Hanging Blessings
Considering the steady stream of seudos, our bentshers are used quite a bit over Yom Tov. With limited table space in the succah and the constant setting up and clearing up, a hanging bentsher holder adds both beauty and practicality to your succah.
Materials
Embroidery hoop
2 equal-size sheets of white felt (the felt can also be a lighter version of the dye color you choose if you want an ombre look)
Fabric dye in your color of choice
Skirt hanger
Wide container or disposable pan
Ribbon
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
White fabric paint, or printable iron-on paper
Alef-beis stencils (optional)
Pen
Scissors
- Hang the two sheets of felt from the hanger.
- Prepare the fabric dye in a container or pan. Holding the hook of the hanger, dip both sheets of felt into the dye, going about 2/3 up the sheet. Hang the felt to dry, leaving the container underneath to catch the drips. (Follow the instructions on the dye package to make sure the dye won’t drip if it gets wet in the succah.)
- Cut one sheet of felt in half to serve as the pocket.
- Trace and paint or iron on the words “v’achalta v’savata u’veirachta” in Hebrew. I used white fabric paint and it took on a blue hue as it dried.
- Secure both sheets of felt in the embroidery hoop, leaving a bit of extra “give” on the front felt for space in the pocket. Trim excess fabric.
How to Use an Embroidery Hoop
Loosen the screw and remove the inner hoop. Lie your material on top of the inner hoop. Push the outer hoop back into place over the material and around the inner hoop. Tighten the screw to secure the material into place between the hoops.
Tips and Tricks
- These crafts are flexible — use them as a springboard and get creative!
- You can use any regular fabric and colored felts. For a multi-fabric look, either sew or hot glue fabrics together or use something like a throw pillow case or kite, so the work has already been done for you.
- Hot glue can secure everything in place so things won’t shift during handling.
- Embroidery hoops come in basic raw wood, colored plastic, and finished wood options too. There are multiple sizes and shapes available. I didn’t specify any sizing of the hoops or material because it’s all adjustable to what you choose.
- If you’re less crafty or short on time, take some shortcuts. For example, for the bentsher holder you can easily use regular fabric instead of dip-dying the felt. You can also print and iron on lettering instead of stenciling and painting. It will result in the same beautiful look, without as much crafting.
The Time Flies By
Every year, it feels like Yom Tov flew by before I could blink. But these days are chock-full of memory moments, so I try to savor each minute. This hot-air balloon clock can be made in any color scheme and still maintain its whimsicalness.
