How to Make Creative Hardware Menorahs

A traditional menorah uses candles as its light source.

Hanukkah is a seasonal celebration that is also known as the Festival of Lights. To commemorate Hanukkah, many Jewish people use menorahs as a holiday decoration in their homes. Menorahs come in a variety of materials and can be lit up using either light bulbs or traditional candles. Creative hardware menorahs are a fun project that make a great holiday gift.

Things You'll Need

• Scrap block of wood (10" - 12" long)
• Paint
• Empty thread spool
• Blue mosaic craft tiles
• 9 (3/8") metal nuts
• Multi-purpose cement
• Hanukkah candles
• Newspaper

Instructions

1. Cover the surface that you plan to work on with some newspaper so that it does not get stained or damaged. Using old newspapers also makes cleanup quick and simple.

2. Paint the wood block the color of your choice. This step is optional, but recommended because the painted block makes an attractive foundation for the menorah. Allow ample time to dry, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Glue the empty spool onto the center of the wooden block, using the multi-purpose cement. This spool will be used to elevate the shamash (center) candle on the menorah.

4. Glue four nuts on each side of the shamash, spaced evenly apart. These nuts need to be glued in a straight line. Add a ninth nut on top of the shamash elevation, directly on top of the empty spool. Allow ample time to dry.

5. Glue the mosaic tiles with the multi-purpose cement along the base of the menorah in the pattern of your choice. You can use one or more colors of tile to achieve the look or pattern you want. Allow plenty of time to dry.

6. Insert small candles in each of the metal nuts on the menorah. You now have a creative hardware menorah that you can give as a gift or keep for yourself to decorate your home for the holidays.

Tips & Warnings

• You may be able to get free scrap wood to use as the base for your menorah while you are buying the nuts from your local hardware store.

• Be careful not to get any adhesive or paint on your hands.

References

• InterfaithFamily.com: Make a Menorah to Light Up Hanukkah