The Trouble With Making Art Part of your Sabbath

So I have decided that I want to incorporate a craft or some type of art work into my Sabbath experience every week.  The problem is...You have to be careful or you end up with a bunch of crafts and artwork. I can remember my grandma made cute owls out of a spongy foam like material. You would put magnets on the back of them (in orange, harvest gold and avocado green preferably to match all the kitchens in the 70s) They were super fun to make...but eventually one has enough owls, as do all of your friends (neighbors and enemies)

Creativity is such a blessing and wonderful gift that we have been given, but as my mother always says, "Too much of anything is good for nothing!"  Fortunately my daughter is getting married next summer and we are making the centerpieces and some other fun treats for the guests, so my crafting itch is being scratched and the "creations" will disappear. (In 7 months from now...but still!)

If I'm not doing wedding crafts, I try to create something consumable (or giveable, beware!)  I thought I would share this idea of snow candles with you.  We have been gifted with record breaking snowfalls this year so it is a blessing to be outside and taking advantage of all God's beauty.  Here is a fun craft

Snow Candles:
Supplies:

• Paraffin wax
• Crayons (you are willing to part with)
• Candles Wicks
• Large can or kettle that you are okay with melting wax in (3# coffee can is perfect...do they still make 
• those?)
• Oven mitt
• Small stick or chopstick
• Spoon and butterknife
• Deep snow

Preparation:

• Tie candle-wicking to the center of your small sticks (3-10 inches depending on how deep you are going to dig your candle mold)
• Using your spoon and butter knife dig holes in the snow deep enough to let one end of the wick touch the bottom, and narrow enough so you can rest the stick across the top to hold the wick in the center of the hole.  You can use the butter knife to smooth the edges of the hole for a more formed look or poke some holes in the edges with your finger for a more funky free-style look
• If using a can, squeeze one side to form a pouring lip

Steps:

1. place paraffin and color crayon/s in the melting can
2. boil water in a larger pan then place the melting can in it to melt the wax
3. as the wax melts put your coat and boots and mittens on!
4. using the oven mitt bring the wax outside and pour into the prepared hole, holding the stick with the wick still
5. let the candle set up until firm (time will depend on temperature)
6. scoop the candle out with the surrounding snow on it
7. bring it inside and rinse it off in the sink

Or make tiny snowmen and give them a tea light lol!