CRAFT STICK LULAV WITH POM POM ETROG

When I first saw this craft idea on Pinterest*, I squealed — it’s THAT adorable! But what I like most about this small but mighty Sukkot craft is that it helps kiddos understand that what we call the lulav is actually made up of three distinct parts: (1) Willow (in Hebrew, aravah), (2) Myrtle (in Hebrew, hadass) and (3) Palm Branch (in Hebrew, lulav). Together with the etrog (citrus fruit), we shake it in all directions to remind us that God is everywhere. *Unfortunately, I was not able to locate the original source of this craft idea. My apologies that I am not able to give credit where credit is due.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

-Craft sticks (it’s fun to use green craft sticks!)
-Green pipe cleaners (you’ll just need half of one stick)
-Green yarn
-Yellow pom poms
-Masking tape

HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

(1) Use masking tape to wrap the bottom half of the craft stick. (2) Cut four strands of yarn 14” to 16” inches (this is longer than you will need; however, it’s difficult to tie the yarn if it’s too short) The yarn will represent the willow leaves. (3) In one group, tie the four strands of yarn just above the masking tape line (near the middle of the craft stick). (4) Still using all four strands, make a bow, pulling it so that it’s nice a tight. (5) Next, carefully pull the end of each bow so that you make the “willow leaves” smaller. (6) Once the “willow leaves” are the size you like, play with them a big to accentuate the loops, which look like leaves. After that, trim the yarn ends so that they are about the same size as the “willow leaves.” Then try to coax them all over to the left side of the craft stick. (7) Wrap one end of a pipe cleaner once around the craft stick and above the yarn “willow leaves.” (8) On the other end that is sticking out, wrap it around a pencil or pen to create a spiral. This represents the myrtle leaves. (9) Finally, glue a yellow pom pom onto the craft stick underneath the yarn and pipe cleaner. The pom pom represents the etrog.