Custom Gifts for Hanukkah

Being in the middle of something is sometimes the best time to plan ahead.  Just like Christmastime can put you in the right frame of mind to think about holiday gifts and decorations not only for this year but next year, the middle of the 8-day Jewish “Feast of Dedication,” is a good time to think about custom gifts for next year’s festival of Hanukkah.  Here are two custom made menorahs created by CustomMade artisans as well as some wonderful gift ideas.

You can have a hanukkiyah menorah in a traditional or unique design hand crafted from iron or glass.  This traditional menorah was hand-forged by artisan Steve McGrew of Incandescent Ironworks, Ltd., with eight branches in a row to hold eight candles at the same height and one branch higher to hold the ninth shamash or “helper candle.”  Steve can also create a non-traditional menorah with the candles at different levels.  Contact the artisan to commission a hanukkiyah in the design of your choice.

Menorah by Incandescent Ironworks, Ltd., at CustomMade.com

Glass artist Bandhu Dunham of Salusa Glassworks, Inc., began making menorahs, such as this sandblasted glass “Tree of Life”, at the suggestion of a client.  “I had often made trees in various forms before that,” writes Bandhu, “and the theme of the Tree of Life seemed a natural one to explore in the form of a menorah.”  This is a large (16” x 16” x 10”) piece.  To see more examples of his works, visit his menorah gallery on his website.  Have an idea for a custom glass hanukkiyah or other Judaica? Contact Bandhu and discuss your project.

"Tree of Life" Menorah by Salusa Glassworks, Inc., at CustomMade.com

Mosaic artist Ellen Chowdhury of Arc Designs by Ellen has also approached the Tree of Life theme in her handcrafted “Tree of Life” keepsake box.  The mosaic design features a phrase in Hebrew and mirror tree leaves.  Have an inspiration for a custom gift box but need some help focusing? Get in touch with Ellen.  She writes:

The possibilities are endless.  I love to “brainstorm” with my clients to create a piece of art that reflects my client’s vision for that special place in their home or business.  Since everything is handmade, no two pieces are ever the same. Most of my work can be closely duplicated depending on the availability of materials.  Custom colors and sizes are welcomed ideas.

Check out Ellen’s Judaica gallery on her website for more gift ideas.

"Tree of Life" Keepsake Box by Arc Designs by Ellen at CustomMade.com

The Wall Heart series of clay sculptures by sculptor Naomi Stein Cooper of Cooper Studios includes pieces with kabbalah-inspired inscriptions as well as more traditional Hebrew words of blessing, like this Shalom (Peace) red sculpted wall heart.  All of them are “meditations on the processes of creation and the myriad meanings of ‘heart.’”  Contact Naomi to discuss more custom sculpture ideas.

Shalom (Peace) Sculpted Wall Heart, Red, by Cooper Studios at CustomMade.com

Try our “Location Search” feature to find CustomMade artisans in your area who can create menorahs as well as Judaic-themed gifts for Hanukkah.  You can also use our “Get it Made” job board to post your own custom project and have interested CustomMade artisans contact you.