Modern style lights up a traditional menorah

Hands-on time: Two hours.
Skill: Easy.
Cost estimate: Less than $25.00.

Materials & Tools

• Nine flat-sided blue glass vases, pillared, square shaped, approximately 10 inches (25cm) high x 1 1/2 inches (4cm) wide to use as tall votive candle holders (available at gift shops and dollar stores)
• Wire-mesh - the kind used for window screens (available at hardware stores) - you will need a 1-foot length of standard-width screening for eight candle holders
• Utility scissors
• Framing wire (available at hardware stores)
• Fringed beads or wired beaded trim, in assorted colours
• Silver spray paint
• 9 candles of your choice
• White or blue small-grain decorative gravel (available at garden centers)
• Assorted decorative glass beads (optional)

Hanukkah decorations traditionally feature a palette of blue and white. Now accents of gold, silver, lilac and purple are being added along with decorations such as tassels, sequins, bead strands and mesh. Hanukkah menorahs have also taken on a new look. The traditional branched style menorahs with the shamas, used to light the other eight, have evolved to more modern adaptations and materials such as pottery, glass, crystals and metals like copper. This unconventional menorah project says traditional in its blue tints, yet mainly consists of blue glass vases, silver meshing, and ornamental beads.

Begin by cutting the wire-mesh into eight strips (3 x 8 inches). For a fringe effect, remove about five strands from each length of the mesh strips, from the top and bottom. Cut eight pieces of framing wire into 9-inch lengths.

Wrap a wire-mesh piece around the middle of each vase, pinching it to shape, at each of the four corners. Wrap a wire strand around the center of each wire-mesh collar by twisting the two ends together at the back to secure. Garnish the center front of each vase with strands of assorted beads trimmed from a beaded fringe or make your own wired beaded trim, and tuck, or glue under the framing wire to secure in place.

In a well-ventilated room, spray silver paint on the center vase for the shama candle, and let dry.

Fill the bottom of the eight blue vases with about two inches of small-grain decorative gravel, and fill the silver vase three-quarters of the way. Then insert a candle into each vase, anchoring it tightly into place. Place the menorah decoration on a mantel or table. Add your accent décor items such as glass beads and decorative gravel and enjoy the festival of lights.

Variations

• You can substitute the decorative accents in this project with such items as coins, Stars of David, paper swags, and painted wooden dreidels in tones of silver and gold.
• Gluing seed beads or blue sequins on the candle holders will add sparkle to the festive glow.