Birkat Chaverim Blog

I have not yet written any posts yet about what we are doing this year in our chug (class), but I hope to start posting about that next week. In the meantime I wanted to post a few ideas for Chanukkah/Hanukkah crafts that can be found here, around the web or are simple enough not to need a tutorial.

Feltboard menorah with candles: Basically choose a menorah shape you like from your own imagination or using a clipart shape you can find. Cut out the menorah shape from any color felt you like. Cut out nine rectangles (I did white but given the variety of colors for Chanukkah candles one could use whatever colors you can think of)  and 9 “eye” shapes from yellow/orange felt. Use a rectangle shaped piece of felt as a backboard and you’ve got a Chanukkah felt board. Candles and flames could be reused for Shabbat candles.
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I wanted to post pictures of some of the finished projects from the doll clothing classes. The girls are very creative and are always coming up with new ideas. I don’t have pictures of all the works made in the class, but I’d like to share what I can.

Finished shorts:
Build a bear sheep is sporting a happy birthday hat. The shorts are made from an old t-shirt (seen in other posts). I like how the tail part of the shorts came out-

Shoes:
Patterns is based on a Martha Stewart baby bootie pattern and modified for the doll. Ribbon was added to make ballet slipper type shoes.

Jacket:
This was completely designed by a participant based on a jean skirt in our scrap pile. It came out really well and did not require alot of sewing.

On a different topic- one participant designed a “Dress a boy” felt board.

An earlier project design by a participant who wanted to do something without any sewing whatsoever.

These are not all the projects, but unfortunately I didn’t manage to photograph everything. Some participants have also made foam visors in addition to other clothing items that didn’t make it into pictures.

For other examples of doll and bear clothing and accessory projects see some of the earlier posts:
A Doll Clothing Chug is Born
Doll Clothing Making Course Week One
Doll Clothing Chug Week Three
Barbie Gets a New Hat

I have been meaning to start writing posts about travel related toys, games, and activities because I have an interest in family celebrations, and they tend to involve alot of travel. I would like to talk about things that might make travel easier, especially with small children.
I would like to start this type of thread by mentioning home made felt boards made with felt and old tshirts.

To start here are several simple felt boards that can be made prior to travel. These are great for older children to make with younger children. Older children also enjoy playing with younger children with these felt boards. These work great with two year olds and 9-12 year olds (at least the ones I know.) They can also be made to fit a theme- family, a type of celebration, travel, location, mitzvot (good deeds) or fun. I have included a few examples.

To make:
 Cardboard, masking tape, old tshirts or felt and markers.

Cut a rectangle piece of fabric, slightly larger than your piece of cardboard. Tape the material to the cardboard. Decorate or leave blank. For pieces either cut simple shapes or draw items such as cars, buildings, people or whatever you and your child want. Thats it!