|
Leaf-Etched Rosh Hashanah Cards
We are told in Jewish tradition that Rosh Hashanah is the 'Birthday of the World.'
What better way to remember this birthday than by making Rosh Hashanah greeting cards that use nature to enhance their beauty? 'Decoration shows appreciation' my teacher tells me and decorating our cards to friends and loved ones with the gifts of God is a wonderful way to show appreciation.
Collect a variety of leaves with strong vein patterns.
Test your collection before using them with your students or children. Place a leaf on a firm, smooth surface or on window (use a small piece of transparent tape on the underside). Place a piece of white typing paper or the leaf. For younger children, tape the corners of the paper in place so it cannot shift position. Experiment with colored pencils and chalk to see which works better in etching the leaf pattern. Gently press chalk or pencil against the paper and make broad strokes over the leaf until the patter is evident.
Use one leaf positioned at different angles or several leaves.
It is nice to identify the trees that provided your leaves for the etchings so the recipient of the card won't have to wonder what kind of leaves they are. You can make the etchings on half of a piece of paper and have your children or students write their holiday greeting on the other half. Or, you can cut out your etching and paste it onto a commercial card or blank card, adding your own holiday greeting.
And now is an excellent time to begin pressing wildflowers to use for next year's Rosh Hashanah cards.
Collect only those flowers that are in abundance and where foraging for wild flowers is legal. Press the flowers, without overlapping pedals, between sheets of paper (to draw out the moisture) and place under a stack of books, a heavy rock, or other weighty object for the next several months. When you get ready to use, simply glue them onto any Rosh Hashanah card you want to use.
|
