We celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas in our home, so, as some might agree, our children get the best of both worlds! But it can also be a tricky mash-up of cultures, but I guess it makes sense to my kids who know nothing else. The other day we discovered a new-to-us A-mazing teacher supply store, and came home with a 2.5 pound bucket of Crayola Air Dry Clay to make our very own menorahs. It cost just over $5, and I cannot recommend this clay enough. It feels just like the clay you throw pots on, and my kids were enthralled by the texture. So unlike play dough, and it has the potential to make long-lasting objects.
N’s cousin gave her a homemade menorah a couple years ago, so this one is a return gift-in-the-making. We started with a mound of clay, rolled it out with our new rolling pin, scored at a Waldorf school winter festival, and poked a candle into the clay eight times. N placed one of our menorahs on the table as inspiration. Menorahs hold nine candles, eight for the eight nights of Hanukkah, and a ninth called the shamash (meaning “attendant”) that lights the other candles.
Meanwhile, my 15 month old got into the clay spirit. She’s been copying everything her sister does, and after seeing this magic, I wished I had given her a bigger piece of clay to play with.
To make room for the shamash, we decided to build a little mound by making a ball of clay, scoring both sides of where it would connect with hatch marks, and then pressing the pieces together.
We used a little water and a popsicle stick to smooth out the edges. I read that if there are cracks in this clay it can fall apart once dry, so we were sure to smooth all those cracks right out with water.
And then N decided to use a wooden stick to poke a pattern of holes all over the menorah.
And a hole for the shamash.
Baby Rainbow didn’t want to be left out of the fun, so she got a small pot of water and loved playing with the goopy clay.
Now we have to let the clay dry for 2-3 days before painting it. If you’d like to join us and make an air dry menorah too, you should be able to find Crayola Air Dry Clay at Target, Walmart, Office Depot or on Amazon for $5.99.
So far, I love this product, and I think we’ll make handprint ornaments with it tomorrow!
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
At our house, we celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas, so it is really nice to see a Hanukkah craft! I had not thought about making a menorah, so thanks for the great idea! Not sure if I want to fight the crowds to buy some clay, so maybe I will try the salt dough. I’ll let you know how it goes!
I had the same salt dough idea.
Just this morning I asked N if she wanted to make a salt dough menorah and she said “no.” I think she’s had enough. I’d love to hear how it goes.
I got busy so we opted for play doh!Â
…and Happy Hanukkah!
Ooooh, and it looks like you used marbleized play dough. So pretty. I never would have thought about play dough burning, but of course it would with all the oil in it…a Hanukkah miracle!
Word of caution – if you light the candles on your play doh menorah, blow them out before they get too low – play doh burns! LOL!
again, super awesome! handprint ornaments will be so fun, too!
thank you, thank you!
What teacher supply store was it? We have a good one here in San Carlos, but I’m always looking for more resources for our homeschool adventures
I think that’s the same one, Anne! Morrisons. I’ve never been and it was *dangerous* walking through the aisles with my kids. My 3 year old wanted everything, and my 15 month old was thrilled to wander around and pull things off the shelves. Oh, and after spending $$, we finally headed home! My local favorites are RAFT and now Morrisons. Where do you shop?
Yep, Morrison’s is the one.
The staff is so nice there, even when my 12 month old is crawling around, dragging things off the shelves. I also love University Art for good quality paper and supplies.
Now that there aren’t any little ones at home, we try to get as many friends and family as possible (even little ones) to help deliver food baskets and gifts to needy families through our local police & fire departments.  It’s a good lesson for all of us and the kids’ eyes (both those helping and those receiving) is a sight to behold.  BTW, I enjoyed the Hanukkah menorah craft.  It would make for a wonderful teaching moment — for all of us.  Thanks.
Lucy, this is a great tradition! Before kids I volunteered at a food kitchen, and it really helped me understand just how much I have. Thanks for the comment!
Love crayola air dry clay….it is so similar to “real clay” . As an art teacher, I would use it for kids that missed clay lessons. BTW , love the bowl with the red splotches!
You’re such a good teacher to have an alternative clay for those lucky kids! I like the splotchy red bowl too, a gift from my tasteful MIL.