Make an Altar Triptych

This is a lovely activity to do with your children for a sabbat. A triptych refers to the three sections of the altar piece that fold out, allowing it to stand on your altar. It's a little like a theater backdrop and can be changed out depending on the sabbat or season. Many people grew up making Christmas decorations for their family at school and proud parents often store these away, bringing them out annually for years. As we get older we may cringe at the ratty paper snowflake we made as a child but also acknowledge the poignancy of it. 
How lovely it would be if your child grew up with a portfolio of these triptyches they make for the sabbats. A unique record of who they were and how they grew. 

You will need:
Large piece of card.
A ruler.
A plate or compass.
A pencil.
Scissors.
Art materials such as paint, inks, markers, collage stuff. 

1. Begin by talking about the sabbat and what images and ideas resonate with you about the celebration. Depending on the age of your child you might suggest a color scheme or particular symbols if you think it will help with the process.
2. Draw a rectangle on card that is 18 inches x 9 and cut it out.
3. Place in front of you horizontally.
4. Measure 4.5 inches in from each edge and score a  line from the top to the bottom. 
5. Fold each section into the middle.
6. Draw an arch onto the folded card using a plate or a compass.
7. Cut this out so that your card is curved at the top.
8. Open up your card
9. Decorate using paint, collage or any other items!
10. When dry it might have buckled a little
11. Flatten by putting some books on it
12. Add as a backdrop to you altar​

Tip 1: Be patient in flattening the finished piece. The aim is for the triptych to stand up and if the sides curve it will be less stable and won’t look as nice.

Tip 2: Forage some items to collage such as leaves, flowers etc. while also being responsible. We generally use items from our own yard and anything we find on the ground when out and about on our walks. 

Tip 3: As children get older, they might like to make up poems or stories to put on their triptych. An incantation perhaps or some sentences they write about what this sabbat means to them and the family. 

Tip 4: Make several templates in case you want to do more than one. 

Tip 5: Date the triptych so that over time you’ll have a record of the years and how your child grew in their tastes and talents.