What is a succa without decorations, and what is a succa
without paper chains made by our children? Paper chains are a
standard favorite when it comes to decorating the succa. Ever
since the invention of construction paper, paper chains have
been on the top of the list of easy-to-make children's succa
decorations. The chains were often their first exposure to
connecting links, a concept in the continuity of life. We can
stretch our imagination and say these paper chains can
represent the metal chains worn by the captive Jews during
the Babylonian exile.
HOW CHAINS ARE MADE
Paper chain decorations are made by cutting pieces of colored
construction paper into strips and then curving the strips
into rings. Alternating colors are used and each ring is
slipped through the preceding ring and is closed with glue or
a staple. The chains can be as long or short as you like. Use
cut up greeting cards (from Rosh Hashona), brochures, card
stock or book wrap, gift or shelf paper. A special chain can
be given a longer life with a few coats of clear acrylic
spray.
WATERPROOF CHAINS
Strips of rubber `paper' called sol in Hebrew are
waterproof. Use this if you want to make chains that hold up
in wet or windy weather. Cut colored strips slighty longer
than if it were paper and staple rings closed. Save from year
to year.
METALLIC POMEGRANATE CHAIN
Paper chain pomegranates use metallic craft paper for a
shining decoration based on paper chain dolls. Do one chain
of pomegranates and a second chain of little baskets. Hang
this duet of chains from end to end across the succa walls.
If you know how to make paper doll chains, you can do
these.
MATERIALS
Metallic craft paper. This paper holds its shape when bent or
folded. (Optionally: any strong paper can be used.)
Scissors, pencil
Glue or stapler
Dental floss or fishing line (available in art supply
stores)
Embroidery needle
Note: use waterproof materials when available
DIRECTIONS
Draw a pattern of a pomegranate or fruit basket. Include
`arms' that extend on both sides to the folds of the
paper.
Cut out pattern.
Fold paper into an accordion of equal size squares.
Trace pattern on top section. Include the `arms.'
Cut out carefully. DO NOT CUT ON FOLDS. This is the essential
rule to avoid a broken chain.
Open chain.
Repeat steps until you have enough chains for the desired
length.
Staple chains together. Hang in succa.
ALUMINUM FRINGE DECORATION
Roll out desired length of heavy duty foil. With scissors,
fringe bottom half across length. Suspend by tacking ends to
opposite walls. Watch the fringes blow in the wind.
HOLLOWED OUT EGGSHELLS
This is a delicate procedure. Carefully make a hole in both
ends of egg. Blow out raw egg. Hand or paint with a spray
color. Glue sequins on dry paint or sprinkle glitter on wet
paint or plastic white (Elmer's) glue. Prepare toilet paper
tubes (ten tubes for every nine eggshells) by painting or
covering with paper or fabric. Assemble by alternating one
tube and one eggshell, ending with a tube. Insert a stiff
piece of fishing line through both ends of tube and eggshell.
Tie ends securely leaving enough fishing line to attach to
walls.
CELLOPHANE COVERED TUBES
Cover empty tissue tubes with strips of cellophane paper held
in place with dots of glue. Cut a fringe of cellophane paper
and attach around bottom of tube. String tubes as desired.
DECORATOR BELL PAPER CUPS
Cover cups with fabric or use spray paint. Or glue on strips
of cellophane paper. Attach a bell (a pompom hanging from a
string inside the cup). String bell-cups as desired.
SEQUIN COVERED STYROFOAM BALLS
Decorate small Styrofoam balls with pins and sequins or
plastic beads. This can be very detailed work with reoccuring
patterns for an `heirloom' project. Or it can be done for fun
with simple and spontaneous designs. Tie knots at equal
intervals between balls. Leave ample string at ends to hang.
String like a long necklace.
SHINING ALUMINUM FOIL BALLS
Wad up olive size balls of foil. Thread on a length of dental
floss with an embroidery or other large needle. If desired,
tie a large knot between each ball to hold balls in place a
distance apart from one another.
SPRAY AND GLITTER POPCORN ROPES
String lengths of popcorn. For variety, spray paint in gold.
Or dab on gold paint. Or dip a small sponge in paint and
lightly `dust' the popcorn with color here and there.
Sprinkle glitter on the wet paint. For more permanency, spray
with a coat or two of clear acrylic.
NOTE: Use spray paints and clear acrylic outdoors on a
surface covered with newspapers or disposable plastic. Follow
directions on can.
Devora Piha is available for: * Art Lessons * How to teach
arts and crafts to children * Art therapy -- privately or in
your educational institution
Call: 02-993-1592 E-mail: Newpiha @hotmail.com
