DIY Kwanzaa Kinara
Last updated August 21, 2024
Amber Kemp-Gerstel is an avid crafter and “doable DIY-er” aimed at providing the necessary steps and info to dive into the world of crafting while removing any unwanted frustration. Through her blog, Damask Love, Amber shares tons of how-to’s, tips, tricks, and ideas to inspire everything from experienced crafters to those just beginning their crafting journey. To keep up with Amber, you can visit her blog, **Damask Love**, or follow her on Instagram at **@damasklove**.
A Note From The Home Depot
As we countdown to Kwanzaa, The Home Depot and Amber Kemp-Gerstel of Damask Love are excited to share an easy-to-make kinara that can be customized to you and your family’s Kwanzaa traditions!
No worries! Check out Amber’s blog below for some other great family craft ideas, tips and tricks!
Table of Contents
Unexpected Materials Make an Awesome Impact
Let’s Assemble!
Display Your Kinara
Kwanzaa is an African American holiday celebrating African American history, heritage and culture. The week-long celebration is observed from December 26th to January 1 and culminates with gift giving and a big dinner. Each night of Kwanzaa, families light the kinara - a seven candle holder. Each night of Kwanzaa is centered around one of the seven principles:
Umoja (Unity) , Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), Imani (Faith).
In the spirit of Kuumba, I’m excited to share an easy-to-make kinara that you can customize for your own family’s Kwanzaa celebration.
Unexpected Materials Make an Awesome Impact
I love using materials in unexpected ways and this project is no exception. Here’s a look at what you’ll need:
Hampton 4 in. x 4 in. Pressure-treated Wood Pyramid Post Cap
4 in. x 4 in. Pressure-Treated Unfinished Pine Ball Top Finial
A 2.5” wide wood board cut to 15”
9 in LED Flickering Candles with Timer - 6-Pack (Gold)
Decorative trim of your choice
Drill
5/8” drill bit
Wood screws
Wood Glue
Let’s Assemble!
Just a few steps are required to assemble our Kwanzaa kinara. By using the post finial and fence post together, we can create a really beautiful, ornate kinda without any fancy woodworking!
Twist the finial into the pyramid post cap. You may want to first drill a pilot hole in the post cap to make this step a bit easier.
Next, drill a 5/8” hole in the center of wood board at 7.5”. Don’t go all the way through! Just deep enough so that the candle will fit snuggly in place. Once you’ve created the first hole, drill six additional holes as shown in the photo.
Use a wood screw to secure the wood board on top of the finial.
Add a decorative edge to your kinda with trim. You can secure this with wood glue or finishing nails…whatever you have access to!
Remove the “flame” from the top of the battery-operated candles.
Now it’s time to create our Kwanzaa candles in traditional red, black and green. Spray paint the “wax” part of the candle and allow to dry completely.
To finish off your kinara, paint the entire wood base with your favorite color then insert the candles into place.
Display Your Kinara
With the battery operated candles, you simply need to twist the flame to “light” each candle for every night of Kwanzaa.
This easy to make project is a home decor piece that will keep you celebrating year after year!
Happy Kwanzaa!
This post was created in partnership with The Home Depot. The author may have received compensation for this article and associated images or video, potentially in the form of products and/or services. All expressed opinions and experiences are the author’s own words.
