! ew N
h is e w n Je zi a ga a ly M al t n f Fi ra C
Issue 01 | May 2013
jCreateMagazine celebrating jewish creativity
Make It
distressed vases potted herb garden cupcake bouquet Rus Paper Dolls Torah Puppets
Throw your own
Bling up your baby with www.mycrystaldream.com
diy kosher party
Inspirational
Shavuos crafts
Yumm-o! ËœSweet Delicious Holiday Recipes Your Kids Will Love.
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR “Finally a magazine that features Jewish crafting projects and inspirational ideas.” Hello! I just wanted to take this opportunity to welcome you all to our debut issue of jCreate Magazine. jCreate Magazine is a NEW publication that celebrates Jewish creativity. It’s finally time for a Jewish crafting magazine that explores arts and crafts projects, educational lesson plans, performing arts appreciation, design, fashion, food, and more! A magazine that the entire family can enjoy! Our goal is to bring creativity back into homes and classrooms and inspire parents and teachers to engage actively with their students and children through kinesthetic play and crafts; promoting problem solving and critical thinking skills. Currently, jCreate Magazine is only available online. It is our goal that soon it will be available in print throughout Jewish communities in the U.S. Just looking through our Table of Contents you will see that we have handpicked the ELITE of Jewish bloggers and brands. All the logos and links are clickable. So you get instant access to our contributors’ online blogs or website!! This is a great opportunity for you to find new boutiques and online resources. We ask that you all please share the magazine with your friends and family via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. Collectively, we have the opportunity to make this magazine go viral: inspiring more readers, enhancing their holiday experiences and fostering Jewish creativity. I want to thank you for making my craft magazine dream a reality.
Abbey Wolin
On The cover
CEO. Managing Editor
Don’t have a vase? Use a boot!! Lets get Creative! photo credit: chanablumesphoto.com
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www.jcreatemagazine.com www.facebook.com/jcreatemag www.pinterest.com/jcreatemag www.twitter.com/jcreatemag Art & Creative Director• Mirel Goldwasser 732.942.3675, info@jewishgraphicdesigner.com
may 2013
contents
4 DIY Initial Letters 5 Candy Buttons 6 Queens with Kids 7 Crock Pot French Toast Casserole 10 Freezing Fruit 11 Candied Orange Cheesecake
12 Shaved Asparagus 12 5 Step Watermenlon Flower 15 Shavuos Fowerscape 20 Flowers 24 Napkin Flowers 26Dressing Up Yourself Dressing Up Your Table 28 In A Creative Rut? Laugh It Off 30 Product highlights 33 Rus Paper Dolls 36 Torah Puppet and Luchos Craft 38 Kids and Crafts 41 Planning your own DIY Party 48 Distressed Mason Jars 50 Cupcake Flower Bouquet 52 Tassel and Flower Garland 54 Toys and Games 56 Potted Kitchen Herb Garden 57 Craft Board 59 Next Issue
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DIY Initial Letters 1. Buy a wood letter from your local craft store.
photo credit: chanablumesphoto.com
2. Spread Mod Podge on your wooden letter and place the scrapbook paper on top. Press down hard. Let dry for 6 hours 3. Rip the paper off the wood. 4. Paint the letter in 2 contrasting colors. You should have a very light amount of paint on your brush. 5. Using a stamp pad, darken the edges of your letters by rubbing the pad against the edge of your letters. 6. Add your embelishments (stickers or flowers). Adhere them with Craft Bond Glue.
Display your child’s name on their bedroom wall or their
www.not2shabbey.com
initial on their door! 4
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kids in the kitchen
candy buttons From the upcoming Kids Cooking Made Easy, by Leah Schapira and Victoria Dwek, scheduled for release later this year. Whenever I buy candy buttons for my children for a Shabbat treat, instead of the three boys splitting the jumbo buttons three ways, I make them split it four ways…because I want too! They’re my favorite candy. Now that I make them at home, we don’t have to fight over our favorite colors. Don’t feel tempted to double this recipe. It makes a ton. And definitely, match the extracts up to a coordinating flavor. It will add so much to the candy button experience when each flavor tastes different. Besides for unlimited buttons, the best part of making your own is the ability to match the buttons to the color scheme. -V.
Ingredients: 2 pounds confectioners’ sugar 1/3 cup meringue powder 3/4 cup water Food coloring, desired colors Flavored extracts (see flavor guide below) You will need: copy paper, cut into strips, and 2 to 4 piping bags with a small round tip. You can also make a button template to ensure even rows. Make evenly sized dots on a piece of graph paper that is the same size as your copy paper strips. Place the template under your strip of copy paper to use as a guide while you pipe the dots. 1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, using the paddle attachment, combine confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder. Mix on low speed to combine. Add water and mix on low speed until combined. Raise speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. 2. Divide icing into four bowls (I like to use plastic containers with a lid, so the icing can stay covered while not in use, as it will dry up if left exposed to the air for a while). Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon water to each bowl, mixing until the icing is the consistency of toothpaste. Add food coloring and 1/4 teaspoon extract.
Candy Button Flavors Orange Color—Orange Extract
3. Fill each piping bag with a different color icing. Pipe dots on to copy paper. Let harden overnight.
Red/Pink Color—Cherry or Strawberry Extract Yellow / Green Color—Lemon Extract / Banana Extract
Yield: 100 strips www.cookkosher.com
Blue Color—Raspberry Extract White Color—Coconut Extract Use vanilla extract as a default if you are missing extract for any flavor.
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queens with
KIDS
Spring into Queens with Your Kids, It’s Bursting with Fun and Kosher Food Esti Berkowitz of www.primetimeparenting.com
line as their name listing — this symbol indicates that the institution participates in the ACM Reciprocal Network. If you have family that you plan to visit out of town, this could be very useful. These participating museums will get you 50% off general admission for up to six (6) people. The list of museums participating in the network may change, so please call the museum you plan to visit ahead of time and to verify their participation in the ACM Reciprocal Network. The New York Hall of Science presents 450 exhibits, demonstrations and design spaces that explain science, technology, engineering
This spring, there are even more reasons for families to visit Queens.
and math. A visit to NYSCI is a hands-on, energetic educational
A few kid friendly kosher finds have populated the area. Sure, it
experience where you can indulge your curiosity and nurture your
is fun (or maybe not) packing up the coolers with plenty of kosher
creativity. I can’t even tell you how many hours we spent in the
snacks in tow. In fact, we have this packing business down to a sci-
Preschool Place when my kids were toddlers. This area is closed-
ence by now. Before we go anywhere, our trusty “kosher Coleman
off and gated. Parents can sit and schmooze while kids play. This
cooler” is stocked with enough food to feed a couple of extra kids.
is especially nice on the hot days ahead, it is comfortably air condi-
While it is always important to plan ahead, especially with us kosher
tioned!
food families, I was excited to hear that The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) has a new café at its location. Delish by Amerivents
Not far from the NYSCI is the Queens Zoo. While the membership
will provide NYSCI patrons with healthy food options, environmen-
card for the NYSCI won’t be able to get you into the Queens Zoo
tally friendly packaging, and educational programs centered around
for free, a premium membership ($189) will get you free entry into
nutrition. The menu will have plenty of grab-and-go food made with
the Queens Zoo as well as the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, New
healthy and locally sourced ingredients that are freshly prepared.
York Aquarium, and the Prospect Park Zoo. The Queens Zoo is
Kosher, vegetarian, and gluten free options will be available. Cutlery
one of our favorite places. The last time we were there, we found the
and serving products will be compostable.
kosher vending machine near the sea lions. We also love the petting zoo, Migration Playground, and the Discovery Center. Not far from
Delish by Amerivents will also include an education component
the Queens Zoo is one of the best parks in Queens, the Playground
that will correspond with the menu. Food-related events will occur
for All Children. There are lovely sprinklers, plenty of swings, and
periodically throughout the year and will include programs such as
jungle gyms to keep your kids active for hours. Even in the heat of
food demos, chef visits, and nutrition workshops. If you haven’t had
the summer, we were able to find some shade under the trees and
the NYSCI on your spring exploration agenda, check out nysci.org/
make a nice picnic there.
visit/events for information. There is free admission from September through June, on Fridays, 2 – 5 pm; Sundays, 10 – 11 am. Free
If you are not too worn out after your visit to either the NYSCI,
hours are suspended in July, August and September 22. If you do
Queens Zoo, or Playground for All Children, you must take a ride
decide to purchase a premium membership from the NYSCI, you
over to Berrylicious. Grab some delicious frozen kosher yogurt and
will be a part of the ACM Reciprocal Program (ACM). In other
add some toppings. Located at 6948 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11367.
words, you will have access to a voluntary network of ACM mem-
There are flavors in parve, chalav yisroel, and “sugar free.” Your kids
ber museums open across the U.S. and Canada that reciprocate
will love it here, and you will too. Ask to taste a flavor, or two, you will
discounted admission to one anothers’ members that hold premium
want to make a trip back there again and again. If you visit the area
family memberships. That is nearly 200 museums! Not sure if the
anytime soon, give a shout out to @primetimeparent, we might be
museum you want to visit is included? No problem, you can use
there too!
the ACM’s Find a Children’s Museum online search pages, you will see that some museums have a red R button on the same parallel
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Coin Pearl StretCh BraCeletS All Colors $35.00
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Crock Pot French Toast
Casserole By Kitchen Tested 1 loaf challah, cubed 5 eggs 2 cups milk 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 Gala apple, peeled and cubed Topping: 1/4 cup unsalted butter or margarine, softened 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup sliced almonds (or chopped pecans) 1. Combine eggs, milk, maple syrup and cinnamon. 2. Add cubed challah and stir to combine. 3. Leave the bread mixture in the fridge for 4 hrs. If you are in a rush, just let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. 4. Once the challah soaks, add the apple pieces and stir to combine. 5. Spray the crock pot bowl with lots of cooking spray. 6. Pour the bread mixture into the crock pot. 7. In a small bowl, mix all of the topping ingredients with your hands then sprinkle on the bread mixture. 8. Cover and set to low for 4 hours or high for 2 hrs. 9. Once done, let the mixture sit for 30 minutes before taking it out of your crock pot so it can set and won’t fall apart. You can certainly taste it while you wait! This recipe can also be made in the oven at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes uncovered. The flavor in the casserole won’t be as developed and rich as the crock pot version but it can be done.
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“French toast in a casserole? What’s not to love?
try this with soy or almond milk for a pareve version
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guide to
freezing fruit By: Mara Strom
I love the summer – the sunshine, the swimming, the long days and warm nights. Most of all, though, I love the delicious summer produce. My family plants a small garden every year, but even if you’re not a home gardener, you can definitely enjoy the bounty of summer produce from your local grocery store – and usually at fantastic prices. Last summer, for example, we gobbled up strawberries for $.79/ lb; peaches and nectarines for $.19 each; and bumper crops of gorgeous heirloom tomatoes for less than $1/lb. You should, of course, enjoy these treats in your weekly menu – whether in salads, smoothies, desserts or as snack foods. But you can also take advantage of this delicious fruit by freezing it in the summer -- and enjoying it all winter long. Frozen fruit, for example, typically costs two to five times what fresh fruit costs at its peak in the summer. Rather than paying $2/lb for frozen strawberries in December, why not buy them fresh in July for
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Everyone loves delicous summer produce. This simple freeze guide, lets you savor the taste all year through.
Apples Apricots Bananas Blackberries Blueberries Cherries Grapes Mangoes Melons Nectarines Peaches Pears Pineapples Plums Raspberries Strawberries
$.79/lb and freeze your own? Another reason to freeze summer fruit is to prevent waste. If you overzealously purchase five pounds of cherries before your family can eat them all, don’t let them rot and mold in your fridge. Freeze the cherries instead! Freezing fresh produce takes just a few minutes of effort, for which you are rewarded with the most delicious frozen fruit, at bargain prices. Although I haven’t successfully frozen citrus, yet, here are the fruits that I typically freeze in the summer:
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There are five basic steps to freezing fruit: Step #1: Wash the fruit thoroughly. Step #2: Dry the fruit gently with a towel. Step #3: Prepare the fruit for the freezer. Apples – peel (optional) and cut into slices, tossing with a splash of lemon juice Apricots – cut in half and remove the pit Bananas – peel browning bananas Blackberries – freeze as is Blueberries – freeze as is Cherries – remove the pit Grapes – freeze as is (my kids love
for about an hour to “flash” freeze. You want your fruit to be just frozen enough so that it doesn’t stick together. Step #5: Remove fruit from the cookie sheet and place it in gallonsize freezer bags.
these as a refreshing summer treat – but be careful as whole grapes are a chocking hazard for children under 3) Mangoes – cut into ½-inch cubes Melons – cut into ½-inch cubes Nectarines – cut in half & remove the pit Peaches – cut in half & remove the pit Pears - peel (optional) and cut into slices, tossing with a splash of lemon juice Pineapples – cut into ½-inch cubes Plums – cut in half and remove the pit Raspberries – freeze as is Strawberries – hull and cut in half if very large.
strawberry lemonade
1 (12 fluid ounces) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed 4 1/2 cups water
Frozen fruit will typically last for at least four months in a deep freezer or two months in a kitchen freezer.
10 ounces frozen strawberries, partially thawed
B’tayavon. May you enjoy the fruitful bounty of this summer!
In a large pitcher, mix together lemonade concentrate and water. Stir in strawberries.
Mara Strom blogs at Kosher on a Budget, where she shares deals, tips and strategies for saving money and making the most out of your resources. She lives in Kansas City with her husband and three children, whom they homeschool. Mara would love to connect with you on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.
Directions
Step #4: Lay the fruit out on a cookie sheet and place it in the freezer
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Recipe Candied Orange Cheesecake I love candied orange peels. (I know it seems like I love everything. Guess I just love good food; but I share only the best of the best with you!) - Jamie Geller
Ingredients For Crust: 2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup unsalted butter For Cheese Filling: 1 cup orange juice 1/2 cup brown sugar 4 packages cream cheese, room temperature (8-ounce packages) 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons orange zest 1 cup sour cream 1/4 cup all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 5 large eggs
beautiful
For topping: 2 medium oranges
and delicious
1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup water
a family favorite
Directions
3. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle
4. Thinly slice oranges and place in a
attachment, beat cream cheese and sugar
medium saucepan. Add sugar and water
until smooth. Add orange zest, sour cream,
and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
flour, and salt and beat 2 minutes. Add eggs
Reduce to a simmer and cook 20 to 30
1 at a time mixing well in between each
minutes or until oranges are translucent and
addition. Mix in cooled orange juice mix-
tender. Let cool slightly. Remove orange
golden brown and set. Cool completely.
ture and beat to combine. Pour the cream
slices with a fork and gently place all over
cheese mixture on top of the crust and place
top of cooled cheesecake. Drizzle ¼ cup of
2. Combine orange juice and brown sugar
the springform pan in a large roasting pan.
the remaining syrup over the cake and cut
Pour warm water into roasting pan to come
into 8 slices to serve.
1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Combine cookie crumbs in a large bowl with sugar and butter and stir until moist. Press crumb mixture evenly onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until
in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until mixture is reduced. Set aside to cool.
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halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake 1 ½ hours or until just set in the center. Cool 1 hour on a wire rack and then at least 4 hours in the refrigerator or overnight.
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Recipe Shaved Asparagus with Pecorino Contributed by Tamar Genger Joyofkosher.com
Ingredients 1 bunch asparagus, about 1 pound 11/2 ounce Pecorino 1 lemon, juice and zest 1 tablespoon olive oil coarse salt and pepper to taste
Directions Use a vegetable peeler to shave the asparagus lengthwise. Set in a large bowl. In a small bowl shave the Pecorino and set aside. Mix the lemon with the olive oil salt and pepper – toss with asparagus and let sit for at least 5 minutes. Top with shaved cheese. Tips: If you can’t find Pecorino you can use Parmesan.
dID yOU knOW? FACTS AND TIPS ABOUT FOOD
Cheesecake Used to Be Made with Yeast
Baked Cheesecake Originated in Rome When the Romans conquered the Greek empire, one of the things they took with them was the recipe for cheesecake. The Romans changed this recipe by adding eggs to their cheesecakes and baking them under hot bricks. However, it still did not look like the cheesecake that we recognize today.
Until the 18th century, cheesecake used to be made with yeast. This is because it was the only way known to make any types of bread rise until that time. It was during that time that Europeans figured
New York style cheesecake is comparatively rich and heavy while the Philadelphia style is creamier and lighter.
out how to use beaten eggs to make bread products rise. This allowed them to remove the yeast from cheesecake so it no longer contained the yeasty flavor.
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Do it in
5
steps E
veryone likes something simple, practical, and healthy. Here’s an
idea that certainly accomplishes all three. To top it off, this idea is quite classy too, and will make a cool and refreshing entree or
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Easy Shmeezy Shavuos Dessert
By: Esther Ottensoser
Sometimes creating a wow factor can be done in a simple five steps.
Cut the watermelon in half.
2
Using a sharp knife remove the rind (this will make slicing easier)
dessert.
Supplies: Watermelon Blueberries Lemon leaves (available at florist) 4 ½” Flower cookie cutter 1 ½” Round cookie cutter Sharp knife
3
Cut 1” thick slices from the watermelon.
4
Cut a flower shape from each slice with the cookie cutter.
5
Don’t have a flower cookie cutter?? Get one here. Need a Round one?? Get one here. 14
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Cut a circle in the center of the flower using your round cookie cutter.
BUY IT! BUY IT!
Shavuos
Flowerscape
with Papaya Events
photo credit: chanablumesphoto.com
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J
ust ten miles out of New York City is a little town called Passaic, NJ. That’s where we caught up with the floral design team behind Papaya Events as they put together this beautiful Shavuos inspired tablescape.
Papaya Events is a full scale event production and floral decor company, specializing in weddings and large affairs. They also have a boutique flower shop offering magnificent floral arrangements and bouquets to enhance your home. Looking for a creative and exotic name that would set them apart from the more typical floral associations, the name, Papaya Events was born. It is definitely a name that people remember. In floral design a considerable amount of planning and coordination takes place. The day often starts with the flower market in NYC. The market opens at around 5 am and you need to get there early to get the best selection. To ensure the flowers are being used at the height of their beauty for an event, they have to develop the flowers too. Many times they will start getting the flowers ready a few days in advance so they are at the peak of their bloom. What are their best tips for us before this floral induced holiday?? “I will tell you the same tips I give the customers at my flower shop,” says Devorah Deutsch. “Flowers are sensitive, they will last longer if you keep them out of direct sunlight and heat. Make sure there is always water in the vase and change the water daily if you can. You can also add a drop of bleach to a vase to keep the water clean.” You can contact Papaya Events by visiting www.Papayaevents.com
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Concept.
Design.
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flowers
S
upplies needed- you can get all the equipment at a local craft and floral supply store
>1 stem cymbidium orchid > 2 aspidistra leaves >low glass or ceramic vase >water tubes >skewers (optional) >knife or floral shears
1
With your knife or floral shears remove each of the orchids from the main stem, making sure to keep an inch or two of the stem attached to the flower
By: Papaya Events
2
Fill the water tubes with water and insert stem of the orchid into the tube. You may need to cut a bigger hole into the tube for the stem. If the vase you are using is high, you may need to attach a skewer to the bottom of the water tube.
3
Having floral foam in the vase will keep the arrangement anchored. Even though the orchids have their own water source, I like to soak the floral foam for stability. Cut the floral foam to fit your vase and then soak it in the sink for a short time.
4
If your vase is glass, wrap the inside of your vase with your leaves. Place the wet floral foam inside the vase.
5
Start from the middle of the foam, and working outward securely place each flower into the foam. Repeat until the vase is full.
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Napkin Flowers Use Cloth or Paper Napkins to Create Visually Appealing Napkin Art for Your Holiday Table. By: Chana Apfelbaum
Shavuous is one of my favorite holidays. The beautiful spring weather, the creamy cheesecakes for dessert, and of course all the pretty flowers that adorn our yom tov tables. It’s really a treat to be able to go all out and pick out a beautiful bouquet. You can’t go wrong regardless of what you choose – classic roses, bright tulips, elegant orchids, or exotic anthuriums; you are sure to find something to suit your taste and match your table-scape. If you really want to up the ante, placing flowers at each place setting makes your table feel like an intimate garden. You can do this in a few ways: 1. Place bud vases alongside each cup with a single fresh flower. 2. Make or purchase floral napkin rings. 3. Use dishes, paper plates, napkins or cups with a floral pattern. 4. Incorporate floral themes into your meal (for ex., cut cheesecake brownies with a flower cookie cutter). 5. Make my pretty paper napkin roses, and place in a see-through cup at each place setting! These napkin roses are extremely easy to make. You don’t have to prepare them in advance, amid
Busy in Brooklyn: Kosher Recipes www.busyinbrooklyn.com
all the hustle and bustle of Erev Yom Tov. Because they are so simple, you can give them to your children to do. They’ll feel so special knowing that they played an integral part in the Yom Tov Seudah! I found this original creation from Martha Stewart. She uses cloth napkins to prepare the roses, and while pretty, I am sure that most of you do not have cloth napkins in both green and pink/red. It is also hard to fit 2 cloth napkins into a glass – believe me, I tried! Instead, I decided to try her idea using paper napkins, and as you can see, it worked wonders! I almost felt as if I was looking at REAL roses, they are that beautiful! Go ahead and make them with whatever colors you fancy – roses bloom in all different colors of the rainbow. You will sit at your Yom Tov Tish (Table) and feel as if you are in a magnificent garden
What you’ll need: 12 7/8 x 12 7/8 2 ply napkins in green for leaves 12 7/8 x 12 7/8 2 ply napkins in the color of your choice (I like classic red) for roses glass or hard plastic cups How to: 1. Open green napkin. 2. Fold green napkin in half on the diagonal.
For the table Set your holiday table with this great napkin craft
3. Fold in half again, on the diagonal. 4. Open red napkin. 5. Fold in half, on the diagonal. 6. Fold tip of triangle down to the center of the longest side. 7. Fold in half, lengthwise. REPEAT STEPS 4-7 (with an additional red napkin, so that you have 2 folded napkins) 8. Roll first napkin from either end, not too tight, but not too loose either. 9. Take first rolled napkin and place on second unrolled napkin, and continue rolling the second napkin around the first one (you need to do this because the rose will be too narrow otherwise and won’t look authentic). To complete your rose, just push up from the center of the bottom of the napkin. 10. Place rose on the short side of the green napkin. 11. Fold the green napkin over on the diagonal, covering the rose. 12. Place in a vase, folding the leaves over the edges.
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Dressing Up Yourself
Dressing Up Your Table by Sharon Langert www.fashion-isha.com
When I think of Shavuos, I think about beautiful flowers, food, tablescapes and fashion.
Spring Trend 1
Shavuos is probably my favorite Jewish holiday because it arrives at one of the most beautiful times of year and is one of the most simple yet meaningful holidays that we have.
Emerald: Color of the Year:
We celebrate the receiving of our most precious gift, the Torah, and who doesn’t love to cel-
If you’ve been following the fashion and
ebrate and appreciate special gifts. And the fact that the Torah, the epitome of spirituality, was
design world you will know that emerald
given on a humble, yet beautiful mountain full of flowers, represents the idea that we need to
green is the Pantone color of 2013. The
find the right balance between the spiritual and physical. And also that not only is the Torah
question is, how can we incorporate this
our special gift, but also all of the beauty in this world that was given to us by Hashem. That’s
vibrant hue into our wardrobes and table
why the complete Shavuos experience not only includes lots of Torah learning, but also lots
decor without having it totally overpower
of flowers, delicious food, and beautiful clothing!
our looks? A gorgeous green dress will look
I wanted to share with you some of my favorite fashion trends of this Spring, and how they
beautiful when worn simply with few acces-
can be translated into beautiful Shavuos table settings. I hope you get inspired to buy yourself
sories. Or just incorporate one bold emerald
some beautiful new outfits for Yom Tov and at the same time, get creative with your holiday
green piece of jewelry, a cuff or a statement
tablescapes. Enjoy!
necklace, to a more neutral outfit to add a pop of glamour. When planning your outfits and table settings, keep in mind that emerald green coordinates really well with gold and black. For vibrant tablescapes add some emerald glassware, napkins, or even ceramic dishes to a formal background that include touches of gold and black.
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We need to ďŹ nd the right balance between the spiritual and physical.
Spring Trend 2 Stripe it Up Smart Jacobs re-introduced the bold black and white stripe in new and fabulous ways at his Spring 2013 runway show. Stripes always come and go in fashion, but this season they get wider and more exciting. Try dressing up a striped top with a glitzy accessory or go for full on stripes on a mod dress for Yom Tov. When using stripes in fashion or on your
Spring Trend 3
table, adding a pop of your favorite color will bring your look alive. Yellow looks especially fresh with wide stripes for a cheerful Shavuos tablescape.
Radient Reflections: Metallics are a great way to modernize your look for spring. This season, metallics go high sheen and mirror reflective. Try a dress with metallic touches or go all out with a strong metallic piece paired with soft neutrals to balance out its high sheen. Or simply accessorize with one fabulous shiny piece. Metallics coordinate really well with soft pinks and lilac too, so when applying this trend to your table, try a shiny silver tablecloth and add lots of flowers in soft colors. For a really bold tablescape why not use a sequin fabric for your tablecloth. Let that be your shining focal point by keeping your flowers white and simple.
Wishing you all a beautiful Shavuos! For more gorgeous fashion and design inspirations follow my blog at www.fashion-isha. com and follow me on FACEBOOK for daily divine and refined looks.
Sharon JCreate Magazine
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By: Shoshana Raff
in a creative rut?
laugh it off Most of us today have become far too serious. We’re better trained than ever but don’t seem to be having nearly as much fun. We’ve lost touch with the importance of fun in our personal and professional lives. Consider this paradox: human beings by nature are spontaneous and playful creatures (just watch young children at play); yet, the older we become the less appropriate it becomes for us to express our playfulness. We get “professionally” serious and then pay comedians (and now humor consultants) to do a job we were born to do – laugh and play. Our inability to play is quite a loss since the correct use of both play and humor can help us thrive in chaos, remain creative under pressure, work more effectively, play more enthusiastically, and stay healthier in the process.
much good. Laughter works just like a drug, releasing endorphins into your blood stream to immediately lower blood pressure, ease a nervous stomach and free up the mind for creative problem solving. Laughter also helps to strengthen our relationships, balance our sanity, enhance our businesses and our lives.
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To understand how to use humor to increase your creativity, lets first gain a deeper understanding of what humor is and is not. Having a sense of humor does not mean you are an exceptionally talented comedian, or only appropriate when you’re “off-duty.” A sense of humor is about relearning how to see the fun in everyday experiences. Humor is not only about telling jokes. In reality, research shows that only about 2% of the population is capable of remembering and telling jokes. For the 98% of us who can’t tell jokes (like me!) humor is a way of seeing, salving and solving the seri-
Not only does laughter feel great but it does so
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Humor is our temporary escape. A release. A relief. Understanding that, here are a few ways to use it to help you create.
ous issues of our lives. Humor and laughter co-exist in our lives together with sorrow and tears as a balance of sanity. Here is my favorite definition of humor, “Humor happens when two worlds collide. Something unexpected has to happen that jolts you up and out of the normal pattern
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and then you start laughing. Humor is the synapse between the regular and the surprising. Everytime we laugh, we are making a leap between two worlds” - Margie Brown, author of “The Theology of Clowning.” Humor is our temporary escape. A release. A relief. Understanding that, here are a few ways to use it to help you create. Humor can be used to develop flexible thinking. Humor is a brainteaser that can stir up new perspectives. Avner Ziv, a researcher in Israel suggests that participation in a humorous experience before a brainstorming session increases creativity and “divergent thinking.” Humor helps promote innovation by making it legitimate to think in illogical and imperfect ways. Humor, laughter and play help to balance your life through a metaphor of juggling where the act of juggling expands people’s perception of their capabilities. A study done at Cornell School of Management found that people who had just seen a funny movie had a “creative flexibility” greatly expanded over those who did
not. Those who were denied a humor dose before problem solving suffered from functional fixedness ie, were ‘stuck in a rut’. Humor as a form of medicine. Martin Cousin, the famous author of “Anatomy of an Illness” began investigating humor in the 1970’s and uncovered proof that positive emotional states enhance physical and psychological healing. Sustained laughter has been found to stimulate an increased release of endorphins - the body’s own, natural pain killer or tranquilizer. Endorphins also stimulate the body’s immune system to increase its disease fighting ability. Laughter has also been shown to strengthen the heart muscle and 20 seconds of intense laughter is the cardiovascular equivalent of 3 minutes of strenuous rowing. Moreover, research shows that exercising in a positive, relaxed state of mind increases the health benefits of a workout by as much as one half! Humor can be used to manage conflict. In a dynamic and changing world like ours, conflict can not be avoided and erased. It needs to be used to your advantage. Humor can help you do this. Here’s a common example, when you find yourself in an emo-
get silly, get creative,
Laugh it off So get silly, get laughing and get creative! Humor can be used as a bridge builder. “Laughter is the shortest bridge between two people” said Victor Borge, Danish humorist and musician. For leaders, by being able to laugh at yourself or laugh with others, you take yourself off the podium and put yourself onto the audience’s level. Humor is democratic rather than totalitarian. A leader’s ability to use humor to persuade, encourage and correct breeds an equality of status and bridges the gap between superior and subordinate. In your work world, if you are in an environment where humor is accepted, you are probably in a place where people are rewarded for the things they do, they are picked up after failures and disagreements are settled more easily. If the humor level is down, that is probably also an indicator of how things are settled. And here’s some final food for thought: silliness in the face of seriousness is a mark of mental health. So get silly, get laughing and get creative! Shoshana Raff is is a business coach specializing in marketing and strategy for small startup businesses. She is also a serial entrepreneur and web developer and teaches college Management, Marketing & Entrepreneurship courses. Visit www.raffbusiness.com www.koshershopaholic.com and www.eatingforreal.com for more information about her businesses and coaching services.
tional or angry situation, imagine a comical scene to help you avoid an inappropriate emotional reaction. Some suggestions: imagine your boss lecturing you in his underwear, imagine yourself in a clown outfit chiding an angry client. The effect will always be the same, instead of a snarl, a smile may appear on your face. Kids do this naturally all the time, it’s a defense mechanism that we seem lose as we age. Humor can be used to put people at ease. Humor is one of the best ice breakers. It’s the great common denominator. Everyone enjoys being around people who bring laughter with them. In one survey, 85% of CEO’s said that all things being equal they would rather hire somebody with a sense of humor.
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Just CLICK, PRINT, AND COLOR! It’s that simple! Get the Ruth paper doll, plus 4 different costumes, and 3 supporting actors and bring the Shavout story to life this year!! To see Dena’s other creations visit www.denaackerman.com and follow her on facebook at Art By Dena
Click Here For Printable Version
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celebrate torah
torah puppet & Luchos On Shavuos, the Jewish people received the Torah & accepted God’s laws and mitzvot. Celebrate this time with your children and students by creating Torah puppets! Maximize this learning opportunity through Kinesthetic and creative play. The 10 commandments project is not only fun, but a great learning tool as well!
Torah Puppet
The Luchos
Supplies for 1 Puppet:
Supplies:
Different colored pieces of felt
One piece of Card Board
1 sharp scissors
10 baby wipe caps (you can use card board or blank index
1 glue gun/Tube of craft glue
cards in place)
Googly Eyes (optional)
Glue Gun/craft glue Construction paper
Directions:
Puff paints
Take one piece of felt, fold in half to create a rectangle. Using the glue gun, glue the top and side together, leaving
One copy of the Aseret Hadibros, each commandment cut on to separate strips
the bottom open. Using the other colored pieces of felt, cut out eyes, a nose and a mouth and ‘sticks’ for the top and bottom of the
Directions: Decorate your piece of card board with either scrapbook paper or paint Glue the baby wipe caps down in 2 rows of 5
Torah and glue them on. You can use regular craft glue, but the glue gun dries right
Cut different colored paper to size to glue on to the top of the babywipe lids
away, while it takes a while for craft glue to dry on felt. You
Using puffpaints, paint the numbers 1-10 on to the caps
can also decorate your Torah puppet with your own deco-
Open each cap and glue the correct commandment inside
rations (pom poms, glitter gun, puff paint)
each number.
Jewish Homeschool Blog has creative crafts for kids. Visit http://jewishhomeschool.blogspot.com/
Every Baby Deserves a Crystal Dream 36
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Pacifiers, cliPs, BaBy Bracelets & More
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Great Gift!
“I even gave my 2 Torah Puppets names, Dibros & Raishis.” Channah, age 6, Chicago
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Kids can do a lot of things with paper, glue sticks, watercolor paint sets, stickers, scissors, playdoh, crayons and markers.
kids &
crafts
By: Adina Soclof
“I love the colors you used- the blue and the greens remind me of the sky and grass.”
I know that I loved arts and crafts as a kid. It was my favorite class in
and decorate their project. Kids also are cultivating spatial and visual
school and I was the first one in my bunk at camp to get to the arts
thinking skills. More complicated crafts can teach children organiza-
and crafts shed.
tional skills and sequencing.
Most kids love some form of arts and crafts and they are great in
Best of all, most educators are now realizing that children retain what
helping kids develop a variety of skills. It is a great way to keep kids
they learn much better when hands-on activities go along with that
entertained, and cultivate a child’s creativity and imagination. Arts
learning. According to Anne Reyner of EarlyChildhoodNews.com,
and crafts hone a child’s fine motor skills, and eye-hand coordina-
research has shown that people learn:
tion. It teaches educational concepts like, colors, and numbers. Kids are learning to problem solve when they experiment with different arts and crafts material. They are also practicing their decisionmaking skills as they move through the steps needed to assemble
38
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10% of what they READ
The best way to praise a child to make sure
“Siblings Without Rivalry.” Adina also runs
20% of what they HEAR
that he feels proud about his
ParentingSimply.com. Check out her newest
30% of what they SEE
artwork is to describe it:
free email course “7 Ways To Help Your
50% of what they HEAR and READ
Kids Listen in 7 Days” at www.parentingsim-
70% of what they SAY and,
“I love the colors you used- the blue and
90% of what they DO
the greens remind me of the sky
ply.com References:
and grass.” All this information is great, but what if we
“The glitter and the sparkles remind me of
are not a crafty person, or we don’t have the
fireworks. I enjoy looking at this
time to do a huge activity? There are some
picture it reminds me of the summer
very simple ways to bring arts and crafts into
nights.”
your home:
“This gray little cat looks so cute with his
Arts, Crafts & Creativity in School-Age Child Care & Recreation: Retrieved 4/10/13 from http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com
whiskers and his big eyes. This 1. You don’t have to go crazy. Have a draw-
picture makes me want to go find a cat and
er or a box of simple arts and crafts materi-
pet him!”
als. Kids can do a lot of things with paper, glue sticks, watercolor paint sets, stickers,
Arts and crafts is a great educational tool
scissors, playdoh, crayons and markers. This
and it does not have to be complicated to
is great especially if you don’t like a mess
benefit our kids. Finally, learning to praise
like me.
our kid’s work, by using descriptive lan-
2. I loved making collages as a kid. Kids
guage can truly teach kids to trust and feel
love to cut out pictures from magazines and
secure in their own creative abilities.
just glue them on paper. 3. Best of all is taking your arts and crafts
Adina Soclof,
projects outside on a beautiful day. Making
MS. CCC-SLP
homemade playdoh on the patio, painting the sidewalk and rocks with paint or even
Adina Soclof works as a Parent Educator
just water can keep the kids interested for
for Bellefaire Jewish Children’s Bureau
hours.
facilitating “How to Talk so Kids will Listen and Listen so Kids will
It is actually the simpler activities that help
Talk” workshops as well as
kids really use their imagination
workshops based on
and creativity. As kids get older they can do more involved activities and be responsible for the planning and the clean up. But the most important factor in encouraging a child’s creativity and helping him feel confident about his work, is the way we praise and compliment our children’s creations. We don’t want to compliment kids by saying, “You are the best artist” or “This is the prettiest picture.” When we do that kids tend to deny their talents and become uncomfortable: “I am not such a good artist, Eli is much better than me.” “It is not that pretty, I could have used more colors…” JCreate Magazine
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39
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Planning Your Own
photo credit: chanablumesphoto.com
DIY Party
JCreate Magazine
By: Aliza Cohen of wonderland parties Article Written By: Keren Horn
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41
P
lanning a party usually starts as an exciting
One of our specialties at Wonderland Parties is our one of a
task, but for many people quickly turns into a
kind candy tables and our custom handcrafted candy center-
daunting undertaking. At Wonderland Parties,
pieces. Oh! Nuts is our exclusive candy supplier. They are a great
we plan parties for all different occasions and
resource for us. We have our own personal candy consultant who
have it down to a science. Here we’ll give you a quick tutorial on
helps us with each and every order, gives us advice when we have
how to throw your own perfect party without all the headaches
to decide what kind and the amount of candy to buy, and will
and troubles that normally arise while planning a party.
answer every single email and phone call within minutes. This candy store has anything and everything we need to make our
Your first step should be to create a realistic budget. It is the
parties unforgettable.
most essential step to planning any successful party. Always leave yourself a little wiggle room. When you’re throwing a party your-
Our favorite and most valuable tip we can give you is to fire up
self the number can change more than once, so leave yourself
your glue gun and get crafting. You will be shocked at what you
that leeway.
can accomplish and how much money you can save by creating the party decorations yourself. It’s also a great way to get your
A theme can be as specific as a favorite movie or as a general as a color palette.
kids interested in crafting and spark some creativity in them. Get them away from the video games for a few hours and spend some fun and quality time together. There are so many DIY projects you can do to enhance your party.
The second step is coming up with a theme. A theme can be as specific as a favorite movie or as a general as a color palette. Coming up with a theme will help you focus in on what you want for your party and it will pull all the ideas together for a clean finished look. Next you have to ask yourself; what’s important for your party? What time of the day is your party? Deciding that, will also determine what type of food you will be serving. Do you want to have a sit down dinner with hot food, hours devours, or just desserts? How many guests are you inviting? Now is also the time where you’ll tweak your ideas. Usually at this stage you’ll try to figure out how to save money. To stay within your budget, you may have to cut some of the things you wanted. A great way to stay within your budget is to figure out what you can do by yourself. Think about it this way... if you make some of the desserts you may be able to invite 10 more guests. If you create some of the decor you may be able to spend a little extra on food. A helpful tip is to outsource when possible. For DIY projects you can enlist the help of your friends and family. Sometimes having a trusted vendor in your contact list can also be invaluable.
A helpful tip is to outsource when possible. 42
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For this DIY Party, we were given free reign as to the theme, color scheme and all the decorating ideas with one condition- That we handcrafted every single item so that we could show parents and kids that you can have a million dollar party without spending a fortune. We used a Shabby Chic theme deciding to use light, blush pinks, mauves and beiges, light blues and mints, peaches and creams in our color palette. We took a trip down to our local craft store and picked up a few very inexpensive items that we would need to get started on our DIY decorations.
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Everything you see in these pictures was handcrafted by our team members. From the ribbon, lace and burlap backdrop to the tablecloth and layered ruffle table skirt, paper wheels and paper fans to the favor bags and cupcake liner pom pom balls. The doily paper cones and the burlap and lace wrapped mason jar vases. We even made the dum dum lollipop flower ball. We also loved the idea of wrapping mason jar pint size glasses with twine and embellishing them with a handcrafted paper flower. All of the paper flowers were purchased and put together using a hot glue gun and then decorated with lovely little ivory pearls. We even baked all of the desserts! We made cupcakes, cake pops, the two tiered frosted centerpiece cake, chocolate dipped marshmallow sticks and chocolate dipped old fashion candy sticks, garnished with edible pearls.
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Cut yourself some slack. Some projects may not come out exactly as you had hoped but we’re all human. Move on to the next project, plus no one will know about the ones that never came together.
46
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Paper Wheel
Party Backdrop
Lollipop Flowerball
1. Buy some Scrapbook paper from your
1. Cut the pieces of ribbon, lace and
You will need a bag of dum dum lollipops
local craft store. Get different size papers
burlap to the correct length for your back-
and a Styrofoam ball. We used a 5 inch
to make different sized wheels. Pick pat-
drop. We cut our pieces to 2 ½ to 3 feet.
round Styrofoam for this one.
2. Take one end of the ribbon and tie
1. Make your tissue paper or paper flow-
it around your base rope making a loose
ers. For the tissue paper just trace out dif-
knot so that you will be able to slide them
ferent size flowers on to the tissue paper
around if needed. Repeat this with all of
using a cookie cutter and then cut out the
3. Once all the papers are folded take any
your pieces of ribbon, lace burlap or fab-
flowers. Same method for the paper flow-
two and glue two ends together with a hot
rics until you have covered the entire base
ers.
glue gun.
rope.
terns and colors that will match your color scheme. 2. Fold the paper like you would a fan.
2. Place the dum dums into the center of 4. Bend the papers together so that it looks
3. Place the banner anywhere you’d like.
the flower. If there is no precut hole, just
like a fan. Glue the right ends together and
Sew it to the corners of your tablecloth for
push the stick through.
then the left. Wait for it to dry.
a table skirt. Nail the rope ends to your wall as a table backdrop, use it as a photo
3. Stick the end of the lollipop into the
5. Now the middle looks a little unfinished
backdrop. It is really so versatile and so
Styrofoam. Do this for all the flowers at
and messy right? What we did was cut
beautiful!
different heights to make the bouquet
circles from the different papers, using a
layered and textured. Continue until the
fringed scissor to create a nice edge and
entire Styrofoam is covered.
glued them to the center of the wheels.
For more decorations and candy centerpieces you can visit our Etsy shop: “Wonderland Parties.” And for more tips and ideas visit our facebook page, www.facebook.com/wonderlandpartyplanning.com
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Materials Needed Raffia Enamel Paint (Folk Art) Mason Jars Flower Trimmer Assortment of flowers Brushes BBQ Sticks Scissor Sand Paper Lace
To make the cute little Shavuos coloring sticks all you have to do is download any image. Just type in the image you are looking for in the search box and copy and paste the picture into word. Resize and print. It’s that easy! Cut out the image and attach it to a BBQ skewer and Voila! You’ll have a cute accessory to your arrangement. You can also attach the image to the raffia around the jar. That would be a great idea for place card setting at the Yom Tov table! 48
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classic in form, unique in expression.a 347 416 1862
ChanaBlumesPhoto.com
info@ChanaBlumesPhoto.com
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Wedding & Event Photographer
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Cupcake
Flower
Bouquet
By: Faigy Goldner of Cup of Cake NJ
W
hen you think of Shavuos you automatically think about flowers. The house smells like flowers and all the tables have big bouquets of big beautiful colorful roses, carnations, and daisies. One of the most common classes I am asked to teach is the cupcake flower bouquet. With Shavuos right around the corner I can’t think of a better time to learn! Here’s an easy way to brighten up your table and impress your guests with a edible flower bouquet. what you’ll need
How to pipe a buttercream rose
•
Terra Pot or Vase of Your Choice
Using a 1M tip gently press down in the center of your cupcake. Lift
•
Styrofoam Ball
up and while still applying pressure drag your tip around the cupcake
•
Toothpicks
going outward creating the rose. Let your cupcakes set for a bit while
•
Green Tissue Paper
you do the next step. You can also place your cupcakes into the
•
1M rose tip
fridge to firm up faster.
•
Leaf tip (any size)
•
Pink or Red Icing
Place styrofoam ball in the pot of your choice - choose your size
•
Green Icing
depending on how many flowers you would like in your bouquet.
•
2 Decorating Bags (if you don’t have a decorating bag you can use 2 large heavy duty ziploc bags)
Place your tips in your decorating bags and fill with icing.
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Stick 2 toothpicks close together into the styrofoam as shown - this will hold your cupcake to the ball. Gently press your cupcake onto the toothpicks to secure. Make sure
not to press too hard or too quickly or your
Using your leaf tip, place some leaves
toothpick may go through your cupcake and
around your flowers to give it a more realis-
pop out the icing end. If this happens take
tic look. Fill in any gaps you see with leaves.
a toothpick and poke holes into the bottom of your cupcake so it can slide onto the toothpick easier (see photo). Note that the bottom layer of toothpicks is angled upward to make sure the cupcakes don’t fall off the toothpicks!
Facts about a
Take green tissue paper and cut it into squares. Crunch the paper and gently stick them between the roses so that no styraphome shows through.
Step back and take a look. You just made your first cupcake flower bouquet!!
Wishing everyone a wonderful Shavous
Faigie
Cup of Cake NJ Visit us online
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Rose
The rose is often used as an ingredient in perfume. The petals of the flower are distilled to produce an attar or oil. The aromatic oil is then used as perfume. Rose water, a product of the distilling process, is often used for scented cosmetics.
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51
Shavuos
By: Alisheva Givre of My Shtub
Tassle & FlowerGarland I love decorating my home with flowers for Shavuos. It reminds of us when Hashem gave us the Torah on the beautiful Har Sinai that he decorated lavishly with flowers. I usually fill all the vases with my favorite picks, and place the vases all over my home. This year I wanted to do something different and I decided the tissue paper garlands that I see everywhere could be adapted for this Yom Tov. fold line, so you have two pieces like the picture. Supplies:
Now take one piece and in the middle twist the flat part of the tissue
1.
Tissue paper in your favorite colors
till it’s tight. Turn the twist, making a loop and use the glue gun to
2.
Scissors
hold the loop together. You should now have a tassel.
3.
Hot glue gun
4.
Kids glue stick
Attach the flowers to your twine or ribbon with the hot glue gun, and
5.
Twine or ribbon
string your tassels through the loop. Use your creative eye to create any flower tassel combo you like.
Tissue Flowers: The first thing you need to do is open your tissue paper packages and lay your sheets flat in a stack. Now cut a square from the stack about 6”x6” (the size does not have to be exact). Make sure to cut through the entire stack so your square is about 10 pieces thick. Once you have your square, fold it in half. Fold it again till you have a small 2” square. Cut three petals from the mini square from the open edges. Don’t cut on your folds. This does not have to be perfect. Once you have cut your petals open up your flower and pull all the pieces apart. Now its time to create your flower. Take your petal layers and stack them one by one using the glue stick to attach each layer. When you stack each layer make sure to turn each layer so the petals DO NOT line up. This gives it a more authentic flower look. Set your flowers aside to dry. Tassels: Take one piece of tissue and fold it along the lines from the packaging. This is folding it once along the width and in half along the length. You should have a rectangle, hold it lengthwise and trim a fringe along the bottom of the rectangle leaving about 2 inches on top. Open the paper up again and cut it in half all the way down the
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potted kitchen
www.not2shabbey.com
herb garden This is a fantastic upcycling project! It takes an item that would normally be thrown in the garbage and makes it purposeful again. AS FEATURED AT JOYOFKOSHER.COM
The recipes have been made and the delicious food consumed, so what do you do now with your left over Temp Tee containers??? Well craft them of course!!
Step 3:
SUPPLIES:
Take your box outside and turn it on its
We would love to hear from you and see
Temp Tee Containers (empty)
side. Place the container inside and spray
the beautiful herb containers that you
Spray Paint – white and any other colors of
paint it white, making sure to cover all the
make! Please send in your photographs to
your choosing
words and design on the container. Let it sit
jcreatemag@gmail.com and you may be fea-
Rubber bands Optional
for 2 hours
tured on the jCreate facebook page!
Box
Step 1:
Step 4:
Clean your Temp Tee containers and dry
Spray paint container your second color.
them completely.
You can see here that I chose to do 3 different containers. Let it sit another 2 hours
Step 2: Make a series of
Step 5: OPTIONAL
holes on the bottom
If you want to do a striped design then
of your container.
place rubber bands around your container
This way the soil can
and spray paint on top of them. Let that sit
breathe and the water can seep out of the
and dry and then pull of the rubber bands.
container.
You will get this very neat striped affect.
You will use the
Step 6:
container for the soil
Once your containers are dry, you are ready
and the top of the
to add soil and add your herb plants. These
container as the base
Temp Tee containers are small enough to
to capture the runoff
sit on your kitchen windowsill making these
water.
the perfect herb planters.
56
JCreate Magazine
www.JCreateMagazine.com
“Upcycling projects foster creativity while helping our environment.”
a m u o y t d c i e D proj r u o d LOVE l u o w We s!! e r u t c i your p
to see
our o t m he Send t g at om c . l i mailba a m g@g a red m u e t t a a e e f r jc d be l u o c u and yo e!! u s s i t x ne in our
e k a ? s t
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emag
azine
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Creative Inspiration for the day of
inspiration craft projects
special
for the
high holidays
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