The Hamsa Queen, Jenni of Lea Joelle Handmade is here to give us a little behind-the-scenes of her wonderful world of Hamsas. And she loves The Wedding Yentas so much, not only is she divulging her deepest, darkest Hamsa-making secrets, but she’s offering a giveaway! Just in time for Chanukah, read on to find out about this cute-and-yummy prize that’s waiting for a winner! Is it you?
The Wedding Yentas: Hi Jenni! Tell us about your love for Hamsas?
Lea Joelle Handmade: I love Hamsas! I have ever since my first trip to Israel. They were everywhere! In so many sizes, colors, and designs. I had already learned of the Hamsa when I studied Kabbalah for a short period of time back in college, but never connected with it so much before.
TWY: There are many interpretations behind the meaning of the Hamsa. What do you think of when you think about this beautiful symbol?
LJH: When I realized that the Hamsa is used in so many different cultures, including Judaism and Islam, it became even more special to me. As a religion major at Rutgers University, I studied many different religions and cultures, and very often the conflicts between them. So, to see a symbol that united so many of them is very moving. To me they represent peace and the universal desire for divine luck and protection.
TWY: Like so many symbols in Judaism, there are multiple meanings and interpretations. I like that. So, what’s your art background?
LJH: My art background begins with being a kid who always preferred crayons to sports. I’ve always taken classes in school and outside of school that taught me different forms of art and I often expanded on that on my own.
TWY: What would you say your artistic style is?
LJH: I think that the style I use on my Hamsas is very modern, cute, and fun. There are a million Hamsas out there, but most are very traditional. I like to use the shape to make a more personal piece of art.
TWY: That’s my style too. So, how did you get into the business of creating artistic Hamsas?
LJH: When planning my wedding, I immediately knew I wanted to give Hamsas as favors to my guests. But how? I looked high and low for an afforable and personal way to do this. It didn’t take long before I thought to make them myself! This way they could be as personalized as I wanted. I enjoyed making them so much I did not want to stop. I found a great place to share my passion on Etsy.
TWY: Etsy is amazing for artists of handmade goods. Can you tell us what materials you use?
LJH: I use mostly wooden Hamsas. I prefer using wood because it is easy to paint and personalize. Also, they are very lightweight and do not break so they are perfect for wall hangings. It is also the best material to use to make affordable gifts and favors. As you can see in my shop, I do like to experiment though!
TWY: How long does it take you to complete a project?
LJH: It depends on the size of the project, but since I work full-time at a small charity in Brooklyn, I usually complete my projects over a couple of evenings. Once I get started on a project, I don’t like to stop!
TWY: Ah, the beauty of being your own boss! I know it’s hard to choose just one, but what’s been your most favorite project to work on?
LJH: I love, love making Hamsa wishing tree tags. I think the idea of the wishing tree for special events such as weddings and showers are so beautiful. Guests write a short message of well wishes or advice on the back of each Hamsa and hang them on a tree provided by the host. You are left with a tree full of brightly decorated, unique and extremely personalized Hamsas! They are beautiful! I recently received an order for the Hamsa tags for a mother using them to build a family tree!
TWY:Keeping the Hamsa theme, what are the different items you make? I know keychains are what started you off, but what else do you create with hamsas?
LJH: There are so many ways to use the Hamsas. Right now I make everything from the wishing tree tags mentioned above, to wine glass markers, rearview mirror ornaments, magnets, and wall decor. I recently made a felt Hamsa for my kitten to play with! Even animals need a little good luck!
TWY: Awww, cute! What are some decorating suggestions you have for displaying your creations?
LJH: I personally have a collection of Hamsas when you enter my apartment. They belong in any room, on your keys, in your car and in your office! These mini flower pot Hamsas with Business Prayer are an adorable way to make your cubicle feel like home!
TWY: That’s a fabulous idea! So, are you running any kind of special promotions for the upcoming holidays?
LJH: Yes! I am offering $1 shipping worldwide through the end of the year! Also, please use code “YENTA10” for an additional 10% off your entire purchase!
TWY: How nice of you! How can people place orders?
LJH: Please check out my etsy shop online. You can also contact me by email leajoelle462@gmail.com.
TWY: Finally, what would be your dream project?
LJH: My dream project is to make Hamsa key chain favors for a celebrity wedding! Each guest would take home a handmade Hamsa key chain personalized with the couple’s name and wedding date! Perhaps it could then be publicized and more people would learn what a Hamsa is and it’s beautiful symbolism.
Enter to win a masterpiece of Hamsa creations! Lea Joelle Handmade and The Wedding Yentas are giving away a set of wine glass tags and a gift certificate to BevMo so that you’ll celebrate in style this Chanukah season! The winner will receive four Hamsa Wine glass charms/markers with the tree of life design! These are made to order so if you prefer different colors, you can customize your palette upon claiming your prize. The Hamsas are 2 inches long and hang from 1″ silver hoops that will fit any stemmed and/or handled glass. Let your guests have their own identity at your party for a night of luck in friendship, good food, and maybe even love! The BevMo gift card will make sure your glass is not only cute, but full!
How to Enter:
Leave a comment below for one entry.
Leave a comment and mention the giveaway on The Wedding Yentas Facebook page for one entry.
Leave a comment and mention the giveaway on the Lea Joelle Handmade Facebook page for one entry.
The more entries in your name, the more chances you have to win! Sweepstakes ends Thursday, December 15 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, December 16.
Good luck!
