A dreidel art project that looks like the page is spinning...
I knew something was missing from our blog and projects this year – and that was a Hanukkah art project for my Jewish friends.
After speaking with many of them in order to figure out a project that spoke to their culture, but also children, dreidels came up again and again.
This fun top is used as a party game during Hanukkah – the letters meaning different things:
- nun (nothing)
- gimel (everything)
- hei (half)
- shin (add)
Depending on what letter the dreidel lands on after being spun, this is what happens to the pot of money.
There are many different games that you can play with this top, but one of the most fun parts is spinning it! So in this art project, students will create their own spinning dreidel using line and pattern.
Scroll all the way down and click the banner to download the FREE step-by-step lesson!
What you'll need:
- 9×12 colored sulphite paper
- Oil pastels and chalk pastels
OR
- Tempera paint sticks
Dancing Dreidel Art Project Instructions
Use a black oil pastel to draw the outline of the dreidel.
First, draw a wide arrow pointing upward and to the left. Then add two angled lines at the bottom of the arrow.
Connect them with a V-shape.
Draw two vertical lines connecting the sides.
Add a short, vertical line in the middle of the bottom, and a then add a handle.
Draw a horizontal line about an inch away from the top of the paper, and the bottom, skipping over any parts of the dreidel.
Repeat with two vertical lines.
Draw 2 of the Hebrew letters, a different on on each side.
One is drawn similar to the W, and one as a small n.
Use a light gray or white chalk pastel to color the left side, and a dark gray or black on the right side. Then use a medium gray over the entire background.
Work from left to right gently smearing the chalk from the lighter side to the darker side.
Use a dark color of chalk pastel to shade the left and bottom of the dreidel. Lightly smear the color to fill the space.
Choose a color for the other side of the dreidel.
Use different, but bright colors, to fill in the letters.
Finally, use black to shade the left side of the handle, and white for the right portion. Lightly blend downward.
Create a pattern around the frame with either oil pastels or chalk pastels.
Choose a simple shape or repeating pattern. The sample shows triangles in rainbow order with oil pastels. Black is used to fill the spaces in between.
Adding movement with line
Movement is easy with line – but the lines need to look unfinished – not like a ring.
Begin with a short line on the left of the handle or dreidel. Draw the line slightly to the left, curve it upward, and draw the line through the handle or dreidel and then stop.
Resist the urge to draw a circle – you want the line unbroken and more of a C than an O.
Repeat going down the dreidel.
Want an easy to read, printable copy? Click the banner below to download the FREE pdf.
This is one of HUNDREDS of lessons inside the Glitterbombers Membership when you join. We’re enrolling soon, click HERE to get on the waitlist.
Are you someone who. just loves poinsettias, or cuetlaxochitl ? Me too – and that’s why we created this adorable plant with personality, inspired by Alma Hammond.
