craft

Handprint Menorah

Handprint MenorahHandprint Menorah

Supplies:

  • Patterned or brightly colored paper to use for candle flames
  • A piece of card stock
  • Tempera or other water based paint in the color you want your menorah
  • Scissors
  • Glue or glue stick
  • Metallic sharpies, paints, sequins, etc. optional – for decorating the menorah

Instructions:

  • Fold the card stock in half, and then unfold it. Lay it flat.
  • Placing your left hand on the left side of the paper, with your thumb straight up, across the center fold line.
  • Trace your hand, then repeat on the right side, with your thumb in the same place as the left thumb.
  • Paint inside the lines you just traced.
  • Allow paint to dry and then decorate over the top of the menorah.
  • Fold the piece of paper you’re using for flames in half. Draw five flame shapes and cut them out of the folded paper to make ten flames. (That’s one left over)
  • Glue a flame in the center, then “light” one finger of the menorah for each night of Chanukah.
  • Keep the extra flames in an envelope nearby so they don’t get lost, and enjoy the Festival of Lights!

Handy-bird Decoration

(Originally published in the 2016 YogaKids Holiday Family Fun Guide)

Supplies:

  • 1 wooden craft stick for each bird
  • Scissors
  • Brightly colored tempera paint (or other water based paint, watered down enough to make a hand print)
  • One sheet of any-colored colored card stock or construction paper
  • Paint, sharpie, or marker in a color that will show up on your paint
  • Whatever color paper you want to use for your bird’s beak
  • Glue
  • Googly eyes and other decorations, like pom-poms or glitter — optional

Instructions:

  • Brush a thick layer of paint onto a surface that’s flat enough to place your hand on, like a flat dinner plate or baking pan.
  • Place your hand, palm down, into the paint and roll it slightly to make sure the palm is covered
  • Press your hand onto a sheet of paper and lift it back up without moving it around on the paper
  • Let the paint dry before cutting around it.
  • Decorate your bird.
  • Glue one end of the popsicle stick to the back of your bird and draw little feet on the stick with a permanent marker or paint. Make sure the popsicle stick extends onto the paper by an inch or more to keep your bird from flopping over.
  • Stick your bird into a houseplant or holiday centerpiece for extra cheer!
  • Do you live in a very cold place? Maybe your bird needs a scarf or a warm hat. Use construction paper and other fun materials, and decorate to your heart’s content.

Handy-bird Decoration

(Originally published in the 2016 YogaKids Holiday Family Fun Guide)

Supplies:

  • 1 wooden craft stick for each bird
  • Scissors
  • Brightly colored tempera paint (or other water based paint, watered down enough to make a hand print)
  • One sheet of any-colored colored card stock or construction paper
  • Paint, sharpie, or marker in a color that will show up on your paint
  • Whatever color paper you want to use for your bird’s beak
  • Glue
  • Googly eyes and other decorations, like pom-poms or glitter — optional

Instructions:

  • Brush a thick layer of paint onto a surface that’s flat enough to place your hand on, like a flat dinner plate or baking pan.
  • Place your hand, palm down, into the paint and roll it slightly to make sure the palm is covered
  • Press your hand onto a sheet of paper and lift it back up without moving it around on the paper
  • Let the paint dry before cutting around it.
  • Decorate your bird.
  • Glue one end of the popsicle stick to the back of your bird and draw little feet on the stick with a permanent marker or paint. Make sure the popsicle stick extends onto the paper by an inch or more to keep your bird from flopping over.
  • Stick your bird into a houseplant or holiday centerpiece for extra cheer!
  • Do you live in a very cold place? Maybe your bird needs a scarf or a warm hat. Use construction paper and other fun materials, and decorate to your heart’s content.