A Tree Branch Menorah is a Great Hanukkah Craft for Kids

The holidays are a great time for creativity and crafts. Since the holidays are also a time of family togetherness the holidays are an ideal time for parents and kids to test their creativity making many different craft projects. There are many Hanukkah crafts for kids that are both beautiful and unique. One important Hanukkah symbol is the menorah. In fact, many kids have created clay menorahs and Styrofoam menorahs in their Hebrew school art class. I made a Styrofoam menorah in Hebrew school when I was six; therefore, I think that it would creative for kids to make a menorah for Hanukkah that is new and unique. A tree branch menorah would be a fun Hanukkah craft for kids.

A menorah consists of nine candles. Eight candles represent the eight days of Hanukkah and the ninth candle, the Shammash, is used to light the other candles. A menorah is the centerpiece of Hanukkah. Therefore, each Jewish home should have a beautiful menorah in their home. So, a tree branch menorah is a great Hanukkah craft for kids. However, I would recommend that kids start of their menorah making adventures by creating a menorah out of empty thread spools and clay or play-doh.

Materials
9 empty thread spools
Playdough
Large birthday candles
Tin foil (optional)

Directions
Make a Hanukkah menorah using nine empty thread spools to hold the candles. If the candles are a bit loose then, use some playdough to make them fit snugly. Since a menorah can be any shape or size, please use your imagination. Kids can insert the candles into the playdough or modeling clay that they have used in creating the menorah's delightful design. It is tradition that the menorah is lit every night and that new candles are used every time. You will need a total of forty four candles for each menorah that you light. Special packages of Hanukkah candles are available during this time of year.

Now that kids have menorah making down to a science it is time to create a tree branch menorah because a tree branch menorah is a great and unique Hanukkah craft for kids.

Materials
Tree Branch
Silver Spray Paint
Candles
Drill (should only be used by an adult or with close adult supervision)

Directions
Drill 9 holes in a tree branch and then paint it with silver spray paint. Let the paint dry and put the candles in place. Creating a tree branch menorah is as easy as 1-2-3; that is why it is a unique and great Hanukkah craft for kids. Sources: http://fun.familyeducation.com/hanukkahcrafts,http://familycrafts.about.com