Happy Passover!

Passover, a celebration of freedom, is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar. Whether you’re observing Jewish religion or heritage, or introducing your child to different cultures, Passover offers up some wonderful learning opportunities.

Handmade Seder Napkin Rings 

Materials:  Blue pipe cleaners—one per setting, Purple and lavender “pony” beads, Silk grape leaves (about 1” across) with wire stems (available at craft stores—check the wedding section!) and White wired ribbon, ½” wide

Directions:

You will create napkin rings decorated with a cluster of bead “grapes” that symbolize the festive Seder wine that will be poured as guests celebrate the triumph of the ancient Israelites. The grapes will be attached to a blue pipe cleaner and tied with white ribbon, colors of the modern Israeli flag carried by the descendants of those original brave folks.

Start by placing one purple bead in the middle of a pipe cleaner, like this

 

Have your child wrap the pipe cleaner twice, to create two loops, and slip each end of the pipe cleaner back through the bead, like this

 

Now you’re ready to create the “grapes.”  Pull out one of your silk grape leaves (note: if you have trouble finding a grape leaf, it’s OK to buy a regular flat leaf, and then cut notches in it to resemble a broad, flat grape leaf!) Have your child slide approximately 6-7 beads onto the wire stem, leaving about 1/2” of wire at the end, like this

Twist the wire back to the base of the leaf to create a bunch of “grapes,” and then attach them to the pipe cleaner right next to the first purple grape, like this

 

Cut a length of white wired ribbon, about 10”, and tie it to the pipe cleaner loop just above the grape cluster.  Adjust the ribbon to make a bow in a nice, puffy shape that sets off your grapes. Repeat until you have as many rings as you need.Slide a napkin through each ring—and let the celebrations start!

DIY Elijah’s cup craft for Passover 

Materials:  a glass cup or goblet, Mod Podge or craft glue, paint brush, tissue paper, scissors and gems, stickers or sequins

Directions:

Cut the tissue paper into 1-inch squares.
Thoroughly clean and dry the glass before you get started to remove any stains or debris. Dip the brush into the Mod Podge and start painting the Mod Podge on to the glass. If you don't have Mod Podge you can use regular craft glue instead.
Start sticking the 1-inch squares on the glass.  Paint over each square with the Mod Podge once it is applied to the glass. Layer the squares so that they overlap each other.  Keep adding tissue paper squares until the entire glass is covered. 
Once the glass is completely covered, give the entire thing another coat of Mod Podge to seal it. Let the Mod Podge dry thoroughly.  Once the Mod Podge has completely dried, start gluing the gems to the cup. Let kids decorate the cup as much as they like with gems, sequins or stickers.

Passover Kid’s Craft: Decorate Pillowcases for the Seder!

I saw this and thought this could be easily done with some fabric paint and the children would love customizing their own pillowcase.  It took a while to find directions to make one.  I am sure if you are as crafty as I is this will be a no brainer.  You could probably purchase the pillowcase for the dollar store, too.

Directions:

Insert a piece of cardboard into the pillowcase, or back the inside with a piece of freezer paper, ironed on.
Outline the design with a pencil and then apply the color with fabric crayons and fabric paint. Apply heat as specified by the product you use, and enjoy for years to come!

This next item, I thought these where really cute for children to make.

Simple Origami Jumping Frogs for Passover

Materials:  green paper, the large dark green frog was made with an A4 sheet, which is a nice size, though is too heavy to jump, you’ll need rectangles, not classic origami squares, red or neon any color paper for tongues (optional), markers, use black and gel pens, and the below tutorial for folding your little froggy friends

http://nicehobbies.org/origami-frog

Share your ideas on this or anything here on the blog either here or e-mail me at stipple@verizon.net  I look forward to hearing from you!