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Calanit Forever Memory Craft

Tags: Arts and Culture, Inspiration and Hope, Jewish Identity, Memory, Living Beyond Terror, Activities

Make your October 7 memorial personal and everlasting.

Create your Calanit Forever ceramic flower that will remain in your garden, in your home and heart.

As we approach the anniversary of October 7th, we are reminded of the immense pain and heartbreak we’ve collectively endured. Even as we continue to fight for the freedom of our captive family held hostage by the Hamas henchmen, we are called on to remember.

The 1400+ names of the victims have not become as well known as those whose lives are held in the balance. Their stories have been told by their surviving family, some stories yet to be told because they are steeped in so much pain, so much graphic atrocity… and every time we think back to that day of horror, we reel in agony and the tears start to fall again… How can we turn our pain into something that both honors the memory of the victims, and propels us toward healing?

The Calanit, with its vibrant red petals and deep roots in Israeli soil, symbolizes resilience and remembrance. We can each make an October 7 memory that is personal, meaningful, and that will forever remind us of the resilience of our people and the connection we share.

After the devastating October 7th terror attack, a deeply moving project, Calanit Before the Rain, was initiated by Israeli ceramic artists, to commemorate the victims of the October 7th terror attack. Hundreds of artists and communities created over 100K clay Calaniot.

These Calaniot represent more than just flowers; they resonate with the vibrant blossom of southern Israel (“Darom Be’Adom”/red south) with Israel's national flower. We echo this initiative and connect to our brothers and sisters in Israel by making Kalaniyot (anemones) out of clay for our families and our homes.

Contact us for other Healing Arts activities and resources for your family or community.

MATERIALS:

Air Dry or bakable Clay (white or gray_
Rolling pin
Small Bowl: As a reference or base to shape your clay
a skewer or knife to create holes or texture
sponge to smooth the surface and edges of your clay
Cup of water
Paint brushes
Red, white and black acrylic paint
Mod Podge
Metal rod
Epoxy or tile glue

DIRECTIONS:

Step One:
Place a ball of clay on your sheet of canvas or on a clean table.

Step Two:
Roll the clay into a flat slab.

Step Three:
Cut the clay into the shape of the calanit petals, or cut out a calanit flower outline. You can print these templates and use them as a guide.

Step Four:
Lay the petals as you make them into the bowl, overlapping the edges.

If you are making a complete calanit flower, you can curve the edges while cupping it in the palm of your hand. Then rest it into the bowl to keep its shape while it dries.

Step Five:
Cut out 2 circles, one smaller than the other, for the inner part of the flower. Or make a ball of the clay and flatten slightly.

Use your skewer/knife to make holes/spots on the inner circle.

You can also use the skewer to make lines from the center outward as is commonly seen on calaniot.

On the bottom side of the flower, make a whole for where you will place the rod using epoxy after it is dry.

Step Six:
Paint the flower bright red, the outer circle white, and the inner circle black.

Step Seven:
Let paint and clay dry overnight.

Step Eight:
Apply a thin layer of mod podge for a sheen and seal that will keep your calanit waterproof.

Step Nine:
Once dry, use epoxy to glue your calanit onto its rod stem. Dry overnight, and then plant your Calanit Memory Flower in your garden or in a special place in your home.

SHARE YOUR CRAFT PROUDLY AND KNOW THAT YOU HAVE PLANTED ISRAEL AT HOME, AND THAT YOU ARE KEEPING ALIVE THE MEMORY OF THE FALLEN FROM THE HORROR OF OCTOBER 7 AND EVERY TERROR ATROCITY OUR PEOPLE ENDURE.

SHARE IT WITH US ON INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK, AND BE INCLUDED IN OUR VIRTUAL GLOBAL GARDEN OF MEMORY AND CONNECTION.