I wanted to create a special and unique menorah for the special little 9 year old in my life and for our home, [already decorated with a gorgeous tree]. It was also important to me that it was duel purpose: a menorah for Hanukkah AND decorative yet useful candle holders for the other 357 days a year.
So I wracked my brain for a creative solution but it wasn't until a few Saturdays ago, while visiting the always charming Franklin Flea Antique + Vintage Market located in the historic Strawbridge's Building on 8th & Market, that I had the winning idea.
While poking around at one of the vendor's booth's, we stumbled upon a table of old [stinky, oily] machine gears of all shapes and sizes. As soon as I saw them and felt how heavy and solid they were, I thought these would make perfect tapered candle holders for our new family menorah!
We hand selected the gears we liked best, [all 9 totaling a whopping $25] then took them home for a solid scrubbing and waxing. Once completed, we fitted them with Williams Sonoma's 1/2" diameter "tiny taper candles" and voilà! Behold - a simple and thoughtful menorah / candle holder!
Potential variations for use throughout the year:
So if you are a member of the tribe I wish you and your family a wonderful eight crazy nights and if not, I wish you eight crazy nights as well - I don't discriminate!
Either way, I highly suggest that you head down to the last holiday Franklin Flea of the year on Saturday the 20th and support local businesses, food vendors, and secure some thoughtful last-minute holiday gifts for your loved ones. Don't miss it!
Latke time!