jCreate - My new Blog Home

I'm moving... well figuratively speaking :)

My new blog home will be over at jCreate.

How come, you ask?

For the past few months I have found it increasingly difficult to manage two blogs. One for Not 2 Shabbey and one for jCreate Magazine. I've wanted to somehow merge the two so that it would be one interface and so it's finally happening. Welcome to jCreate with Not 2 Shabbey.

What is jCreate??

jCreate is an organization that I founded a year ago. It's all about inspiring moms, teachers, kids, and teens to be more creative.... with a Jewish twist. For so long I have felt that there was great lacking in the Jewish craft world. Yes, there are many blogs out there that focus on crafting and of course Pinterest is full of amazing craft projects, but I felt that the Jewish craft offerings were very limited.   Before I started blogging and painting, I was a teacher, inspiring my students with creative lessons plans - engaging them kinestetically, through movement and art activities that would foster not only creative thinking skills, but overall retention for the subjects I was teaching. I wanted to start sharing my lessons plans, crafts, and ideas with my fans inspiring them to be more creative in their homes and classrooms. Let's keep children busy with wholesome activities. In the past year jCreate Magazine has spread Jewish creativity with so many crafting projects, tablescapes, recipes, and awesome trends that center around the Jewish calendar. We engaged with over 300,000 moms, teachers, and children throughout 50+ countries.

Who's behind jCreate?

There are just some things that are too big for one gal to do on her own. Baruch Hashem (Thanks G-d) I have been surrounded by supportive and amazing people. 2 of those women have joined me in this new jCreate journey. 

Mirel Goldwasser (Creative Director) - Mirel's company Oomph creative successfully helps brands, both big and small, with creative marketing solutions and a full line of graphic design services on a budget. Her tireless efforts have made jCreate a reality -- with artistic flair and a bit of snark!

Estee Lavitt (Managing Editor) - Estee manages and edits jCreate because she is passionate about spreading Jewish creative content with professionalism. As a mom, she tries to stay on top of simple craft trends with a Jewish twist to educate and entertain her young children. Estee makes things happen by being attached to her Android, iPad and other ping-ing, tweeting devices.

When I am not working on pieces you can often find me on the phone with one of these amazing ladies, or on a video google hangout laughing away at something Mirel did to make Estee and I laugh!

What about Not 2 Shabbey?

Nothing has changed! Not 2 Shabbey is the brand name in which I sell all my pieces and work. You can still buy  my pieces at www.not2shabbey.com or at local retailer near you. jCreate with Not 2 Shabbey is just the new home for all my crafts, tutorials, and videos. I hope it will be a community for others like me who will want to share their ideas and projects with other creative minds. I will absolutely be accepting submissions and hope that you will like the jCreate facebook page and follow the Pinterest board. 

I have so many more things brewing and there are exciting things happening over here at the Not 2 Shabbey headquarters (AKA my basement studio) I can't wait to share with you my upcoming journey. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on all the news to come :)

Catch you at my new home - the jCreate blog! 

Till next time! 

Abbey 

CRAFT IT! DIY Afikoman Bag!

{Attention TEACHERS!} Check out this super durable Afikoman bag craft using BIC Mark-It pens! The best part about this project? It's great for both big and little hands! Check out the full tutorial on page 7 of JCreate Mag

jCreate Magazine Passover Issue

Glitter Tattoos with ilovetocreate.com

I am so loving these glitter tattoos for Purim!
They are so fun and easy. My kids totally enjoyed tattooing each other! Even the little 2 year old needed a turn!

These glitter tattoos are made by Tulip and can be found at your local craft store or online.

The packs come in 6 different glitter colors, 2 brushes, glue gloss, and a variety of sicker designs.

All you have to do is place the sticker on your skin, spread on some glue, pour on the glitter, and brush it off. When you pull off the sticker you will have a perfect design!

I was amazed at how clean the lines are when you take the sticker off. The tattoos look so professional and not messy. The best part?? You can reuse these stickers over and over again.

I am thinking of bringing one of these boxes to my sisters house this Purim. My nieces and nephews will get such a kick out of these. I'm thinking they would be great at a Purim Carnival too!!

Till next time!
Abbey

Cowboy Purim Theme

3 Years ago for Purim my kids dressed up in cowboy costumes and my little baby was the cow. It was the only year I had professional shot taken of my kids! For our Mishloach Manot we gave out Southwest salad that was packed and wrapped in a western cowboy hat. I made the tag on my computer and attached it to a plastic sheriffs badge that I got at Oriental Trading CO.

The CHA Winter Mega Show 2014

If you've been following me on Instagram and Facebook then you probably know that I was in sunny California 2 weeks ago at the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Mega Show. Normally CHA has 2 trade shows throughout the year, one in the summer and one in the winter. They have now decided to combine both shows into one big MEGA show. There were so many booths, workshops, demos, and networking opportunities. It's so hard to describe everything I saw and took apart in, but I will try my hardest to provide you guys with a complete recap. 

On Friday, prior to the show floor opening CHA offers a full day of workshops and classes. This year, I was invited to become part of the designer section of CHA. Although I have been part of the organization for 3 years now as a professional crafter, becoming part of the designer section is like becoming part of a family. Not only is everyone so welcoming, but it's wonderful meeting like minded people, other individuals that totally get my artsyness and crazy brain :)  I was only able to go to a couple of those classes because I had to run home for Shabbat. I made it back to the valley in time to hit up some vintage clothing stores and pick up a good read! 

And although, the show starts on Saturday and I couldn't go, I was able to make it to the Fave Crafts blogger networking event that night. Some of the best craft companies come out to network and meet a roomful of craft bloggers. I was so amazed by the energy and excitement in the room. And the SWAG... OMG the SWAG!! I have been to parties before, but this was like nothing I had seen before. I had to carry out 4 bags of craft supplies! Thanks to Lisa Fulmer I can show you guys this great video of what we each got! 

On Sunday morning I got onto the show floor and as expected... it was AMAZING. I saw some of the most creative work from designers in various craft booths. From stamps, ceramics, paint, beads, clay, and glassware to arm knitting and fashion shows, it was beyond beyond incredible. Every booth has a make & take area where you can sit down and create hands on with their materials. Check out this flipgram I created with ALL my photos from the event. 

I do have a few favorite items and companies that I found, but it would take me too long to describe each of them here. I am hoping to create separate posts about each product. So stay tuned!

I was lucky enough to see the Today show tape a segment about the crafting industry over by the Duck mobile. Check out their video here. If you want to know what CHA is all about .... you better watch it!!!




I'm back at home and missing the green already! Can't believe this is what I was in just 2 weeks ago!

Cause this is what it looks like over here in Jersey today - YUCKO-O! 

Spring 

I miss you 

Love, 

ME

A Life Update & The Launch of Parsha Packs!

Hey GUYS!
A BIG BIG shout out to my new followers. I've noticed a bunch of new readers and Facebook fans recently so WELCOME to my little world of CRAZY!!

I was a bit MIA in the beginning of December and I'm now just slowly getting back to every day life. Unfortunately, my sister is very sick. She is currently in ICU, stable but very critical. I am splitting my time between the hospital, working, and being a mommy to my 5 little children. I thought that I knew what it meant to multi task, but these past few weeks have been insane.  Please continue to have my sisters name in your thoughts and prayers. Her Hebrew name is Etta Malka Chaya bas Devorah Gruna. There is a mystical belief that when at least 40 women bake challah with a sick person in mind, there is a segulah (merit) for the hope that Hashem (God) will hear their prayers and help. I have started a chllah campaign to help gather and organize those who would like to bake Chakkah in honor of my sister Etta Chinskey. You can sign up here http://www.tziporahsnest.com/campaign.asp?id=200 I feel so lucky to have the special followers that I do. Your outpouring support and sweet words are beyond special to me.

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I was recently sent an interesting new product to play with from Beckovations . They just came out with
Parsha Packs. You know how your kids come home with tons of papers and newletters every Friday? My Shabbos table is always littered with them! Well these bags easily attach to your chair. You can place it on the back, the arm, or if you want it to be out of sight stick it under the chair so no one can see it! My son loves his and was so excited to use it last week!! Seriously, I think this product is ingenious and super practical. All my kids projects and papers stay safe and organized from week to week.

There are a few ways to order these Parsha Packs. You can order them with names or without - hand painted or embroidered. You can choose from a variety of boys or girls designs or let me design a custom one for you with your childs favorite character, sports team, or superhero!!

#1 You can order it plain.
Purchase it HERE. 

#2 BOY DESIGNS  
Purchase it HERE. 

#3 GEOMETRIC DESIGNS  
Purchase it HERE.

#4 GIRLS DESIGNS  
Purchase it HERE.

#5 CUSTOM DESIGNS
 SPORTS TEAMS, SUPERHERO'S,
TV/MOVIE CHARACTERS!!
Purchase it HERE.

#6 EMBROIDERED 
Purchase it HERE.

Currently the Parsha packs only come in the black/gray color combo. It's made from a beautiful leatherette material, with two zippered pockets. It can easily attach to your dining chairs with the four elastic straps. Never lose your child's Parsha sheets and weekend homework again!!

To order your Parsha Packs please visit www.not2shabbey.com or visit  http://www.beckovations.com/

If you have a question about ordering one please email me @ shabbey2@gmail.com 

You can also follow Beckovations on twitter www.twitter.com/beckovations

Till next time!

ABBEY