Crafter Mari Blaustein uses imprints of children's hands to make molds for a special menorah. The candles are added to complete this traditional symbol of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah. Materials:
Large container
Sand
Water
Plaster of Paris
Mixing bowl
Spoon
Nine 3/8" metal nuts
Elmer'sB. glue
Nine candles
- Pour sand into a large container, and dampen it. The sand should hold together without being wet. If you can see water when you press the sand, it's too wet (figure A).
- Hook your thumbs together, extend your fingers, keeping them together, and press your hands in the damp sand to make an imprint (figure B).
- Have a partner pat mounds of sand around your hands (figure C).
- Lift your hands slowly, being careful not to disturb the imprint.
- Mix two parts plaster of Paris to one part water in a mixing bowl.
- Pour plaster of Paris into the impression in the sand.
- Allow 30 to 40 minutes for the plaster to set.
- Lift the plaster mold out of the sand. Rinse the sand away with water (figure D).
- Lay the mold flat, and glue a 3/8" nut onto the surface of each finger ( figure E).
- Insert candles into the nuts.
- If desired, glue a larger 7/8" nut where your thumbs were for a larger candle in the middle of the menorah.
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