How to Make Your Own Menorah

There are several different types of Menorahs that you can make yourself. The ideas are quick and easy, and can even be enjoyed by younger children. Some are more difficult but all will make a lovely Menorah to add to your holiday collection.

Simple spool Menorah:

The first easy and inexpensive Menorah is one made from wooden spools. There are many ways you can personalize it and you can make it hold real candles or artificial ones. Having your whole family work together on this project can provide at least one evening of entertainment. Even better, use your families crafted Menorah this holiday season. Your whole family will enjoy the lighting celebration even more.

Supplies:

Nine empty wooden spools that can be obtained from a craft store or from a collection of empty sewing spools you may already have. Sizes are not very important but have one spool taller than the rest.

Acrylic paint in shades of blue and white or silver

Sponge or small artist paint brushes

Paint each of the spools in your choice of blue shades. When the spools are dry paint each, except for the largest, with the numbers from one to eight. You may need to add some beeswax to the center of the spools if the opening is too large to hold the Menorah candles. If younger children are helping you can get number stencils to apply instead of having to paint the numbers on the spools them.

A variation on this is to make a non-lighting Menorah. Add nine colored pencils in place of the candles and place a small yellow rubber tip eraser on the top of each colored pencil. The rubber erasers will look like candle flames.

Tree branch Menorah:

Supplies:

One tree branch, a foot or more in length and one inch or more in diameter.

Paint, spray paint is easiest, in blue or silver

Drill with one quarter to three eighths bit.

Your tree branch should be flat enough on one side to prevent rolling. If not you may whittle a portion to flatten it. Use caution if using a knife and when using drills. Once your branch will be steady, paint it in your choice of silver or blue. You may wish to hang the branch outside for painting and hanging it will allow you to paint all surfaces at once. Allow your branch to dry. Once it is dry you only need to drill nine holes for your candles. You have a couple of options for this. Drill eight holes in a row with one hole separated and towards one end. You can also drill four holes, leave an inch or so of separation and drill a center candle hole. From there, using the same spacing distance, drill the four additional holes needed.

A variation of this is just using a flat piece of wood. A one by two about a foot in length would work nicely. If you find your candles are loose in their holders just add some beeswax to secure them.

References:

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/hanukkahmenorah/
http://www.parents.com/holiday/hanukkah/crafts/menorah-craft/