leaf art

I meant to post this earlier- a project done with the grandchildren. For a complete tutorial click here. These look nice hanging outside the house, too, or around a door, a picture frame, a wreathe, hanging from a light... And remember- as the leaves may fall from the tree, fallen souls may forget God, but Krishna never leaves us. He is ever present as the Supersoul dwelling within every heart.

Kartik Crafts

LANTERNS
Freeze water in clean tin cans. Punch decorative holes around each can with a hammer and nail. You may wish to tape on a paper with predrawn designs. Punch two holes on top of the can, one of each side and attach wire for hanging. Remove the ice and dry the cans. Put a candle in the center. Looks pretty on the porch at night. With the closing of Kartik, here's a pic of the homemade lanterns we made this year.

Good for outdoor decoration, especially during Diwali, or as additional lighting on the altar.

PAPIER MACHE BUTTER POT
Good for dress up as gopas or gopis or even monkeys in plays or when circumambulating Govardhana Hill. The "butter" is crumpled yellow tissue paper.

 

DIY DIYAS

These were made from homemade clay from our farm property (oven bakable craft clays should work just as good) baked and shellacked on the exterior after painting to hold oil. The children experimented with different shaping techniques. Note the use of a seashell in one of them. Be sure to place a protective tray if burning these lamps on a wooden surface, etc. The diyas can get very hot!

snow flake art

This is a good seasonal craft for ages 7 and up. For an extra shiny surface, these were made from the seals inside a large tub of (Daisy brand) sour cream. Fold each round in half thrice.  Pattern ideas are available by doing a Google image search. Appreciation for Krishna's snowflake artistry can also be found online.