their physical appearances (other than Sarah being beautiful and Esther having olive skin).

Get them here

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

Get the color-in version:

Get the full color version:

How to assemble your Neviot Puppets

You’ll need

• The puppets, printed on cardstock
• Craft sticks
• Glue or glue lines. I like to prep these in advance with glue lines for kids, with the backing still intact, so that they can just peel it off and stick it on without glue.
• If using the color-in version, crayons, markers, etc. I highly recommend having Crayola’s “Colors of the World” lines available for people-coloring projects.
• Kid-friendly scissors.

Process

1. Print your puppets on cardstock.

2. Color them in.

3. Cut them out on the solid outer line. Devorah also has some inner “holes” to cut, also bolded.

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

5. That’s it! Your 7 Neviot puppets are ready to play with and learn from!

In case you missed it, you can get the 7 Neviot puppets here!

Get the color-in version:

Get the full color version:

The post Neviot Puppets – The 7 Prophetesses Craft for Kids appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

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.

A few months ago, I was shopping at Michaels when I saw something I had never seen before: $10 mystery boxes. By that, I mean large grocery-delivery-sized boxes stuffed with stuff for $10.

I knew it was most likely seasonal clearance (yes, Christmas), but I figured I’d spring for one. Sometimes you have things that are more generic (like felt garlands or solid green or red vase fillers that I can use for resin) – I’ve picked up all sorts of “Christmas” clearance in the past that wasn’t REALLY Christmas, it was just tagged as Christmas lines.

And maybe I’d even find a Hanukkah thing or two!

But no, it was full of REAL Christmas things, including LOADS of ornaments. But guess what? We can make something from everything (yes, I’ve seen people pack mishloach manot into ornaments), and when I took a closer look, all I could see were pomegranates. So I figured I’d use them to make some hanging pomegranates for the Sukkah.

Now, I will preface this by saying that this craft might not be for everyone – and that’s okay. If it’s not for you, go ahead and move on. I personally believe that if something isn’t explicitly religious (I’m not turning a cross into a Menorah), there can be many ways to use it. While we all know that ornaments are for Christmas trees, they are technically just decorations. So I’m okay with using them – styled tastefully – and especially turned into a Judaica-themed craft!

There are also different ways to craft this so that it looks more or less like an ornament, as I’ll explore below.

Different ways to craft hanging pomegranates from ornaments

To add a crown – or not?

One of the first things that struck me was how much the cap of the ornament looked like the crown of a pomegranate if you flip it over. So I thought I’d just stick with using it like that.

But as I polled people on Instagram as to how much it looks like an ornament vs. a pomegranate, responses were mixed.

So while I still prefer it without the added crown, I DO show you how to add one in case you prefer it that way. I used translucent dividers as an affordable water-resistant material (you can also go with something opaque like, you know, opaque dividers).

I simply hot-glued them on around the cap. It’s really forgiving, and the neck of the ornament gives you a surface to work with. And I do believe it makes all the difference.

Different ways to paint or color it

I played around with different ways to color it. My first instinct was to use alcohol inks – to pour them on the inside.

To really make this work, you do need to heat the inside so that it sets. This shrinks the neck of the ornament a bit, but as long as you’re careful not to overdo it, it’ll still work.

I added fillings to it as well – but more on that in a bit.

On the next one, I used alcohol inks but mixed in metallic color. Due to the iridescent look it creates, it might look even more like an ornament – but do what feels right for you!

I like to make crafts as accessible as possible for as many people as possible. It’s not always doable. I decided to try a version with acrylic paint. Since it can be quite thick, I mixed it with some pouring medium to let it flow a bit more.

This one is turned upside down for excess to drip out and then air dried.

On all of these, I colored them by sliding the paint or ink around the inside since the ornament is a very slick surface and won’t hold paint well. A tiny nick can cause the paint to peel. Keeping it on the inside really helps. The ink absorbs more into the plastic, but it can still have a scratchable coat on the outside.

Additional fillings

If you’re using alcohol inks, you can add fun finishes inside your ornament!

I had some crushed glass vase filler hanging around, so I filled one of my alcohol ink hanging pomegranates with that. You can of course also use glitter, sequins, or anything decorative! Just make sure it’s not too heavy – you want to keep things lightweight.

Tips for using your Hanging Pomegranates in the Sukkah

Weatherproofing it

I intentionally used plastic ornaments for my hanging pomegranates (I got both plastic and glass in my box!) It’s more durable, even if the wind knocks it around a bit.

Painting the inside DOES help waterproof it – you don’t need to add additional sealers. I do recommend sealing around the cover well with hot glue so that it doesn’t get water on the inside if it rains.

The strings and other accents were all kept water-friendly. The beads I used are acrylic, and the string is synthetic enough to hold up well.

Hanging them up

The ornaments have a little hanging mechanism that just pops right out and can be flipped upside down so that they can still be hung! I took some scrap trim I had handy and strung it up. You can use any outdoor-friendly string.

I also added large acrylic faceted beads to them for an additional decorative touch.

Hang singles or clusters at different heights. You can hang them from the wall as well.

How to make hanging pomegranate decorations

Materials needed

• Round, clear plastic ornaments
• Red alcohol ink OR acrylic paint with pouring medium
• Heat gun or hair dryer (if using alcohol ink)
• Optional glitter or crushed glass filler
• Hot glue gun – check out my best hot glue guns for crafts
• String for hanging
• Large hole beads as accents
• Scissors

Process

Prepare the ornament

1. Pull off the metal cap from your ornament.

2. Pinch together the two ends of the hanging mechanism and poke it out.

Coloring it with alcohol inks

3. Drop a few drops of alcohol ink OR paint mixed with medium into your ornament and swirl it around to coat the inside.

4. Once it’s generally coated, blow a heat gun or hair dryer into the inside, moving it around constantly and watching that you’re not melting the opening too much. It may shrink a bit – that’s fine.

5. Pour some of your “filler” in if using. If it’s glitter, you can try and really swirl it around and see how much sticks.

6. Paint your cap with alcohol ink too and zap it dry.

Repeat on the other side.

Finishing it off

7. Pop the hanging mechanism back into the lid – only backward (so the loop is inside the cap).

8. Pop it into the opening of the ornament.

It’ll look like it holds but it’s not strong enough – you want to glue it in place. I recommend gluing it around the rim to seal it.

Acrylic paint variation

If you want to avoid using alcohol inks, you can use acrylic paint mixed with pouring medium. Coat the inside and prop it upside down on a paper towel to allow excess to drip out.

Paint the cap as well. Allow both to air dry totally before trying to continue. Totally. Don’t make the same sad, sad mistakes I did…

Adding a hanging string

9. To make your hanging mechanism, cut a length of string double plus a couple of inches the length you want. I recommend hanging a few at different lengths.

10. String it through the hanging mechanism.

11. String your bead on one side. If it fits over both, that can look great too – mine didn’t.

12. Knot the tips of the strings together.

Adding an optional crown

13. Cut a crown shape from a plastic divider. I did this on a whim to show you that it’s doable, so I didn’t make a template. Start by cutting a rectangle to fit around the neck of the ornament plus a bit, and as high as you want the crown to be. Cut out triangle notches.

14. Hot glue it around the neck and lid of your hanging pomegranates.

That’s it! Your hanging pomegranates are ready to hang and decorate your Sukkah. What’s your take on this? Yay or nay?

DIY Hanging Pomegranates from Ornaments

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Medium

Estimated Cost: $10

Craft these gorgeous hanging pomegranates... from ornaments! These are super fun Sukkah decorations that anyone can make

Print

Materials

• Round, clear plastic ornaments
• Red alcohol ink OR acrylic paint with pouring medium
• Heat gun or hair dryer (if using alcohol ink)
• Optional glitter or crushed glass filler
• Hot glue gun - check out my best hot glue guns for crafts
• String for hanging
• Large hole beads as accents
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Pull off the metal cap from your ornament.

2. Pinch together the two ends of the hanging mechanism and poke it out.

3. Drop a few drops of alcohol ink OR paint mixed with medium into your ornament and swirl it around to coat the inside.

4. Once it's generally coated, blow a heat gun or hair dryer into the inside, moving it around constantly and watching that you're not melting the opening too much. It may shrink a bit - that's fine.

5. Pour some of your "filler" in if using. If it's glitter, you can try and really swirl it around and see how much sticks.

6. Paint your cap with alcohol ink too and zap it dry.

Repeat on the other side.

7. Pop the hanging mechanism back into the lid - only backward (so the loop is inside the cap).

8. Pop it into the opening of the ornament.

If using acrylic paint:

If you want to avoid using alcohol inks, you can use acrylic paint mixed with pouring medium. Coat the inside and prop it upside down on a paper towel to allow excess to drip out.

Paint the cap as well. Allow both to air dry totally before trying to continue. Totally. Don't make the same sad, sad mistakes I did...

9. To make your hanging mechanism, cut a length of string double plus a couple of inches the length you want. I recommend hanging a few at different lengths.

10. String it through the hanging mechanism.

11. String your bead on one side. If it fits over both, that can look great too - mine didn't.

12. Knot the tips of the strings together.

Adding an optional crown:

13. Cut a crown shape from a plastic divider. I did this on a whim to show you that it's doable, so I didn't make a template. Start by cutting a rectangle to fit around the neck of the ornament plus a bit, and as high as you want the crown to be. Cut out triangle notches.

14. Hot glue it around the neck and lid of your hanging pomegranates.

That's it! Your hanging pomegranates are ready to hang and decorate your Sukkah. What's your take on this? Yay or nay?

Notes

Hang singles or clusters at different heights. You can hang them from the wall as well.

Did you make this project?

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

The post Hanging Pomegranates Decoration (from ornaments!) appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Sukkah paper chains are possibly the most popular Sukkah decoration for generations – and we all have memories of soggy chains in the rain!

I decoded to go through different materials that won’t go soggy. Not all of these are totally waterproof but all of them will stay pretty throughout the holiday.

material ideas that are actually showcased here as paper chains, how they act in the rain, and similar options.

Then, we’ll explore different ways to connect the chain, with options that are stronger, and ideas that are more kid-friendly. I’ll be making recommendations based on age group and skill level.

Finally, I’m going to share a few ways to prep the strips, size factors, and more tips for nailing those paper chains.

I’ll also take you through the classic “step by step” at the end in case you do want it in that format.

Different ways to make Sukkot paper chains that are water resistant

Materials to use

Any material that will be waterproof – that is, wipeable if wet – and is also flexible can be used to make paper chains! So think plastic sheets, for example. If you can’t wipe it but it wont’ get ruined when wet, it may be outdoor friendly, with caveats.

I’m going to share some more specific ideas below including: how to use paper, materials that are absorbent but dry well, and a few options for plastic sheet you can use.

Plastics

One of my absolute favorite materials to use is translucent dividers! Yes, the ones you’ll use in a binder. This is such a fun way to repurpose old school supplies. Because we all know the kids will not use their dividers again the next year – but they’re usually still in good enough shape to reuse.

The cheaper the better with this: they are usually thinner and more flexible. And if they’re translucent, even better – they’ll catch the light! But you can also use opaque dividers.

Another way to make Sukkot paper chains with plastic sheets is to reuse plastic folders. These do tend to be stiffer, and work best with longer chain strips. You can reuse most of the divider page.

More ideas for using plastic: clear acetate sheets are easy to find. Anything plastic with some structure but that isn’t too stiff is great. You can cut water bottles into rings (you’ll need to cut ever other ring open to connect it) or even cut up soda bottles!

Foam

Craft foam is a very lightweight material – it’ll flutter gorgeously in the wind if you use it to make Sukkot paper chains.

It is a porous material. That means that it will collect some water, but it’s not highly absorbent and won’t get overly soaked. You’ll need to make sure it dried thoroughly before storing it, but it won’t dissolve in the rain and it’ll still look fabulous!

You may want to test your craft foam first to make sure it’s colorfast.

How to seal paper + ideas

Of course, you can laminate paper to make it waterproof! There’s just one caveat: any tiny hole can render it totally dissolvable. Get a bit of water in the laminated part and it’ll turn to mush!

The trick is to laminate the chain strips after they’re cut, and connect them in a way that won’t make holes (so no staples). They can be pretty stiff, so they can be a bit of a challenge. And you’ll want to make sure not to trim your laminating sheets too close to the paper or it’ll split.

If you decide to do this, there are just so many ways you can make it fabulous! In this tutorial, I painted sheets with watercolor artwork to cut up! You can use any artwork. Or try fun printed scrapbook papers. Thinner is better since the laminating sheets already add some bulk.

Felt

Felt seems like it would be too absorbent to use, but if you use cheap, thin, stiff felt you’re good to go! It’s made of acrylic, which is a pretty non-absorbent material, so while it will get wet, it won’t soak and drip excessively, and it’ll dry quickly.

It comes in so many color choices (I just used what I had and it’s meh but I promise, you can make this gorgeous!) Go with fall and nature-sourced materials to really up the warm and fuzzy feeling in the Sukkah. The trick to using felt is to use good fabric scissors or a rotary cutter to cut neat, sharp pieces.

Definitely test your felt for color-fastness before using it for Sukkot paper chains.

Different ways to close the rings

Part of the trick to making Sukkot paper chains rain-resistant is to connect it properly. Use masking tape and you’ll have a puddle. You need something waterproof.

I’ll be sharing some ideas below, but first: cutting tools!

Cutting tools

I used scissors and a paper trimmer for most of these. If you have a guillotine trimmer (yes, it’s on my wishlist – such a basic but I still dont’ have it?) that can cut a stack it’ll be a huge time saver.

For felt, you want something fabric-friendly, such as a rotary cutter or fabric scissors.

Double-sided tape

One of my favorite ways to do this is to use double sided tape. Prepare your strips with a piece of double sided tape at the end, but leave the backing on. Sit your kids down with the strips, and even your preschoolers can do it independently.

You’ll need to be mindful of which materials you are using it with. It works best with the most flexible and smoothest materials. I used it on the plastic dividers.

You also want a thicker tape, and for best durability, press down well so that water has a harder time getting underneath it.

Tape

Regular cellophane tape is not going to be your best choice, but it is an easy one for young kids. A little water seeping underneath can loosen the grip and cause rings to open.

You can use this if you mostly protect your Sukkah for the rain (but still want something that won’t become mush). It’s a pretty easy one for your grade-school age kids that are making this independently, which is why it’s on the list.

You can also go with a weatherproof packing tape.

A stapler

While it’s not the most kid-friendly – or the most polished – option, a stapler is one of the most secure ways to connect paper chains. You’re better off with a full-sized stapler, not the mini one I’m using.

You’ll also have the pieces sticking up a bit – the ideal way to do this is to leave the overlap fitting the staple perfectly, and put a staple on each side (right/left) close to the edge.

Glue

Glue is not really a good way to connect your Sukkot paper chain rings. It doesn’t work for most plastics and even tacky glue is not usually water-resistant.

What DOES work quite well for porous surfaces is a hot glue gun. But of course, this turns it into a grown-up craft.

More tips for making Sukkot paper chains

Crafting it with younger kids

When making something like Sukkot paper chains with younger kids, I find that focusing on the process rather than the result is best. But you still want to balance that with… not turning the Sukkah to mush!

My favorite way to do this is to prepare the plastic dividers for them (although kids who really like to cut can be shown how to cut the strips). An adult should then prepare a bit of double sided tape with the backing at the end and they can then use it like a sticker.

Older siblings can also do it with younger siblings, each one taking on an age-appropriate role.

I’d recommend avoiding harder to stick materials like felt or foam with younger kids – they’ll just get frustrated.

Chain strip width and length

The size you cut your chain strips will really impact the drape. I did one inch wide by six inches for most of them but you can totally switch this up.

Try longer strips for larger loops, but don’t make it wider unless you’re also making it longer, or it won’t hang nicely!

Hanging your paper chains in the Sukkah

I like to hang my chains not only on the ceiling but also against the walls! Stick to a color scheme and layer and criss-cross them for a beautifull look. Try hanging a small one high up in the doorway for a sweet little touch.

How to make Sukkot Paper Chains

You’ll need

• Water-friendly materials such as:
  • Plastic dividers and folders
  • Acetate sheets
  • Laminated paper or artwork
  • Acrylic felt
  • Foam sheets
• Scissors, rotary cutter, or paper trimmer – depending on your material
• Adhesive: hot glue gun (adults), stapler (adults), double sided tape or other water-resistant tape
• Ruler

Watch the Video

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

Step by Step

1. Measure out your strips and mark them. Mine are about 1×6 inches for most. That’s a good middle zone but for larger loop chains try 1.5×8 inches too.

2 Cut them to size using your preferred method.

If using laminated artwork, first cut it, then laminate it, then cut it again so you don’t have open edges.

3. If using double sided tape, you can first adhere it to all your strips on one side and hand it to a kid to finish as if it’s a sticker!

4. Form your first loop. connect one side of the chain to the other to form a circle.

5. Thread the second strip in the first one.

6. And close it!

Continue this process until your Sukkot paper chains are the size you want them to be!

The post Sukkot Paper Chains – 5 Ideas for Waterproof Decorations appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Enjoy these fun Sukkot mazes, including designs for Simchat Torah, too, and a free printable sample of the Sukkah maze! I’ve got Rosh Hashanah mazes for you to download too!. This post contains affiliate links.

Mazes are a super fun brain-building activity, and so we love having them for every holiday! I’m working through the High Holidays now with these Sukkot mazes, and we already have shared Hanukkah and Purim mazes in this space.

I find that mazes are perfect for less-creative kids who still like taking pen to paper and figuring things out. They really build spatial awareness and problem-solving skills, memory, focus, and organizational skills. Y, age 9, tests all of my mazes for me (and yes, he does sometimes catch mistakes which I then go and fix!)

All of my mazes are digitally illustrated by me, including hand drawing (on my device) and plotting the entire thing from scratch.

I try to balance out my free and paid content, and I want to offer something free for every holiday. However, this is extremely work-intensive and can’t realistically be given away totally for free. So just like I’ve done in the past, I chose one page to give away for free (in this case, the Sukkah maze, as a nice standalone classic) and the full bundle is available for a few bucks.

If you have the budget to “donate” to keep this blog alive and going, and/or want more mazes, you can get a full bundle of 5 mazes – you’ll get this maze included, and four more fun designs. You’ll also get a printable solution page with it.

Each maze is unique and was individually hand-designed with no shortcuts taken.

About the Sukkot Mazes

These mazes are mid-level to slightly harder mazes – a bit more challenging than my Rosh Hashanah ones.

Since you can print them out multiple times, they make for great fun pages for the classroom or to put out at Sukkot events for your shul or school. Just print out a pile and put out pencils too, and you have a cool activity!

The 5 Sukkot mazes included in the full bundle are:

1. A Sukkah Maze
2. A Lulav Maze
3. An Etrog Maze
4. A Shaking Maze – Help Moshe get his Lulav and Etrog so that he can shake them!
5. A Simchat Torah Maze – Help Rabbi Mendy get the Torah to shul so that everyone can dance!

I again included a less organized swirly curvy maze to create more challenge opportunities. And I included one for Simchat Torah – it didn’t make sense to do a whole bundle for that, but I figured it warranted its own maze.

The final page shows the solutions.

I’ve been working on dot-to-dot (connect the dot) pages as well and hope to eventually continue that series but for now, I need to streamline to get mazes out for every holiday. I hope you enjoy them!

I separated the Lulav and Etrog, since the shaped mazes tend to work better with simpler images.

Download the Sukkot mazes

Get the full bundle

The full bundle of 5 mazes (plus solutions)  is available for a few bucks in my shop, on Etsy, and on TpT. Purchasing premium products from me enables me to keep doing what I do, to give more focus to my Jewish blog, creating authentically Jewish resources for educators and parents.

Pages include the Sukkah, Lulav, Etrog, Shaking, and Simchat Torah mazes plus solutions.

The free printable sample

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

The post Sukkot Mazes – with a free printable appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

As we welcome guests or family into our Sukkah this year, why not greet them with a pretty sign?

My original idea in sharing this was to start with a wood panel (live edge, of course) and woodburn it! The template was designed with this in mind.

But not everyone is going to pick up a woodburning tool to do this, so I decided to make this a 2-in-1 tutorial and also show you how to do it with paint markers on canvas! That makes it accessible to more groups of people, too! It uses the same template and basic transfer technique.

2 ways to craft a DIY Sukkah Welcome Sign

The wood-burning way

I absolutely love the process of wood burning, and while yes, I do own a laser engraver that could have done this mechanically, you lose the art that way!

If you’ve never woodburned before, you can still do this (I’m hardly an expert) – you can even check out some woodburning tutorials for beginners posts I had someone guest post on my main blog years ago.

Woodburning should only be done by an adult or someone old enough to be responsible, and should be done with extreme care, as the tip is HOT. You need to be careful to hold the tool above where you’d normally hold a pen. Work slowly and methodically. I recommend practicing on a scrap first.

Coloring in a woodburned Sukkah welcome sign is optional, but it really adds a lot. I used watercolors.

For the baseboard, you have options, but a softer plywood works best. I used these basswood planks with live edge because they add a little character.

This version of the craft is fabulous for adult workshops or older teen group crafts, or to make yourself at home.

Paint markers

Since woodburning requires a lot of care and a level of responsibility, it’s not ideal in all settings.

While not as pretty, it’s much more relaxing and requires less skill and care. And yes, you can make it quite beautiful!

Paint marker quality does matter, so while you might not want to invest in something as pricey as Poscas, it’s worthwhile and will last better than cheaper options (yes, I’ve owned quite a few). I am not paid to promote them – I purchased these and do wholeheartedly recommend them. You want something that will last, won’t leak, will have consistent coverage, and will be nice, rich, and opaque.

If you can’t spring for those, try alternatives from brands like Ohuhu (dual-tipped acrylic markers) or Sharpie Creative markers (not the regular ones – those won’t look so nice here.)

I did not prime my canvas or anything, but you definitely can do that for a nonwhite background!

More ideas for making a Bruchim Haba’im sign with this basic process

If you love the look of the wood but aren’t about to start woodburning, you can definitely do the paint marker variation on the wood board! It would look fabulous, and while a bit more of a splurge than canvas panels, it’s worth it!

You can also paint these with actual paint, making a color-in type pre-printed canvas using the carbon paper. Then, use artist’s acrylics and the template as a framework to paint a more art-style Sukkah welcome sign. You can even frame it!

And yes, you can also paint on the wood.

Using your Sukkah welcome sign in the Sukkah

Hanging tips

While I didn’t think too deeply into how to hang these, generally, you will need to add some sort of hanging hardware to the back. Since every Sukkah is different, the hanging method will be different.

For a wood sukkah, I’d recommend a classic picture hanging hook on the back. You can then hang it from a nail. If your Sukkah is made of other materials (such as plastic or fabric), you may want to instead add two eyes to the top and hang it from the ceiling against a wall. That’s what I plan to do with mine.

You can, of course, also use mounting tape to hang it flush against the wall; however, the resilience of that will depend on the sukkah.

Weatherproofing tips

One big challenge we face with both DIY Sukkah decorations and purchased ones is weatherproofing them. The canvas has a wood backing that is absorbent. The wood panel is unfinished.

Ideally, you’ll also want to finish all wood elements with a waterproof wood finish. If this isn’t something you can do, you can really just pray for a little less rain and let things dry out very well before packing them away.

Either way, you’ll want to seal them with some kind of acrylic sealer. While the paint markers are permanent, if banged up a lot, they can get scratches as they don’t fully absorb. And the watercolors are totally water-soluble!

How to make a Sukkah welcome sign

You’ll need

For both

• The template, printed on regular copy paper (cardstock is too thick). Download it at the end of this post.
• A ballpoint pen
• Carbon paper
• Acrylic spray sealer
• Hanging hardware (see notes above).
• Low tack tape (such as painter’s, washi, masking)

For the canvas sign

• An 8×10 (or close to that) stretched canvas
• Paint markers (I recommend Poscas)

For the wood-burning sign

• Live edge wood panels (or anything like it)
• A wood-burning tool (you can do it with just the kit, but the wider tip that I used came in a separate set).
• Watercolor paints
• A thin but absorbent paintbrush

Step-by-Step Tutorial with Photos

Transferring your design

1. Tape your template onto the base, with the carbon paper sandwiched face down in between.

2. Using a pen, trace over the design, pressing down as you go along. With the canvas, don’t press so hard that you poke through – just a firm, confident stroke.

3. Once you’ve gone over the design, remove the carbon paper. It doesn’t have to be perfect – it might have some wonky spots. You can also move it around between tracing different parts, so that the flowers are placed closer to the edges if the sizing doesn’t match up perfectly.

The paint marker sign

1. Start by filling in the main parts. You can see that I started with an Ohuhu marker that was really too sheer. I moved on to more opaque Poscas after. Color each part in -you should still faintly see the carbon paper markings.

2. Go ahead and outline the carbon paper strokes with black or a darker color.

I used a darker color on the flowers and did the text in black.

3. When you’re done, spray it with an acrylic sealer and allow it to dry before hanging.

The wood burned sign

1. Transfer the design as instructed. I moved my carbon paper so that the left flower comes out of the edge.

2. Go over the design slowly with a wood-burning tool. I used a pretty thick tip for this.

I went a little quicker over the inner details to make thinner strokes, and let it sit at the end of the curly bits for a second to make a darker dot.

3. When you’re done burning your entire design, go ahead and fill it in with watercolor paints! The ones I had had a bit of a chalky finish that showed over the designs, so if you have one that doesn’t prioritize that. (I have like five watercolor palettes and this is the only one that would do that, but I didn’t test it and only saw when it dried!)

I recommend using a pretty thin wash and a thin brush so you don’t spill over your design too much. You just want to tint it.

4. Allow your design to dry, seal it, attach the hardware and hang it with pride!

Your Bruchim Haba’im sukkah welcome sign is complete!

Download the Bruchim Haba’im sign 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 of my emails. I respect your privacy and the law, and won’t share or sell your email address.

The post Sukkah Welcome Sign – Bruchim Haba’im 2 Ways! 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.

These fun Simchat Torah flags are perfect to color and craft for the Jewish holidays! When you’re done, check out these color and craft paper shofars too. This post contains affiliate links.

Simchat Torah is all about celebrating the cycle of Torah. We’ve shared toys in the past that can be made for kids – such as this paper Torah craft and this felt toy Torah that parents can craft – but now it’s time for flags!

Traditionally, younger kids, especially those who are too young to handle even small Torahs attend services waving flags. The youngest kids usually craft these in their playgroups and preschools, and I wanted to share some fun templates.

I like to keep things simple: just color, cut and craft. But I also added some shapes to the flags, because it IS the perfect opportunity for scissors skills practice!

The truth is, I can not BEAR to share a Simchat Torah craft this year. The significance of the day after last year’s attacks has been altered. And yet, I know that we can not minimize our celebration of Torah. That is the last thing we can do now.

We need to be very intentional about our Jewishness, especially with the next generation. And so yes, this one is really, truly all about the youngest kids.

I also know that the kids are the ones who need it most. And I do advise everyone reach out to their personal mentors to talk about how to approach this Simchat Torah with all the weight that it bears. But I will continue creating for the children.

That said, there are multiple ways to craft this, and you’ll find my tips right here – as well as in the format of a printable PDF that comes with your download!

Download your Simchat Torah Flags

This is a premium download available in my Etsy shop. I created these designs special for this craft, and you can make them in fun shapes, or just as rectangles.

You can gain inspiration from this tutorial and try this craft with other themed coloring pages (found on the blog or in my shop, or elsewhere) or grab the set of coloring pages and flag shapes that I designed special for this!

How to assemble your Simchat Torah Flags

Supplies

• The coloring pages, printed on paper or cardstock
• Markers, do-a-dot, crayons, etc
• Dowels (18 inch long & 1/4 inch thick are perfect)
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Glue stick

Basic Instructions

1. You can make these single sided or double sided. If making it double sided, choose two flag designs to use, if not, choose one. Note: one should always be without a shape – if you’re doing two sides. If doing one side, choose if you want
to do one of the shaped flags or one of the plain pages.

Color it in.

You can get creative with medium – here, A chose to use Do a Dot markers.

2. Place glue on one side, and glue them back to back.

3. If using a shaped flag, cut out the boarder from that side. Note: you may trim off a bit of the image on the other side – that’s fine. This occurs especially if your shaped flag has a deeper cutout.

5. Punch the holes (a standard hole punch should work.

6. Slide a dowel through the holes. I recommend fixing it in place (a bit of tape or wood glue will do).

To make a photo Flag:

Some of these were designed to be compatible as optional photo flags by cutting an opening and backing it onto a piece of paper (either colored paper, cardstock, or another colored flag design.

• On the Sephardic Torah you can cut the center of the torah/opening, and top/bottom of the torah, leaving the right and left intact. Fold on the left and right. Attach your photo in the back of the Torah, facing the front of the flag, in that space.
• On the closed Torah, you can cut a hole in the crown and place a small photo.
• The open scroll was designed to fit a photo – pasted on top in that space, or cut out the largest space and fit a photo behind it.
• The Luchot can be cut out like the Sephardic Torah to make “doors” – cut the center, bottom, and around the arch, folding but not cutting the left and right and pasting a photo behind.

To customize your flag:

You can add school name/info, shul info, or whatever you’d like to some flags that intentionally feature spaces where you can do so. You can add your own text. The spaces are designed so that you don’t NEED to do that, but you can.

Just upload it to any PDF or image editor and add it to the space you want.

The post Simchat Torah Flags to Color & Craft appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Sukkot may just be the best time of the year for crafters! Part of the special mitzvah is to make your Sukkah beautiful, and both kids and adults alike can enjoy throwing themselves into this task wholeheartedly with some gorgeous DIY Sukkah decorations.

Whether you are decorating by making your own decorations or by carefully selecting and arranging ready-made ones, we have you covered.

In this post, I’m going to share a full collection of DIY sukkah decorations that kids and adults can make at home or in school. I’ve also included some fabulous printables that you can use as posters to decorate your sukkah – simply print, color, and laminate.

The main idea when it comes to DIY Sukkah decorations, at least in my part of the world, is weatherproofing. Some of the ideas in this post are very much Sukkot-themed, some are more generally Judaic, and some are just for fun — but the overriding theme is that they can hold up better than average against wind and rain.

Nothing is truly indestructible, but we’re aiming for sturdier materials or things that can easily be laminated. For flat projects or paper posters, I highly recommend investing in a laminator – even if you’re not a hardcore crafter, you can get a simple, small one for under $30.

If you’d rather not, though, another option is to buy plastic sheet protectors in the office supply aisle. Slide your flat (or flattish) project into the page protector, and seal the open end well with clear packing tape. Hang it with the taped edge on bottom if possible. You can also get cold laminating pouches, which are basically adhesive envelopes that seal around your project.

Whatever you choose, enjoy these DIY Sukkah decorations and let’s get crafting!

DIY Sukkah Decorations

Craft these DIY Sukkah decorations including ideas for kids to make, more grown-up options, and some ready-to-go printables too!

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

DIY Sukkah Decorations For Kids to Make

I vividly remember the excitement we all felt in school when the teacher would come in with arts and crafts before Sukkot. We would wait in anticipation each year trying to guess what new project was in store for us, and look forward to the break from regular class work.

But the best part of all was bringing it home to hang in the sukkah for the entire family and all our visitors to admire! So in the first part of this post, I’m sharing some ideas to share with the kids in your life - whether you’re a parent, teacher, group leader, or friend.

1

Hanging Kids Sukkah Decorations on a DIY Chain

Photo Credit: jewish.momsandcrafters.com

Your kids may already have paper projects coming home from school - here’s how I display them while complementing my sukkah decor. The kids can help make the wood beaded clothesline, and then they can even participate in clipping their artwork onto the clothespins! It’s easy to add to or rearrange as new artwork is made and old ones get worn out.

It also serves as a practical solution for those of us with canvas walls.

Read More

2

Sukkah Decorations Children's Craft from Old CDs

Photo Credit: jewish.momsandcrafters.com

This DIY Sukkah decoration is a multisensory activity with no mess - for real! Plus, it finally gives you a use for the CDs you never got rid of long after you signed up for Spotify. Create Sukkot designs or go freestyle. All you need is some Wikki Stix and some old (or specially purchased) CDs and DVDs.

It's naturally water resistant and will definitely have people talking about them!

Read More

3

DIY Sukkah Decoration: Stained Glass Pomegranates

Photo Credit: jewish.momsandcrafters.com

I’ve included this in the kids’ section because kids CAN do it, but this one can really be classy enough for older crafters too. Use the free printable template to help you out. I used real glass frames, but for kids you’ll definitely want to useacetate sheets instead - as a bonus, the lighter weight will be easier to hang in the sukkah.

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DIY Mizrach Sign + FREE Mizrach SVG & Template

Photo Credit: jewish.momsandcrafters.com

We remember Jerusalem at all our special times, so this craft makes a very meaningful addition to your sukkah. Again, you’ll want to use acetate or plastic sheets instead of glass. You can replace the glass in the frame with this, or just ditch the frame (or make one from cardstock and laminate...) This post includes a Mizrach template for a Cricut as well as a household printer.

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Black Glue Kotel Art

Photo Credit: jewish.momsandcrafters.com

Another way to bring Jerusalem into your sukkah, this Kotel painting activity is fun to create at any age and has a beautifully bold design. You can vary your color choices to make it more realistic or more abstract. It’s a paper project, so you’ll need to cover it well to make it sukkah-ready (see my notes above).

Watercolors are an easy medium for any age group - the kids will love it!

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Plastic Bag Pom Poms

Photo Credit: Creative Jewish Mom

Can you get any more sukkah-friendly than pure plastic? These are fun to make and fully 3-D - try hanging a bunch from the ceiling! This is a great upcycling idea if you’re falling behind on reusing those bags.

Note: while they won't get soggy in the rain, they can retain some water. If you live in a rainy area, hang these around the edges and not the table so that you don't have prolonged dripping.

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Suncatcher Sukkah Decoration - Free Templates

Photo Credit: jewish.momsandcrafters.com

Here’s a peel-and-stick activity that even the littlest crafters can do with only a small amount of help. Seriously, my toddler made her own. I’ve included a Cricut template to give you a head start on cutting the outline OR use the PDF one to cut it by hand.

Start with premade tissue paper squares to make it even easier to craft.

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DIY Sukkah Decoration For Teens and Adults

DIY Sukkah decorations most definitely do not need to be just child’s play. Here are some more sophisticated ideas that you can share with teens or enjoy yourself. Some of these projects are also suitable for kids with a higher skill level, but I’m including them here because these are the crafts I especially loved doing myself!

I've been creating Sukkah decorations to bring as gifts the years that I end up at my parents house and it is always appreciated!

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Resin Etrog Suncatcher - Sukkah Decoration

Photo Credit: jewish.momsandcrafters.com

Use your dried etrogs from past years to create something new and stunning! This is a simple resin craft you can do even if you don’t have any experience with resin - you just need to be able to follow directions carefully (the materials can be hazardous).

You can use a basic coaster mold for the resin that you’ll be able to reuse for other projects, too.

And if you don't have dried Etrog slices, I offer alternatives as well in the post.

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DIY Sukkah Decorations from Dried Etrog Slices

Photo Credit: jewish.momsandcrafters.com

This unique wreath/mobile has a gorgeous earthy, rustic vibe. Don’t have any dried etrog slices? Read the post on how to get them ready for next year - and alternative ideas. But with two ideas now ready to go, you'll definitely want to save, slice, and dry your Etrog!

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Shivat Haminim Craft - Paper Fruit Garland

Photo Credit: jewish.momsandcrafters.com

With a little laminating work, this craft I first shared on Tu Bishvat will be gorgeous in your sukkah. The post offers several variations to choose how complex and layered you want the project to be, and the download includes files for both Cricut and hand cutting.

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Floral Sukkah Chandelier - A DIY Decoration

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This is a real showstopper that your guests won’t believe is homemade! Follow the link and you’ll see that it’s extremely doable. Have fun choosing your favorite flowers and colors to feature in this hanging centerpiece. Add lights - or skip them and enjoy the floral vibe.

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How to Make a Yarn Tassel Garland

Photo Credit: www.momsandcrafters.com

You might not have thought of using yarn for sukkah decorations, but it’s actually fine - yarns made of synthetic material like acrylic don’t absorb much water when it rains, so they can handle sukkah life

. The soft texture adds a cozy atmosphere you just don’t get from foil and plastic. Use this tutorial to create a string of tassels, or do the same with pom poms in any color scheme to complement your decor.

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Glitter Leaves Craft - An Upcycled Book Craft

Photo Credit: www.momsandcrafters.com

You’ll be feeling Fall in your sukkah, so why not celebrate the season with leafy decor? This design combines sparkly pizzazz with a vintage-like elegance. Laminate the leaves and string them along a garland to dress up your sukkah walls.

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Quick Printables

Finally, as promised, here are some of my best printable art options for your sukkah. We can always use some back-to-basics wall art, and coloring is a most relaxing art form at any age. You can express yourself in your choices of colors, materials, and strokes. Go as simple or as sophisticated as you want - just remember to laminate before hanging in your sukkah.

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Pomegranate Coloring Pages for Adults

Photo Credit: jewish.momsandcrafters.com

Another pomegranate motif, this one is fully outlined for you. The elegant design includes small, intricate details making it best suited for teens or adults with some patience. You can also get a huge bundle of crafts for all Tishrei Holidays, including this one, right here.

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Sukkah Poster Coloring Page - free printable

Photo Credit: jewish.momsandcrafters.com

This poster art featuring the four species has some more intricate details, making it well suited for adults or older children. You can also offer it to younger ones who will color over the finer lines; the lines will still show through providing some extra texture.

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Ushpizin Poster

Photo Credit: Jewish Moms & Crafters

An Ushpizin Poster (available in both color-your-own or full-color) is so appropriate for the Sukkah! For a very easy option, this Ushpizin design is available already colored, so you can just print, laminate, and hang. You can also opt for an outline to color yourself. The design features objects that are associated with each of the ancient Sukkot “guests” to help spark discussion and inspiration about the lessons we learn from our forebears. The friendly cartoon style makes this a good choice for young artists as well as older ones.

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Pomegranate Doodle Art Activity: A Free Printable

Photo Credit: jewish.momsandcrafters.com

This is a more open-ended art activity, where you choose your own design to create within the outlines - another great option for older kids, teens, or adults. The blog post will help you along with tips and ideas in addition to the basic printable.

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Well, there you have it – enough ideas to make sure your sukkah looks fabulous for the holiday, and enough to keep you and your kids as busy – and happy! – as you want to be. I hope to take plenty of pictures of my sukkah this year to share in future sukkah decor posts!

Which is your favorite from these DIY Sukkah decorations? Comment below and share what you plan to craft this year!

The post DIY Sukkah Decorations for Toddler through Adult! appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.