Make an Alphabet Block Menorah

Even if your child hasn’t outgrown his alphabet blocks, this craft is a great use for them. Kids will enjoy dusting off their old blocks and putting them to good use. And if your children are still using alphabet blocks to learn, then this menorah will help them along. All you need are some blocks that contain the letters of the child’s name, glue and some easy tools from Dad’s workshop.

What You Need:

• Ten Alphabet blocks (preferably wooden ones) containing the letters of the child’s name, your family's last name, or words such as Menorah or Hanukkah.
• Glue
• Wooden base, similar to a ruler
• Nine small metal round “nuts” from the hardware store
• Candles (the thinner the better)

What You Do:

1. Get started by lining up your 9 blocks so that they spell your child’s name when you look at it from the front. Again, if nine letters isn’t enough, or is too many, get creative! Put a decorative sticker on the blocks that you don’t need to use, or paint them a different color. Or if you have the space, spell out another word.
2. Glue the blocks to the wooden base.
3. Glue an additional block on the block in the center to serve as your Shamash. (Maybe choose the first letter of the child’s last name, or middle initial.)
4. Now it’s time to make the candle holders. Simply glue the “nuts” to the top of each block.
5. Now you’re ready to light it up. Place a candle in the first block for the first night of Hannukah and you’re all set to celebrate the festival of lights!