Make candles (called mishumaa in Swahili) containing secret treats to decorate your Kwanzaa celebration table. These simple-to-make candles are a great table decoration that can be given to children as an after-dinner treat.
- Construction paper (black, green, red)
- Orange and yellow tissue paper or cellophane paper
- Toilet paper rolls (one for each candle)
- Twist ties or string
- Scissors
- A pencil
- Ruler
- Glue or tape
- Small treats to put inside the candles
Instructions
Using a ruler, mark a line on a piece of construction paper at the length of a toilet paper roll (as shown in the picture to the left).
Cut along the line.
Wrap the strip of construction paper around the toilet paper roll. Secure it with tape or glue.
Cut two squares of tissue paper (one yellow and one orange) that are about 12-14 inches on each side (this will give your candles a long flame).
Place them at a 45 degree angle to each other (as shown in the picture).
Put your finger in the center of the tissue paper, and gather up the edges of the tissue paper around your arm, forming an umbrella-shaped object. Take your arm out.
Gently push the center of the tissue paper into the toilet paper roll (you may need to use the eraser end of a pencil to help push the paper all the way into the tube).
Push some small treats inside the tissue paper, then use a small piece of string or a twist tie to close it up.
Fluff out the tissue sticking out the end of the candle - this will be the pretend flame.
You can now use your candles at your Kwanzaa celebration table. After dinner, you can eat the contents of your decorations.
