Brenda Ponnay, author of the Secret Agent Josephine blog, is a regular contributor to ToriAvey.com. Her craft blogs are kid and family friendly; each project will help children learn the deeper meaning of the Jewish holidays. Today’s craft: Autumn Votives
With the autumn season upon us, and Sukkot and Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to create some Autumn Votives to light up our family holiday celebrations. These tissue covered glass jars offer soft glowing light that is warm and inviting when the sun goes down. They’re super easy to make, and your kids can join in the action!
For this craft, here are the supplies you will need:
– A few sheets of tissue paper in your choice of fall color, cut into strips (any size will do)
– White all purpose glue or Mod Podge
– A wide flat paint brush
– Glass jars
– Fall leaves (you can use real leaves or artificial– if using real leaves, make sure they are still flexible and not dry)
– Twine (optional)
Since we live in Southern California, we don’t have as many choices when it comes to fall leaves, so we bought some artificial leaves at our local craft store. Both real leaves and artificial are great for this craft. If you’re using real leaves, just make sure they are still somewhat soft so they can bend and flex without cracking. If your leaves are curled, you can iron them on a pillow case, using a piece of paper between your iron and the leaf to keep your iron from getting dirty.
After we gathered our supplies and cut our tissue paper into strips, we were ready to apply the glue or Mod Podge. Simply paint it on in broad strokes.
Gently apply your strips of tissue paper to the wet glue. If the edges need pushing down, feel free to paint more glue on top. Don’t be afraid to layer it thick, the glue will dry clear.
Next position your leaves, then place another layer of tissue and glue on top of them.
When you’ve covered the entire jar, your votives will look like this! I added some twine around the top of the jars as an extra decorative touch. This is optional, of course.
Let them dry completely. They look really pretty when backlit by the sun.
Next, add some candles (I prefer battery operated candles because they are safer).
Then wait for it to get dark, and watch them glow!
Easy, pretty, and just right for a candlelit dinner in the Sukkah! These would also be great for a Thanksgiving feast, or to decorate your front porch for Halloween. It’s a fun fall craft that kids will enjoy taking part in!
Sukkot – The Harvest Holiday and Thanksgiving
If you are not familiar with Judaism, click the link above to learn about the possible surprising possible connection to the American holiday of Thanksgiving.
To learn more about the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, click here.
calamus thequill says
awesome idea and a lovely girl..thanks for sharing 🙂
facebook.com/calamusthequill
Rene Bien says
I just discovered your wonderful website. I am an artist and chef. I plan on visiting many times more! Great craft ideas and delicious recipes. I am Jewish and am going to try many of them with my daughter, age 12, who loves to cook
Nel says
What an effective yet simplistic activity for kids. Love it, love the beautiful stain-glass effect that it creates. Nelxx
Abbe says
I made these this year, but since my youngest just left for college I didn’t have any small people to do the project with 🙂
I used small glass vases that I got at the local goodwill for .50 and tissue paper with natural fiber woven in that I got from the dollar store. I used tea lights inside and put them on the table as centerpieces. Really pretty ambience. Thanks!
Elizabeth says
These votives are SO beautiful! I am not very crafty, but they are so wonderful that I am inspired to try! I think my kids will love them. Thanks, Brenda.
raymond w.reed says
Hi there,we`ve been looking for a fall craft to do this year,and when I ran across this craft in my e-mail I thought,well this is perfect for a 6yr old.Thanks for the idea.R.W.Reed