Where are the Jewish crafters?
I like to knit and do crafts. Really. I think it’s partially because normally I’m doing all these technology-related things like learning about what’s new in technology and teaching it to somebody else and sometimes I just want to do something with my hands that isn’t typing or mousing. I also get super bitten by the craft and create bug in the fall. Something about fibers and colors in the fall I guess. Anyway, I started checking out some craft and knit blogs and now I’m wondering – where are the Jewish crafters? I know y’all must be out there…
I want to add “Jewish art and craft” or something like that to my blog roll. But where are the Jewish crafters? And do they blog?
I checked out Etsy and searched for Jewish, figuring that would be a good way to find some Jewish crafters. I did find some by using “Jewish” as a search term (I am so clever). But I also discovered that Etsy doesn’t list websites, so I can’t really follow up that way.
Must find . . . Jewish crafters.
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About
Debbie Harris is the director of educational technology at the Sager Solomon Schechter Day School in Northbrook, IL. Involved in Jewish education for over thirty years, she has an education degree from Northwestern University with a concentration in instructional media and a master’s degree in professional Jewish studies from Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. She is skilled in using and teaching desktop publishing, video editing, presentation and animation software; and consults and presents regularly on integrating technology into Judaic studies. Her students podcast, blog, edit video and create claymations. She co-chaired the technology track for CAJE 33 in Vermont, is a SMART Certified Trainer for SMART Notebook, and a 2011 recipient of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.
When not learning, teaching or writing about technology, Debbie likes to sketchnote and craft. She likes to knit, do calligraphy, sew, watercolor, paint fabric and just generally play with fun toys like scrapbooking supplies and anything with texture. Debbie travels to California every summer to paint tallitot with high school aged campers. Finally, she is incredibly proud of her two daughters; Lori, who teaches English at a community college; and Allie, who is the director of the URJ’s Camp Newman in California.
Look for her at:
Debbie Does Desktop
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Email Debbie here
MuseForJews 
I was just asking myself the same question. I put “Jewish crafter” into http://search.blogger.com and found you. I’m 65 and live in the Bronx. I was a computer administrator and when I retired was eager to do something that was more lasting than my computer knowledge. Of course! papercrafts!
Hey Lora! I checked out your blog. There must be more of us!
I found a yahoo group called J-CRAFTS. I joined and found no one has mentioned rubber stamping on the group since 2005! I hope I can find a few stampers. There is a Jewishstampers yahoo group and when Ruth Hindin ran it I belonged, but lost interest when the ownership changed.
Hi Debbie,
I’m a Jewish knitter. I also joined J-Craft yahoo group, but have been disappointed in its lack of activity. Although I have no blog, I LOVE lurking around others’.
I live in a small town in south central Texas with virtually no other Jewish people, so I like to stay connected as best I can.
I am currently waiting for my invite to Ravelry, maybe that will give us another way to find MOT.
Robin Schriefer
New Braunfels, TX
I am bemoaning the lack of community for Jews-who-craft! I would love a place to share ideas, photos of finished objects and all that. I get frustrated when I buy craft magazines (especially this time of the year) and they’re packed with ornaments, etc.
I don’t craft too much any longer but quilt. IF you are able to contact Robin from New Braunfels, let her know there are other Jews nearby. I live in Corpus Christi.
If you check out my blog, you will find lots of various things. Plus if you find my delicious I have TONS of links.
DrMOm
I am also a Jewish Crafter in my 60’s. It has been hard during the years to see the availability of Judica disappear. Recently I tried to make a Chuppa for DD#1 and although I did have some help from the J-craft yahoo group, there was not much out there. I wish that there is some more interest.
Have you checked if there’s a Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework chapter near you? http://www.pomegranateguild.org/index.html
I’m really more interested in finding Jewish crafters with an online presence…
hi! I’m a Jewish (paper)crafter with a blog. My blog covers anything I do, not just Judaic, but I’m pretty sure I’d turn off most of my readership pretty quickly if all I did was Jewish stuff. I also design for Ruth’s Jewish Stamps and Shalom Scrapper papers, so I’ve got links to those on my blog, plus to Diversity Designs (which has links to some other Judaic companies), Be Blessed and Zsiage (which have Judaic lines amongst their other ones…) If you get GiftMaker or CardMaker magazines, some of my work for Kandi Corp can be found in the special-holiday-section of this year’s holiday issues, including a page of Chanukah projects (some paper, some other altered stamp crafts). I found YOUR site while looking for other Jewish crafters online as well!
uhm..just saw that I’m linked under your ‘crafters’ links…are you that fast, or should I have poked around more before posting? rofl! I’ve given you some linky love on my blog now – glad to have found you!
He he…
I am that fast! (and I’m procrastinating because I’d rather lie in bed, surf and watch Sara Moulton make stuffing than make my own…).
Hi Debbie,
I was wondering the same thing (where are all the Jewish crafters?) We have so much culture and such a rich heritage and yet what keeps popping up are magen dovids, dreildles and Menorahs (not that theres anything wrong with that) and everything else is relatively hard to find. THis post is actually a request.. Im in the middle of starting an online business catering to Jewish creative types (and/or those appreciating creativity). Right now the business/site focuses on custom labeled kosher wine (www.SimchaBottlingCo.com) but Id really like to do something more and Im looking for partners to do it. Take a look at the site – Id love to know what you think.
Thanks, good post and thanks for the blog 🙂
We exist.. but we are all over. Check out my blog to find “us.”
Dear Debbie,
Wow, I was wondering the exact same thing, I googled Jewish crafters and I found you and all these other people looking for the same. I live in Tel Aviv (I’m originally from Chicago and our girls’ godparents live in Northbrook!). I have a children’s boutique in Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv where I make everything by hand and I’m making a website now to show how I do it. I know that on Etsy, you can find other Israeli’s by looking at the location information. One of us need to establish ourselves as the “Jewish Martha Stewart”!
Laura Burch
hello from White Oak Pa!! I am a Jewish Quilter and Crafter. I am also a budding craft show promoter and am looking to establish a Jewish Crafter’s Market here in the Southwest of Pittsburgh. I am looking for crafters to build up my data base/ contact list and would love to see just what our Communities craft!!
Hi Debbie!
I have been crafting all my life, and recently, i turned my hobby into a start up business. I got involved in handmade Jewish greeting cards which lead me to manufacture my own line of Jewish themed clear stamps. Check out my website http://www.shalomstamps.com and spread the word!
Best,
Miriam Hersh