NEW YORK, Nov. 11 (JTA) — Chanukah is a special holiday that seems to capture the imagination. From the flames of the menorah to the oil that lasted for eight days and the brightly wrapped presents that delight children, Chanukah is perhaps the most enchanting holiday. To help get in the mood, here are some Chanukah projects to keep everyone busy this holiday season.
Decoupage Chanukah Plate
Supplies: 9” round glass plate Decoupage glue Sheet of Chanukah wrapping paper Bottle of acrylic paint to match the paper Paintbrush Small sponge-tip paintbrush
Cut out various designs (menorahs, stars, dreidels) from the wrapping paper. Arrange them on the front side of the plate. Using the sponge- tip paintbrush, lightly brush glue on the right side of the cutouts. Turn plate upside down and arrange the cutouts right side facing down, so that the glue adheres to the plate. When the plate is turned over you should be able to see the pictures. Use your fingers to smooth the paper and remove any air bubbles. Allow glue to dry. Apply a layer of decoupage glue over the back of the pictures. Allow glue to dry overnight. Before continuing, take a slightly damp paper towel and remove any excess glue from the plate. Using the coordinating paint, paint the entire back surface of the plate. Two coats of paint may be needed, depending on the color. Allow plate to dry thoroughly.
Chanukah Gift Tags
Supplies: Lightweight white cardboard (unlined index cards work well) Colored pencils Chanukah rubber stamps (various designs) Stamp pad in blue or gold ink Hole puncher Ribbon scraps Cut cardboard into a 2 1/2” x 3” rectangle. Place stamp on stamp pad and make sure the design is thoroughly covered with ink. Firmly put stamp onto the cardboard. Do not wiggle the stamp or the image will not come out clearly. Remove stamp and color in the design with colored pencils. Write the name of the giver and receiver onto the card. Punch a hole in one corner of the cardboard and thread a ribbon through it. Tie the card to a package. This can also be used to create one-of-a-kind bookmarks. To make a bookmark, change the dimensions of the cardboard to 1 1/2” x 5”.
Chanukah Gelt Bag
Supplies: 12” square light blue felt Small piece of white felt 12” piece of 1/4”-wide gold ribbon Tacky glue Hole puncher Fabric paint
Cut the blue felt so that it measures 4 1/4” x 8”. Fold felt in half, bringing shorter sides together. Glue bottom and one side together, leaving the top open. Allow glue to dry. Meanwhile, cut out a 2” Star of David from white felt. To create the Star of David, draw two triangles of 1 1/2” on a piece of paper. Cut out the triangles. Overlap the two triangles to form a star. Tape the triangles together. Use this as a pattern for the star. Turn bag inside out. Glue star onto the front of the bag. Using fabric paint, write the child’s name on the star. When the paint is dry, punch two holes in the front and back of the bag. Thread the ribbon through the holes, leaving two 6” strands of ribbon hanging in the front of the bag. Fill the bag with Chanukah gelt. Gently pull the ribbon, so that the top of the bag gathers shut. Tie ribbon into a bow.
