DECORATIVE PASTA MENORAH
Mamma mia — what a beautiful menorah! Who knew that you can make a menorah out of pasta AND that it’s pretty easy?! Just glue nine pieces of ziti (for the eight candles, plus the helper candle) to a lasagna noodle, spray paint it, and then add birthday candles, which fit perfectly. Wow! This sweet little menorah will surely add extra joy to your Hanukkah celebration, but just to be on the safe side, please use it as a decorative and/or play menorah that you don’t light. Chag Hanukkah Sameach!
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:
-Lasagna noodles (the dry kind in a box)
-Ziti pasta (the dry kind in a box)
-Glue (I used regular Elmer’s glue)
-Spray paint in whatever color you like (I used Krylon Glitter Blast - Sparkling Waters)
-Birthday candles
HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:
(1) Choose a lasagna noodle that is relatively flat (some of them are curved a bit), and set it on your table. (2) Next, sift through the ziti pieces (it helps to pour a bunch in a bowl) and see if you can find one that is a bit taller than the others — this can be the shamash (helper) candle holder. (3) Now find eight shorter pieces for the other candles. Please note that sometimes the ends of the ziti are closed a bit. You want to find ones that have a full circle opening. You can “test” them by placing a birthday candle in one end to see if it fits. (4) Glue the taller ziti piece (the shamash spot) in the middle of the lasagna; then glue four ziti pieces to the right of the shamash spot and also four to the left of the shamash spot. (5) Allow the glue to dry completely (a couple of hours). (6) Now you’re ready to spray paint! PLEASE make sure you are in a well ventilated area — either outside or in a garage with the door open. (7) Place your pasta menorah on a large piece of cardboard to protect your surface while you’re spray painting. (8) Allow the paint to dry overnight (and for the fumes to dissipate), and then you are ready to add candles for Hanukkah! Just to be on the safe side, please use it as a decorative and/or play menorah that you don’t light.
