My creative take on Purim: an idea for an afternoon activity.
Since you know me a bit by now you should know that I am looking for any excuse to find creativity in celebrating the holidays. Purim is an easy challenge since there is so much creativity embedded within the holiday already.
The act of dressing up unleashes so much creativity as it is. But how about pushing it a little further…I am talking about imagining, planning, matching, cutting, assembling, and possibly acting; another excuse for a party. This activity would work great for a group if you have enough parents’ involvement. This activity is not intended to substitute the children’s Purim costume but it may very well become their favorite one.
The objective:
Kids make their own costumes, no stitching involved (really easy). Help of an adult is needed.
What you will need:
Inexpensive fabrics such as: sheer (chiffon), shiny fabric (satin), or anything that will spark kid’s imagination. Tip: the uglier and more grotesque the better…
Ribbons
Scarves
Belts
Men’s ties
Scissors
Safety pins
Paper/ sketch book and drawing tools
When I did this project with Zoe’s preschool friends I got the materials at a store in down town LA - Michael Levin’s every thing was $2/ pound. Fabric stores can be found in every city, don’t buy anything expensive. I have spent total of $20 for 20 kids (don’t forget to check your mom's closet for some hidden old fabrics, curtains, linens etc). It is important to get inexpensive fabric so you don’t feel terrified when your child starts cutting and experimenting, as he/ she should.
The process:
Below you will find illustrations of simple ways of making garments. This may help you and your child construct the outfit from his/ her imagination. (Make sure you read this all the way to the end before you start)
1. Gather materials: Pile up all the different materials you have collected.
2. Plan: Have the child draw what he/ she imagines. Try not to skip this phase since this is an important process of learning to translate ideas into reality, and communicating in a visual language. It is also very calming, and tends to slow down the already built up excitement.
guide your child with questions such as:
What are you making? A queen? A knight? Etc…
Is it a dress?
How long? How short? To the knee?
A vest? A crown? A sword?
Are you going to have a cape?
Do you want it tight around the waist and loose behind?
After drawing the costume, discuss the different options of how to go about and construct the costume. Together, try and Find solutions to some of the problems of assembly. Use ribbons, long pieces of fabrics and belts to tie up the outfit together. Encourage flexibility with the design of the costume, welcome unexpected happy accidents.
3. GO FOR IT
(click on image to enlarge)
finally, I had an excuse to play with Troy and Gabriela (from high school musical) I made them some cloth to demonstrate some of the patterns above.
Troy is wearing a vested top belted, with a royal cape, a sword and a dazzling crown
Gabriela is wearing a sleeveless pink gown, with an emerald broach.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me for more help (pathetically, I am almost always online)
Send me a picture or upload on the flicker photo group pool
Have fun
Happy Purim
tali
