I started designing this Origami Torah last year for Simchat Torah, and just couldn’t get it right. Then, while creating a different Origami, I had a breakthrough when I noticed that the first few steps took me where I needed to be to finalize this project.

So in time for Shavuot – and perfect for any time – here is a fun Origami Torah for you to fold.

Making an Origami Torah scroll

There are so many different things you can do with your final project! My main goal was simply to challenge myself. But this origami Torah scroll would make perfect place cards for your Shavuot table or decorations for holiday greeting cards. You can also pull it out for other occasions such as a bar mitzvah, upsherin, or anything really!

This is an intermediate level origami tutorial – it has a lot of steps, but I’ve tried to make them clear for you to follow. Some of the folds are small, so they require a fair level of fine motor skill, and very young crafters may need help. It took me a few tries to get this one right, but the final result is so rewarding!

I’ve given approximate measurements for some of the folds, but don’t worry about being exact. The most important thing is to have fun, and the project will still look great even if it’s not perfect. It’s perfectly fine if your Torah scroll appears more or less open, or if the handles are taller or shorter – just like in real life. Relax and enjoy the process!

You’ll see that in the photos there are many different variations to this origami Torah. That is because I made it a number of times before I got it right, as I was designing the project from almost-scratch. So I played with the proportions and other factors.

You can definitely vary the rolled up part as I did, and I shared a tip for doing that below. But otherwise, your Origami Torah scroll should look mostly like the purple one pictured. I included the others in the shoot to make the photos more fun.

Choose a thin paper for this project – origami paper is best, but if you choose a different paper just keep it thin. You’ll be folding the paper over a number of times and you don’t want it to get too bulky to fold, especially at the corners.

It would also be helpful to get out a bone folder or plastic ruler to help flatten your folds. You can use these tools for any origami craft, but it’s especially helpful when there are numerous layers of folds. Smoothing them out to be flat and sharp will make the next steps easier as well as giving your finished project a nice, crisp look.

I prefer a bone folder – a really cheap and handy tool – because the curved edges are designed to glide smoothly over paper, whereas other tools (a craft stick, a ruler) can work but may pull at the paper’s fibers.

What are you waiting for? Grab a paper and start folding! When you’re done and ready for more, check out these flower crafts to add to your Shavuot decor.

What you’ll need

• Origami paper, about 8×8 inch square (or cut copy paper to size)
• Bone folder (optional but helpful)

How to fold an Origami Torah

I created a YouTube video – a full narrated tutorial – to teach you how to fold an origami Torah. I highly recommend that you watch it if you can! Origami tutorials are full of heavy-worded descriptions but they are simply clearest on video. If you can’t, follow along here:

1. Fold the paper in half horizontally (fold the top down to the bottom) and open.

2. Fold the bottom edge up to the center fold. Fold the top down to center fold.

3. Fold it in half the other way (side to side) to locate the center, then unfold.

If you want the torah less open then fold in thirds instead of half

Fold the right and left sides in to the center.

4. Flip over the project so you are looking at the smooth side

5. Unfold that last set of folds temporarily.

Fold the left side toward the center, about 1 cm past the fold that you just unfolded.

6. Now fold it right back on the fold that you had just made.

7. Repeat with on the other side

8. Flip the project over. Now the center is sticking up toward you, and you can see the edges of the paper. This is the back of your origami Torah.

9. Fold the top down and the bottom up about ½ inch. Smooth it down with a bone folder or ruler. It’s important to make this crease sharp, even though you’ll be unfolding it, so that you have a strong mark and your origami Torah comes out nice.

10. Unfold these top and bottom folds.

11. Focus on your center rectangle now. You’ll be folding all four corners down and inward to the horizontal line you just made. Be careful not to fold it too far; you’ll be able to feel if it starts pulling at the corner. Do this on all four corners of the inner rectangle.

12. Invert these folds.

13. Take the top side in the middle, and fold it down on the temporary horizontal line you made previously. Flatten those inverted corners into a larger triangle as you fold. Repeat on the bottom edge. You can actually do this step while inverting the folds in the previous step, but I broke it down for you for your first time.

14. You have a rectangle on the right and left of your paper. For each of these rectangles: fold it inwards, about halfway, aligning with the edge that sits behind the center segment. You can peek at the other side of the project to see if you like the way the size looks for the rolled up parts of the Torah – they should be about the same as each other. Then flip it back to the work-in-progress side.

15. We’re now going to be doing the same thing to the right and left rectangles. Fold down each corner (you should have a total of eight – four on each side) to the horizontal line you formed in steps 9 and 10. You want to keep it small to create a rounded effect, so that the sides of your Torah don’t turn out sharp and pointy. So if you’re getting the “pointy” effect, your horizontal line was too low down. Just fold your triangles a bit smaller, keeping them proportionate to each other.

16. Take one of the posts and lift it a bit gently. Take the inner corner, which you folded as part of step 15, and tuck it beneath the center rectangle (the “open” part of the Torah) – you’ll be kind of inverting a previous fold as well as you do that. Flatten that center bit over the tucked corner.

17. Now, take the outer corner of the same post. Invert that fold, tucking the corner inside as you re-close the post horizontally. The top of that top layer tucks in naturally.

Repeat, inverting all the corner folds the same way.

19. Finally, finish the project by tucking the loose corners of the posts underneath the center part of the Torah. This helps everything stay in place in addition to giving you a neatly finished appearance. Depending on your proportions, you may also simply be able to fold it under the top and bottom flap on the center portion of your Origami Torah.

Flip the project over to admire your finished origami Torah scroll!

The post How to Fold an Origami Torah Scroll appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

I was exclusively a “boy mom” for seven years before my Princess was born, and I definitely still identify as such. We made two upsherins – that is, the first full-hair cut that is traditional for Jewish boys.

We actually don’t necessarily wait to cut hair until then, but we do a moderate celebration for the occasion.

I’ve seen so many people ask around in groups for ideas, and I suppose that if you’ve never made one or haven’t been to one where you were close to the birthday boy, it’s a shot in the dark.

As a two-time boy mom, who has also been involved in toy shows, testing, and engaging with the gifting industry from the other side, I figured it’s time to share my top recommendations for Upsherin gifts!

These fall into a few categories:

• Upsherin-specific – This includes things that are targeted specifically to the celebration of this milestone. Kids at this age are starting to wear a Kippah if they can (yarmulke) and Tzitzit (depending on potty status).
• General Judaic – Since three is what many Orthodox parents consider the age of “chinuch” – or the age when kids can actually start understanding and learning (threenagers aside), parents often enjoy receiving learning gifts on Judaic themes. Many parents also value this as a holy occasion and want to encourage Judaic themes
• Toys – Yet, at the same time, it’s still a third birthday party. So toys make for fabulous gifts too. The toys recommended in this list are based on play value, based on the ones I felt that my boys (now ages 9.5 and seven) got the most mileage out of.
• Other non-toy gifts – Three is still young enough that they don’t need glitter or glamor in their gifts. It’s a fabulous time for non-toy gifts. They also tend to start self-entertaining less, so activities become very valuable to the parents.

What is an appropriate gift for an Upsherin?

Different families have different viewpoints

Since Upsherin traditions very much vary, it’s always good to know what scale event is being planned before hunting for Upsherin gifts. The more Chassidic or Kabbalistic the family is, the more holy they tend to view this event.

For us, it’s quite casual and just an upgraded “milestone” birthday. So character themed toy gifts were totally appropriate. For others, it may be viewed as a more special occasion and you may want to stick to more neutral or Judaic subjects.

Ask the parent!

I always love it when people ask me what to buy. While I don’t feel comfortable with people feeling like they need to bring something (we just want YOU here!) I do appreciate that if they’ll buy something anyway, it can be something we can use. I’ve even put together Amazon wishlists for my kids in the past. It’s an easy way to give a list with various price points so that the purchase can actually choose what to bring.

This will also help avoid buying unnecessary items.

If you don’t want to go generic, you can ask more specific questions. Would you enjoy a Kippah? What type do you wear? What size clothing does he wear? Do you have Magformers yet?

A regular birthday gift.

Three is a new milestone in play. They are leaving the age of toddler toys and approaching the 3-5 preschool toy range. Especially if they are the oldest, toys are a very appropriate gift for an Upsherin. If you are unsure about the family’s tradition, keep it neutral with simpler building toys.

Of course, I provided some recommendations below.

I actually DON’T recommend Upsherin books for the actual event – those are better as a prep for Upsherin, given in advance. My kids enjoyed these as they knew we were going to cut off their “boingies” to ease anxiety leading up to the big day.

Upsherin-Specific Gift Ideas

Cute Kippahs – ONLY get this if you know the kid, the family, or have spoken to a parent as it’s very personal. However, I know that I loved getting cute Kippahs as gifts.

A Kippah Box – There’s nothing like a little organization! There are many Etsy sellers that personalize acrylic boxes that are the perfect size for a stack of kippahs, making them the perfect Upsherin gifts.

Kippah Clips – These are essentially snap clips that help the Kippah stay on. If you can find cute ones that aren’t too girly, they make a fun little gift. Know the family – you can find cute Baby Shark or Dinosaur ones, but if you don’t KNOW that’ll work for them, stick with solids.

Caps – Some kids won’t wear Kippahs right away, but will cover their heads. It can be hard to know this before the Upsherin, but if you do, this can be a really cute gift. For Y, we used “Shabbos caps” for a very long time because he only wore baseball caps during the week. Neutral or Character (if appropriate) baseball caps are also fab.

It’s another thing to speak to the parents about before purchasing.

Cute Hooks to hang Tzitzit on. They can be specifically for Tzitzit or just any cute hooks.

Magen Tzitzit (to protect the strings when washing) and Mesh Bag. This is more for mom, but a fabulous gift to combine with something smaller for the birthday boy.

Judaic Gifts for Upsherin

Hebrew Name Wall Decor – If they are starting to learn the Hebrew alphabet, wall art with their name in Hebrew can make a fabulous gift for an Upsherin! Kids often recognize the letters in their own name first.

Shema Poster – Or, stick with the classic night time prayer the Shema. This is a fun and playful print-at-home version and a fabulous last minute choice. Make sure to pop it in a frame!

Kids’ Siddur – This might not be given right away, but it goes right along with the introduction to aleph-bet and mitzvot. And it’s a beautiful, unique gift! Make sure to get the correct version.

Jewish Quiet Book – It can be hard to find a really detailed Jewish interactive quiet book like some Etsy sellers create, but this one focuses on Jewish holidays and is at a more affordable price point. You can also see if you can get one custom made.

Aleph-Bet Puzzle – Encourage those early aleph-bet letter recognition skills and gift a peg puzzle!

Toys for 3 Year Olds that Make Fabulous Upsherin Gifts

Character toys – specifically those that encourage dramatic play – are a great choice for this age, but might not be the best pick for an Upsherin. It’ll depend on your recipient, really.

Magnetic Building Toys – We love Magformers and find them to be easier to use than other magnetic toys. They have all sorts of fun sets to build on a collection, or start with a basic set.

Hot Wheels Tracks – Most are marketed to ages 4+ but it’s okay to get something that the kid will grow into. My boys still enjoy them.

Smarty PAD – If you want something more unique but still high quality with good play value, this s a fabulous and affordable choice. Especially if the kid is a younger sibling that’s a bit more high maintenance, electronic toys tend to be winners. Get something with a high quality play experience instead of just another beeping bopping toy.

We’re big fans of Flycatcher, an Israeli company that creates highly innovative toys. My favorite for the preschool age group is the Smarty PAD – an LED pixel style screen that’s not overstimulating, but can feel like a tablet to your little one. It teachers colors, numbers, letters, and even beginner coding skills in an interactive – not just passive – manner.

It’s tactile, engaging, and even affordable, – everything we look for in toys for three year olds!

Wooden Train Sets – This timeless classic is also one of those toys that get endless play, transcends the age groups, and is quite durable.

Toy Garage – A toy garage can provide hours of play. We’ve owned a few over the years (including wooden ones) and the Green Toys version won hands down. It’s compact for its functionality but is extremely durable and doesn’t feel small. The slide is removable so that it stores better.

The vehicles clip into the helicopter so that they can lift it off. And it hasn’t yet broken on us…

Scooter – Three is the perfect age to get off the trike and start scooting! Make sure to get a good quality one that’s designed for three year olds.

Activities and Other Non Toy Gifts for Upsherin

Clothing!! – A three year old is still young enough to appreciate clothing gifts – and mom will probably appreciate it too! A cozy hoodie, character t-shirts (if appropriate), or just a practical outfit all make fabulous upsherin gifts.

Kinetic Sand – Even adults enjoy playing with Kinetic sand, making it a fabulous choice if you want to gift something sensory. Generally speaking they’re targeted for ages 3+. Skip the bigger “creative contraption” sets that are targeted toward older kids.

I recommend getting one that comes with a case and some basic tools.

Crayola Art Case – My boys received these as gifts years ago and they’re still in circulation!

KiwiCo Koala Crate – I think I will forever be a fan of KiwiCo crates! For three year olds, I recommend Koala Crate which features a fabulous combo of toys and activities that’s designed for that age group. You can gift a single box or a subscription – whatever suits your budget.

Everything we’ve gotten from them so far has been high end and worthwhile. Pictured is actually my daughter making their suncatchers. This box also came with a velcro-style fishing game that encourages color matching.

Puzzles – Three is the PERFECT age to get started with simpler jigsaw puzzles. It’s a highly educational activity that builds so many skills, that I have a hard time grouping it with toys…

Got any favorite Upsherin gifts to add to the list? Comment below!

The post Upsherin Gifts – 23 Ideas for Every Child! appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

If you’re looking for a fun way to dress up any Jewish celebration, a Mazel Tov banner is a flexible solution! I designed this one originally for a friend’s Bar Mitzvah and I’m excited to be able to offer it to you now, for whichever celebration you need it for!

While I created mine as a Mazal Tov banner – with two A’s, the template and cut file come with an E too so that you can write Mazel Tov if you prefer!

And yes, I included a printable PDF for those of you who don’t have a Cricut or similar cutting machine. Plus, there’s an SVG file for those of us who do have one to make it much more easily!

I crafted mine in mini since it’s easier to photograph that way. The mini version is great for hanging from a table or a set of open shelves with treats, like we did for that Bar Mitzvah I was talking about earlier…

Or, make it in any size you want, to fill more space – or less! You can even make it really mini to use as an alternative to ribbon on a gift wrap!

How to make a Mazel Tov Banner for every celebration

Adapt this to your celebration! This is purely text based, meaning that it’ll take on the paper you’re using as the core design focus. Choose paper packs in your color scheme to make all your paper decorations (such as Cricut place cards).

For generic themes, not based on your color scheme, here are some ideas:

Baby Girl Kiddush:

Soft teals like the ones I used, obviously purples and pinks, paired with gray, silver or cream make for a fun, feminine look. Glitter cardstock can make a fun base!

Baby Boy Brit:

If you want a break from baby blues, royal blues, bright teal, combined with white, silver, or gold can be fun and still playful.

Bat Mitzvah:

Glitter cardstock is such a fun look for this! Anything on the rainbow can work if you’re using glitter!

Bar Mitzvahs:

Rusty oranges and autumn shades are a cool break from the traditional. For a more typical approach, go for shades of black and silver, including gunmetal or dark silvers. Navy and silver, like we used for the Bar Mitzvah above is classy and timeless. Avoid black and gold as that takes on a “graduation” vibe.

Engagements/vorts:

Really anything can go, but you can go for rose shades, shades of red, and whites for a bridal vibe.

Tips for assembling your Mazel Tov banner

The template includes three layers of text. The middle layer is the “real” one. So that should be your main color. The inner layer is not meant to be cut from paper. It’s an accent layer. So you can deboss using your Cricut, or write that layer.

If you’re doing it by hand, you’ll want to start with the outer layer, trace, and cut it out. Move on to the middle, and then use the inner layer to outline directly on to the template. You can use a hand-debossing tool for this or marker.

If you’re debossing, make sure to use a paper that’ll take well to it. I love foil coated and metallic papers for debossing.

Download the free templates

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Supplies needed

If using a Cricut:

• Cricut cutting machine
• Cricut Marker (I used the silver one from the metallic pack) or debossing tool (Maker only)
• LightGrip mat for cardstock, or StandardGrip mat for glitter cardstock
• Brayer to adhere material to your mat well
• Spatula tool to help you lift your pieces up.

Hand cutting:

• Scissors
• Optional: hand embossing tool
• Optional: marker in contrasting color
• The template, printed on cardstock or paper
• A pencil

Assembly:

• Cardstock in your choice of shades
• Optional: I used SmartPaper Adhesive paper (compatible with Maker 3 and Explore 3 machines) for my top layer
• Double sided tape (or your choice of adhesive)
• Twine such as baker’s twine or sisal twine for a more rustic look

How to make a Mazel Tov banner

1. Cut out your parts. You can do this by hand or with your Cricut. If doing it by hand, start by cutting out the template on the outer edge. Trace it on your base color. Then cut out the middle level of the template and trace it on your main color paper. Then, if you want to add the details, cut out the inner edge, place on your main letter, and trace that design with a contrasting color marker or embossing tool.

If using a Cricut, upload the SVG to Design Space, resize, ungroup, and change line types to the correct ones (so the top layer should be deboss or write.) Attach each letter of the top layer to the letter you’re writing it on. Now make it!

2. Center your main letters on the backgrounds and attach using double sided tape or glue.

3. Flip it over. Place the letters in the correct order and string a length of twine across them. Fold over the flaps and tape down with double sided tape. Tip: you can make the tabs invisible, or let them loop above the letter. If the tab is too long, trim it.

4. Arrange the letters with the appropriate spacing and hang!

Your Mazel Tov banner is complete! Which occasion are you making it for? Which colors? Comment below!

The post Mazel Tov Banner – Free Printable Template + Cut File appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

We are so excited as we plan Baby Y’s upsherin and third birthday party! OK, I may be crying just a little at the idea of cutting off his boingies… but hey, we’ll try a long-cut at first.

But meanwhile, we’re trying to sweeten the deal with some goodies for him.

M has such a huge collection of kippahs that it felt like a waste to buy many new ones. M’s are all in very good shape because he wears caps all the time, but I still picked up a couple special for Y.

I also picked up some cute clips because with the longer haircut we hope to nail down, we know those kippahs won’t be staying in place.

To supplement, I also tried some DIY kippah clips. Because why not? He had fun watching and actually agreed to try them on. Usually he’s a “no cliiiiiiiiiip!!!!” tantrum kind of guy.

I also made a larger version with a pin back and pinned it onto M’s backpack. It’s fun for Israel trips, Birthright tours, or just to show some pride in our heritage on any given day.

My favorites were the kippah  clips of course.

Not only are they adorable, they’re practical too AND I actually cut those out neatly so they came out much more polished looking.

What you need to make clay star of David kippah clips:

• Air dry clay
• Shaping tools and/or something to roll with and something to cut with
• Acrylic paint
• Fine flat paint brush
• Mod Podge super gloss
• Glue
• Flat pad clips (or try these) or pin
• Optional: sandpaper, nail file, or similar.

How to make clay stars of David and turn them into clips and pins:

1. Form a ball with your clay and flatten it. Cut out two equilateral triangles per clip in the same size.

2. Layer your triangles on top of each other and press firmly in place.

You can also skip the tools and form the triangles by hand if you prefer that kind of look. Allow your clay to dry.

3. Paint your star of David. You may want to paint a second layer. Allow it to dry completely.

4. You can sand down your clip or pin surface if you’d like to help it adhere better.

5. Apply a dot of glue to both the pin flat pad and the star back. Allow it to get a little tacky by leaving it for a few minutes.

6. Then glue down your star and allow it to dry completely before even thinking about attempting to use it (yep, I learned the hard way….)

When you’re done, go tackle a toddler and clip on a kippah! Or just put it on display because your three year old will just want to wear a baseball cap anyway….

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A while ago, I was shopping in a local Judaica store and I came across the most adorable LEGO kippahs that actually had LEGO pieces on them!

I thought it was the cutest thing ever and while the actual Kippah was too expensive, I decided to try and make it.

I used flexible brick tape strips (I used about half a package on this) and a few bricks from M’s collection (which we obviously already had.) The Kippah was an inexpensive denim one that M loves (the same kind that I attached an applique to some time ago).

M is obsessed with it and wears it all the time (although naturally he insists on wearing his PAW Patrol cap over it, but, y’know, it’s still very important that he have the right Kippah underneath…)

To answer all your questions before you ask them:

• I DID glue the LEGO bricks on. The tape isn’t 100% – it’s not really a good play surface for LEGO (hence the poor reviews on most brands you’ll find), however visually it makes a great surface for LEGO crafts  like this. I also figured the pieces would just get lost and the main goal is the fun design.
• The brick tape is a flexible silicon, so it works comfortably with the curve of the kippah (and it comes curved in the roll).
  

• I liked the fact that it’s just two holes wide because that allowed it to be flexible the other way too.
  

• I DID rely on the adhesive of the tape itself and it stuck very well. Many reviewers of this product complained that it peeled the paint off walls, and that it didn’t stick to smooth surfaces. So it looks like it sticks very well to porous finishes but not smooth ones. The kippah I used is a somewhat rough denim, and LOTS of wears later it’s still strong. But when in doubt, just glue it on…

It’s completely different than the one I saw in the store, but I like it much better. It has character, is durable, but it’s still subtle and not outlandish. M has other colorful kippahs to choose from, this one is a nice neutral.

This DIY LEGO Kippah is a perfect Upsherin gift idea – or a great birthday or Chanukah gift for any LEGO loving child!

You can even make a matching LEGO cap or LEGO t-shirt with the leftover tape!

What you need to make a DIY LEGO Kippah:

• A Kippah
• Brick tape
• LEGO pieces to make up an initial or a favorite image (a car, a dog, a crayon…)
• E6000 glue
• Scissors

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How to make a DIY LEGO Kippah:

1. Trim your LEGO strips to size. I made a 6×6 square – so 3 strips, 2 pegs high and 6 wide.

2. Remove the backing and stick them in place. Make sure it’s very secure. If it isn’t glue it in place (E6000 glue should be perfect).

3. Plan your design by arranging your bricks. To be honest, this was probably the most time-consuming part of the project – it took me about 15 minutes to figure that “mem” out. This was NOT my final design. Be mindful of where the split between bricks is if you want to maintain the flexibility between rows and you would like it to sit nicely.

4. Glue your final letter in place. Allow it to dry completely before wearing.

Your son will love this DIY LEGO yarmulke! M shows everyone “my Mommy made me a LEGO kippah” – and I’ll confess, I do feel a wee bit of pride when he does.

Who will you be making this LEGO kippah for? What’s your favorite way to DIY an initial kippah? Comment below!

The post DIY LEGO Kippah – Monogram Yarmulka Idea appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

When we were planning M’s upsherin, I wanted to have some fun activities and entertainment since my family was coming in all the way from Lakewood (I live in the Far Rockaway area). We don’t have a very strong minhag for upsherin (his hair had already been trimmed a few times) but we were throwing a third birthday party anyway and cutting his hair short – and adding a kippah and tzitzis to his wardrobe.

I decided to throw a barber shop themed party. As part of it, I did a “photo booth” with big hair photo booth props and these kippah props. I figured I’d share the kippah props here as one of my favorite upsherin ideas.

To set up your photo prop, you can either lay these out on a small table (that’s what I did by this party) or gather them in a vase (I did that at another birthday party.) I walked around with a FujiFilm Instax camera and some film and everyone got an instant photo. If you want higher quality photos you can use an instant printer with your phone. I’ve tried the HP Sprocket, Kodak mini and dock photo printers through different brand partnerships too. They all worked great and got much better quality prints than an Instax, although it’s slightly more hassle. The Dock produces full-sized sized prints if you prefer that – the others have mini instant-photo-style prints.

Upsherin ideas don’t need to be overly serious. Making it fun can create great memories for your kids and this cute idea is totally kid-friendly. It was a huge hit – everyone had fun taking kippah photos. Another thing you can do if you’re feeling it is make a big pair of tzitzis out of cotton twine and a white poster board and use that for your photos too! I didn’t try that one so I can’t vouch for it, though.

What you need to assemble these upsherin photo props:

• The template printed on cardstock. Print your template below. How to download it for free: Just enter $0 in the price field. You’re welcome to enter more – as of now, any optional donations are going directly to help us pay hosting and other running costs.These kippah photo props are permitted for individual/private use and for classroom use. Any other group or commercial use, please contact me at beyondthebalagan at gmail dot com. If you’re having trouble with the download, contact me as well.

• 12 inch dowels or paper straws
• Tape
• Scissors

How to assemble your photo props:

1. Cut them out around the edge
2. Tape a dowel to the back

That’s it!

What are your favorite upsherin ideas? Did you do anything creative? Comment below!

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The post Upsherin Ideas: Free Printable Kippah Photo Props appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

M is VERY picky with his kippahs. When he turned three, my mom and I collaborated on an Elmo kippah for him, and he loved it for a few months until he suddenly got this idea in his head that he can only wear fabric kippahs – not crochet ones.

I thought that maybe the size felt funny on his head, but my mother crocheted a second and let him choose his own colors and made it bigger for him. He said he’ll wear it and then didn’t…

So when I decided to make him a DIY yarmulke with an initial on it, I was nervous he won’t wear it. Nerves abated – he loves it.

So now I’m thinking it might be the WEIGHT of the kippah that matters more to him – although I wouldn’t think that matters considering he almost always wears his Paw Patrol cap on top. Go try and figure out the brain of a four-year-old…

Anyway, to make this, I used his favorite denim kippah (another area of concern – would he be annoyed that I tampered with his favorite one?) You can get a plain denim kippah like this in most Judaica stores for around $6-7.

We were missing it for a while, and of course, soon after we replaced it, we found the original. The original had a stain anyway, so I used the DIY Hebrew letter initial applique to cover up that stain. He still has the fresh, not-yet-worn-out-from-love denim kippah but he hasn’t worn it since I made this cool new DIY Yarmulke for him.

For the initial, I used a scrap of leatherette upholstery I had lying around. It was a bit hard to sew, but once I figured out the best process, it all went smoothly. I have since ordered some leather tools including a hole tool and a leather needle (along with some leather cord just for fun) as well as more leather scraps so that I can try this again.

The applique is actually NOT sewn on so all of you who panicked when you saw that you actually need to sew a straight line for this: fear not. I am notorious for not having patience to get things straight, which is why I fully embrace the “uneven handcrafted” look (which you should too – it’s totally cool!)  but for this, I obviously wanted the actual letter to be straight. So I did a decorative (slightly uneven) stitch on the edges and then glued the whole shebang on.

Voila!

What you need to design your own kippah initial applique:

• A fabric scrap for the initial. Leather or leatherette is perfect because it’s thick and the edges don’t fray when cut. Something like felt or fleece could work too. Anything that holds its shape and doesn’t need the edges sewn is perfect. Make sure you’re not using a linen based kippah if you do use wool felt.
• White cotton twine – or another thick thread for the edges. You can go colorful with embroidery floss. If you’re working with a leather puncher you have more options, otherwise, look for something where you can separate the different threads that are twisted together.
• A needle – an embroidery needle will work with something thinner, a leather needle is recommended.
• Glue – I used E6000
• Bobby pins – I used the ones that were already on his kippah
• Pen/marker
• Scissors
• A simple solid kippah of course!

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How to design your own kippah with an initial on it!

1. Draw a backwards outline of your child’s first initial on the back of your fabric. A simple block letter is perfect, and child-friendly, but if you need help, print out a template from a Hebrew font on your computer. If you’re struggling to get it right backwards, make it the right way on a piece of paper, cut it out, and trace it backwards on your fabric.

2. Cut it out.

3. Start stitching a whip stitch around the edge as pictured. I used an embroidery needle with two strands unraveled from cotton twine for an organic look that goes with the leather and denim.

4. Continue all around your letter, and finish your thread off in the back.

5. Secure it where you want it using bobby pins to hold it in place.

6. Lift up the edges and dab on small amounts of glue close to the end. Once your main dots are set, remove the bobby pins, make sure the applique is securely glued around all edges, and put the bobby pins back to hold it in place until it dries. Once it’s completely dry, your son can wear it!

Have you ever tried to design your own kippah from an existing one? Comment below!

The post Design Your Own Kippah Initial Applique appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

I used an oatmeal container to make this DIY Yarmulke stacker. It’s a really simple storage solution and took under half an hour to make. I’ll confess: it’s not perfect. I should have made my opening smaller and I should have used a larger container. But it works and by learning from my mistakes, you can make yours better than mine.

The kippahs in this kippah storage solution simply stack up. Open the lid to replace your kippah after you use it. You can see what you have and pull out the one you want to use via the window cut out in the front. That’s about it!

I covered it with wrapping paper using decoupage glue to make it pretty. Fabric tape – one of my absolute favorite craft materials – finishes it off. It’s literally a thin, flexible fabric that sits nicely on the cardboard. It has adhesive on the back, so that you can easily finish your crafts off with some real texture.

What you need to make kippah storage:

• An oatmeal container – cleaned out with the label removed
• A utility knife
• A ruler and pen
• Scissors
• Wrapping paper (or scrapbook paper)
• Mod podge and a foam brush
• Fabric tape (or trim and  a hot glue gun)

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How to make a Kippah storage solution:

1. Measure the size that you want your hole to be. Don’t make it too wide – make it just large enough to slip out a kippah.

You should leave a little on the top to keep your kippah storage solution sturdy, and a little on the bottom to keep the bottom kippah in place better – since that will ensure the stability of the whole stack.

2. Use a utility knife to cut out your hole.

3. Measure a piece of wrapping paper large enough to cover the section of the inside that will show through your hole.

4. Apply a thin, even layer of mod podge to the inside using a foam brush.

5. Paste on your wrapping paper, smoothing out any air bubbles, and making sure all the ends are glued down well.

6. Measure a coordinating piece of wrapping paper to fit around the outside of your oatmeal container. It doesn’t have to be perfect, since you’ll be adding trim or fabric tape around the rim.

7. Start from one side of your hole, add a thin, even layer of mod podge, and glue on your wrapping paper. Work in small portions of a few inches to keep it workable.

Continue until you’ve wrapped your container.

8. Snip off the corners of your outside wrapping paper and glue the end flaps in to seal off the hole and cover the rough edges from your cutout.

9. Cut two pieces of fabric tape that will fit around the edge of your oatmeal container. Starting from the back, apply it so that there’s a bit of overhang over the edge of your container. Fold the overhang down over the edge. It’s a very thin tape, so it adapts easily to the shape – you don’t need to notch it to go around the curve.

10. When you get the the front, cut a slit at your corners where it overlaps the hole.

11.Fold the overhang inward so that you’re covering the rest of your rough cut edges.

Stack up your kippahs and find the one that matches! You can see what’s inside, take out what you need through the hole, and when you’re done, replace it neatly via the lid on top. Easy peasy!

You can place your kippah stacker on a dresser or even in a drawer to corral all those yarmulkes!

What is your favorite kippah storage solution? Comment below!

The post Kippah Storage – Make a DIY Yarmulke Stacker appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Before I share, I feel the need to admit that I am NOT a cookie decorating pro. I’m not even an amateur. I have ideas but I don’t have the skills.

I AM, however a crafter, and so I made some adorable tzitzis juice boxes for him to bring to playgroup for his classmates.

I also tried my hands at decorating some cookies, which sorta flopped, so they did not warrant their own post. I figured I’d share them alongside the juice boxes because the “kippah cookies” concept was cute and if you have even basic cookie-decorating skills, you should be able to manage it.

I’ll start with the flop and move on to the success…

Upsherin treats: kippah cookies:

When M’s morah said he can bring in cookies or cupcakes for the class, I had this clever idea to do a kippah – because it’s round, right?

I didn’t have a cupcake pan, so I went with a basic sugar cookie.

I’m the type of person who needs to google how to frost a cake – I NEVER bake, and the 1-2 times a year that I do, I definitely don’t decorate.

This felt like it should be super simple. I called my mother for a sugar cookie recipe (that came out okay for my sub-par skills), and a frosting. She suggested a basic glaze since it’s easier than royal icing.

I probably made the glaze too watery. Either way, I colored it blue, and moved on to piping on some messy “sections” to make it look like a kippah (messy because my glaze was too watery). I had planned to use those mini candy-coated chocolate chips in the fun colors to make a border as a “kippah decoration” but that proved to be too tedious, and too slow for the pace that the icing was drying. So I ended up with a single dark one in the middle.

They looked far from professional and you can probably do a much better job than me – but no one had any doubt what they were and they were a huge hit!

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Tzitzis Juice Box Upsherin Treats:

One of my favorite things that we did for the class was wrapping juice boxes as tzitzis. It’s really not that complicated.

I apologize for the lack of a proper tutorial with step-by-step photos. It’s mostly obvious what I did… Also, I didn’t know I was going to be creating this blog when I did these…

1. I was going to draw the lines onto the plain paper I used but got lazy about it. So instead I created a printable for myself (download the “tzitzis paper” here).
2. From there, you just need to cut them into strips a little below the two black lines.
3. Measure one paper against the juice box, mark the spots for your holes in the four corners. Stack your papers and punch those holes.
4. Thread a string a few inches long through the holes. I used white cotton twine – it’s so versatile! I bought it for these upsherin treats and used is for so many crafts since. Grab the two ends and tie together right below the paper.
5. Tape it around your juice box and you’re done!

That’s it!

These upsherin treats were a huge hit and not that complicated to create!

Which upsherin treats did you serve the class – and at your party? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments!

The post Upsherin Treats: Tzitzis Juice Box and Kippah Cookies appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.