Chanukah: Homemade Menorah

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a homemade Menorah!

self hardening clay
gold paint
paint brush
table covering
plastic plate

REMEMBER THAT IT'S IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS WORK UNDER ADULT SUPERVISION. SOMETIMES WE USE THINGS THAT CAN BE HARMFUL, LIKE SCISSORS, SO DON'T EVER ATTEMPT TO MAKE THESE CRAFT PROJECTS ALONE.

1. Divide your clay into 2 equal parts.
2. Roll one piece into a log. Make it long enough to hold 9 candles – about 2 feet long. Press lightly to flatten the ends. Set aside.
3. Make another log out of the second piece.
4. The Hanukkah menorah has nine candle holders. The eight side branches represent the eight-day celebration of the miracle of oil, while the central branch, called the 'Shamas', is used to light the other Candles. To create your candleholders, divide that log in half, divide those halves again, and again – until you have 8 pieces. Then take about a third of each piece to create the largest Shamas candleholder.
5. Roll each piece into a ball.
6. Press a candle into each ball.
7. Roll your shamus candle a bit thicker so that it stands higher than the others. Carefully press your candle into it. Tap the end on the table to make the edge even.
8. Attach your candleholders to the log, starting with the middle Shamas candleholder. If your log is too long, you can trim the ends.
9. Gently tap the whole thing on the table to flatten out the bottom. Bake according to manufacturer’s instructions. Usually this will be around 45 minutes.
10. Paint your menorah gold. It may take more than one coat. Let it dry for about an hour. Add your candles and you’re ready for Channukah!