Activities,  DIY,  Hanukkah,  Holidays,  Toddler

How to Make Your Own Personalized Menorah

December 5, 2022 /

I’ve been waiting to do this with Mackenzie for a while now & she’s finally at an age where she could help me in the process! I’ll break down all the steps we took & everything we needed to make her “Mackenzie” menorah.

What you’ll need:

a base (I used a 13″ 2×4)

sandpaper (if the wood you’re using is rough cut)

letter blocks (linking the ones I used here)

paint for base (I used acrylic paint)

nuts (I went to my local hardware store with Hanukkah candles to make sure I got the right size nut)

gorilla glue (linking the exact one I used here)

modge podge (this step is optional, but it helped sealed the paint in & will hopefully make it easy to scrap off the candle wax without damaging the paint)

Step 1: Make sure your base is smooth by sanding it

Step 2: Paint the base (this is the step where Mackenzie was able to help most)

Step 3: This step is optional, but I think it will help keep the paint in tact longer. Once the paint is dry, you can put modge podge over to seal it.

Step 4: Line up your letters & picture blocks how you want them on your menorah

Step 5: Use the gorilla glue to glue the picture block with the letter block that is going above it. Let those dry before doing the next step.

Step 6: Use the gorilla glue to attach the nut to the top of the letter block. Read the instructions for the glue you’re using because mine said to wet the metal a little before putting the glue on. I found the glue did hold really well once I let it dry for.

Step 7: Lastly, use the gorilla once more to glue your blocks to your base.

Mackenzie was only really able to help pick the picture blocks out & paint the base with me, but there are definitely ways to include your older children in this process.

  • If they know the letters in their name, let them help you find those
  • Have the count out 9 picture blocks for below the letter blocks & 1 more to make the shamash taller than all the others
  • Take them to the hardware store & have them help you find the right size nut

They could also help sand the wooden base if they’re old enough

There are so many ways to include your child in this fun project that will hopefully be used year after year!

here’s a video I made of the process:

If you do this with your little one make sure to tag me on instagram @mamasfirsttracks so I can see!