The Jews are an inherently creative people. Hashem, the
Master Creator, has given us the potential to emulate Him in
different ways. In every moment of our lives we have
opportunities to notice and appreciate the wonders of the
world. If we sort and rearrange these observations, we come
up with our own adaptations and creative ideas.
A creative person knows that all of creation is full of
potential. Every moment Hashem showers us with gifts that, if
used properly, will open up new doors of life. Creativity is
to see and use the potential in everything.
When these ideas are used for beautifying or embellishing
Shabbos and festivals, the home, shul or for chinuch,
we are glorifying our Creator. Creativity also means
resourcefulness. The Jews are a most resourceful people. We
have adapted to all types of situations in the diaspora.
Necessity, the mother of invention, is well known to the
Jews. Symbols and styles from non-Jewish sources have become
our own. The Magen Dovid has its roots in a simple geometric
shape, the six-pointed star hexagram. It wasn't until the
Middle Ages that it became established as a Jewish symbol. We
find ancient shuls with the symbols of the twelve
astrological signs (the mazolos) on tiles. Or images
of plants and animals not specifically related to Jewish
observance. Havdola spice boxes are often in the shape
of medieval towers. Culture and circumstances influence
creativity. We have stayed committed to our faith, in a
panorama of historical vicissitudes, and have elevated the
mundane according to the halocha to glorify our
Creator.
A new thought opens up doors. Combining two or more
complementary ideas to form a third idea is exciting. Using
potential and turning out of it a new arrangement is
envigorating. A concept of newness is activitated in the mind
and heart of the creator. Newness is exciting. We also know
that there is nothing new under the sun, according to
Koheles. It is the moment of acknowledging the value of each
idea, thought, thing or person that is new.
It is true that creative inventions often evolve after
conscious deliberation and effort. It is also true that
creative moments can be like collecting fluttering
butterflies in a net. Inspiration is like a butterfly. If we
catch it, we examine it and we are filled with wonder. We are
delighted by it. Butterflies and creativity add color and
poetry to our lives. We also know about the slow process of
the metamorphosis of the butterfly from a cocoon. We know
that to reach a level of inspiration, our minds must be clear
and open. An open mind knows that Hashem is the Master
Creator, rules over all and anything is possible. Children
have this innocent, ingenuous understanding. Children are
naturally creative simply because they are full of
potential.
When we offer our children enthusiastic descriptions of the
wonders of this world and encourage our children's natural
inclination to discovery of their very own inner potential
and the potential in everything around them, we are letting
our children be creative. Sophisticated adult creative
advancement often began when that adult was a small child.
The child was taught how to think and how to give value to
people, places and things. The child was also taught not to
give up, and to continue creating until something concrete
and understandable emerged from the pile of clay.
Acnowledging one's creativity is often in the mind and
reflects a person's self confidence in the matter.
The following projects are based on ideas from Naomi
Berinstein of Ramat Beit Shemesh. They represent the
simplicity of creativity. Each child will come up with
something unique. Because of the obvious simplicity and
expansiveness in doing these projects, they are often
overlooked.
MAKING NEW ARTS AND CREATS OUT OF OLD ARTS AND
CRAFTS
PREPARATION
Decorate a large box. In it, collect the following objects
that you no longer need.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Old books and old art projects are the main ingredients.
Cut these up and rearrange on heavy paper or cardboard with
new messages and add:
Ribbons and colorful pipe cleaners.
Wrapping paper.
Magnetic strips.
Tissue paper.
*
Use scissors, glue, tape, markers, pencils as needed.
EXAMPLE I: Take apart a Styrofoam head from an old arts and
crafts project, paint it a new color and attach cut- out
petals cut from gift wrapping paper to form a flower. Insert
a pipe cleaner for the stem and attach rolled tissue paper
leaves.
*
Hold up a Styrofoam ball and ask yourself and your child what
it reminds you of. What does it look like to you? A small
Styrofoam ball can represent many things to the eyes of the
beholder. So much around us is round. Reuse Styrofoam balls
for heads, hands or shoes on puppets, doll acccessories or a
colorful crawling insect with lots of legs stuck in to the
sides, and attach two eyes on the front for the head.
EXAMPLE II: Cut out pictures from an old children's book and
glue them onto blank pages in a homemade book bound with a
shoe lace, to illustrate a story that you write together. Add
in original drawings [or family photographs] for that
personal signature.
Cut-out pictures from a variety of children's books can be
combined to form a new story. Use characters from a few books
that come together as new friends, each bringing with them
their story.
EXAMPLE III: Take apart an old art project such as a piece of
paper with stickers, cigarette craft filters, fabric
stuffing, popsicle sticks, colorful matchsticks, ribbons. Cut
it up and use the parts that you really like. Make a Welcome
Home greeting to hang on the door or an "I Love Mommy"
poster. Put on that message you want to say and hang it up in
the kitchen or on the front door with magnetic strips.
Sometimes it is easier to get started on a project if you
begin with pieces of materials that already have color, shape
and meaning to you. So use what you have, the old and the
new. Combine them for a new surprise.
Devora Piha is available for Art and Therapy, to teach
skills, self confidence and joy with drawing, painting and
crafts to children in need of extra attention.
Ramat Beit Shemesh 02-992-0501.
