Hanukkah is a tough holiday in the Stampin' Up! world. While we have had stamp sets in the past that addressed the holiday, we don't right now. This is definitely due to the fact that the sets don't sell widely, so I can't blame them for not having any. But as part of the worldwide and company-wide trend toward increased diversity, much of this issue is a lack of understanding. Hopefully I can help with that!
Being Jewish, I do send a bunch of Hanukkah cards each year, but because I have a family, I have chosen to send photo cards which are so easy and available through online sites these days. But some folks deserve something special. I am fortunate to have a wonderful religious leader, Rabbi Robert Green, who allowed me to "interview" him about Hanukkah cards.
- Given that Hanukkah is a minor Jewish holiday and has evolved due to Christian traditions, how do you feel about giving/receiving cards for Hanukkah? Most cultures have some kind of winter holiday of lights. It makes sense, coming in the darkest time of the year (at least in the northern hemisphere). I think Chanukah cards are absolutely fine. Any occasion to send a greeting to people who are important to us is a good occasion! But I think of it as more cultural than religious. It is also the time of the secular new year, which we celebrate because we are American. It's nice, however, to remember that Chanukah is a minor holiday.
- And given above, how do you feel about receiving cards saying “Peace on Earth”, “Happy Holidays”, or even “Merry Christmas”? "Happy Holidays" is a fine greeting, especially since we are sending them to both people who celebrate Chanukah and those who celebrate other holidays. "Peace on Earth" is also a fine greeting for the same reason. I pray for peace on earth on a daily basis. I think Jewish people sometimes shy away from it, because they may think it is from Christianity, but it is not. We have prayed for peace throughout the world in our Amidah, multiple times a day, for 2,000 years! "Merry Christmas" is not a greeting I use on cards, unless I write it myself, in my message to people who celebrate. I like the cards that I send to others to both represent me and acknowledge their holiday. I am happy to wish people who celebrate Christmas a Merry Christmas, in person. I enjoy acknowledging other people's holidays as much as I do having others acknowledging mine.
- How do you feel about Hanukkah cards featuring 6-pointed stars or doves? Six pointed stars and doves are fine, as long as they are not on Christmas trees ;). A dove was the first of God's creations to leave the Ark, following the flood.
- And how do you feel about “winter” cards with the Happy Hanukkah greeting? I am more drawn to Jewish or light themed cards that involve bringing light into the world, because I think this time of year is really about bringing light into darkness.
I love my rabbi because he is always so thoughtful and diplomatic. My personal take on cards is that I like to acknowledge the recipients beliefs as opposed to my own. My feeling is that if I purchase a gift that I like, but it is something I know that the person doesn't, it isn't sending the message I want. But that's just me. And regarding Hanukkah cards, I prefer to stick to menorahs, dreidels and possibly doves (although I'm on the fence on that one). Six-pointed stars are like sending Christmas cards with a cross, OK but not addressing the holiday. So let's see my idea!
Here's the inspiration:
I always love the dipped candles, although we don't always use them. Here's my take:
This super simple card is totally me! Plus, it's a slim line card which is all the rage these days. FYI - use a A10 Business Size envelope to mail, or create your own. Here's how the card was made:
For the candles, I used Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay and Pacific Point inks using the soon-to-be-released Blending Brushes on a piece of Whisper White cardstock. I start with the lightest color and move down to the darkest, blending in between each color. (Note: this can also be done with a sponge, but the new brushes are SO COOL!) 
I cut 1/2" strips, with one strip longer than the others for the shamesh (helper candle). I Adhered the longer strip in the center of the card front with the darkest color down at the bottom edge. With 0.5" in between each, adhere the other strips as candles to create the Hanukkah menorah. Hint: Did you know that the top and right side of our grid paper has a "center" ruler? That is, 0" is in the center, then counts up going to the right and left. Makes it easy to center things on your cards! I marked out where to place the candles.
I die cut the leafy die cut from the Detailed Bands dies out of Gold Foil paper for the flames. (Note: this was a happy accident as I was looking through my dies for Forever Flourishing dies to use the leafy die from that as my flames, I came across this one and it was perfect!). Using the INSIDE pieces of the leafy die (i.e. the usual remnants), adhere one to the top of each candle. I love how they are all a little different, just like real flames! You can also use the leaf from the Apple Builder punch.
You can also go the more traditional route with brightly colored candles. I used the score board to create the wax lines on the candles:
Now go check out what some of my stamping friends have done! If you would like to have a detailed tutorial on how to make this card, just email me! Now go check out what some of my stamping friends have done!
Wishing you a New Year filled with health, happiness, and creativity! Personally, my creative heart feels like it's truly a New Year on January 5th, when the new January-June Mini Catalog and Sale-a-Bration make their happy debut. The January-June Mini Catalog is blooming with everything you'll want for your Spring holidays and occasions from Valentine's Day on through to Father's Day. Don't wait to plan a catalog party or event, you'll want to get your hands on the fun new stamps and accessories right away! My calendar fills quickly this time of year so please contact me today to schedule!
