How to Create a Modern Kwanzaa Kinara

Lighting the kinara is one Kwanzaa's most symbolic rituals. Invite the kids to help create this modern version that adds a colorful centerpiece to the Kwanzaa table.
Glass Jars Painted In Holiday Colors For Centerpiece

DIY Holiday Centerpiece Made From Glass Jars

Spray painted glass jars hold votive candles for an easy DIY holiday centerpiece.

Materials Needed:

  • 2-foot long wooden plank
  • wood stain
  • 7 small glass jars
  • red spray paint
  • green spray paint
  • black spray paint
  • 7 tea light candles
  • hot glue gun

Stain Wood

A wooden plank will be the base of your DIY kinara. Squeeze a drop of stain onto a paper towel. Rub into the wood plank in long strokes to create a rich, natural color. Repeat until covered.

Add Stain to Wood Plank

Wood Base for Homemade Kwanzaa Kinara

A wooden plank will be the base of your DIY Kwanzaa kinara. Squeeze a drop of stain onto a paper towel. Rub into the wood plank in long strokes to create a rich, natural color. Repeat until covered.

Spray Jars

In an open, ventilated area, spray-paint one of the jars until opaque. Allow to dry. Repeat to create three green votives, three red votives, and one black votive. Tip: Set jars to dry right-side up to dry and at room temperature to avoid bubbling when you light the candles.

Spray Painting Glass Jar

Decorating Jars for Kwanzaa Kinara

To make your own kinara for Kwanzaa, spray paint one jar in an open, ventilated area. Spray until opaque. Allow to dry. Repeat to create three green votives, three red votives, and one black votive. Tip: Set jars to dry right-side up to dry and at room temperature to avoid bubbling when you light the candles.

Glue Jars to Base

Evenly space painted jars on wooden plank, placing black in the middle, green on the right and red on the left. Glue jars, one at a time, by coating the bottom of each with hot glue and pressing onto the plank.

Painted Jars Being Glued on to Stained Wood

Making a Homemade Kwanzaa Kinara

To make a Kwanzaa kinara, evenly space painted jars on wooden plank, placing one black in the middle, three green on the right and three red on the left. Glue jars, one at a time, by coating the bottom of each with hot glue and pressing onto the plank.

Complete the Kinara

Drop in tea light candles and light to represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Enjoy the magical glow of the candles as a meaningful centerpiece on the holiday table.

Painted Jars on Stained Wood

Colorful Kwanzaa Kinara

Lighting the kinara is one of Kwanzaa's most symbolic rituals. Invite the kids to help create this modern version that adds a colorful centerpiece to the Kwanzaa table.

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