Maple & Walnut Inlay Menorah A modern, handcrafted menorah made from maple with hand‑cut walnut inlay stripes, created individually by artist Edward Inks.
- Solid maple body with walnut inlay stripes
- Clean, modern geometric design
- Plated nickel candle holders
- Hand‑cut, hand‑shaped, and artist‑signed
- Finished with a protective clear coat
- Approximately 16″w × 3.5″h × 2″d
- Natural grain and inlay variations make each piece unique
- Handcrafted individually in Nevada City, California
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Each menorah is handcrafted by Edward Inks, a sculptor and former university professor with more than 30 years of teaching and exhibiting experience across the United States. Edward holds an MFA in sculpture from Carnegie Mellon University and spent time in Botswana as a Peace Corps volunteer, a reflection of his lifelong commitment to care and service. This menorah series began with encouragement from his wife and creative partner, Andrea, who was born and raised Jewish. Andrea collaborated with Edward on the earliest kinetic design and continues to offer thoughtful insight and perspective as the work evolves, while each new menorah is developed and refined in Edward’s studio with his characteristic craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Maple & Walnut Inlay Menorah
The Maple & Walnut Inlay Menorah begins with a solid maple body, selected for its clarity, warmth, and subtle grain. Walnut is cut into precise strips and inlaid diagonally into the maple, creating the clean, modern geometry that defines this design. The contrast between the pale maple and the deep walnut gives the Maple & Walnut Inlay Menorah its signature visual rhythm—quiet, intentional, and timeless. The angles of the inlay shift slightly from piece to piece, guided by the natural movement of the wood and the artist’s eye for balance.
After the form is shaped, each surface is sanded through multiple grits to achieve a smooth, tactile feel. Brushed nickel candle holders are installed by hand, spaced evenly to create a clean, architectural line across the top. A clear protective finish is applied to highlight the natural color of the maple and walnut while preserving the warmth and texture of the wood. Every step is done individually, allowing the Maple & Walnut Inlay Menorah to develop its own character as it moves through the studio.
Because each menorah is made one at a time, no two are ever identical. Grain patterns, walnut tone, and the subtle variations in the inlay all contribute to a piece that feels personal and sculptural. The Maple & Walnut Inlay Menorah is designed to be both functional and decorative—an object that brings a sense of craft, intention, and quiet beauty to Hanukkah year after year. It is a modern heirloom, shaped by hand and grounded in the warmth of natural materials.
Care
To maintain the beauty of your menorah, wipe the wood with a soft, dry cloth and avoid water or cleaning sprays. For conditioning, we recommend Howard Feed‑N‑Wax, which, as your care guide notes, “beautifies and nourishes the wood; keeping it from drying out.”
Howard Feed‑N‑Wax →
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Managing Wax Drips Using dripless candles is the simplest way to reduce wax mess. Drafts can cause a flame to lean and melt the rim of the candle, leading to drips — a flickering flame is the main sign of a draft. Position the menorah away from breezes for a steadier burn.
Even when labeled “dripless,” candles can still drip under certain conditions such as drafts or uneven burning. Please use them with care. These are some high‑quality, elegant dripless candles that we’ve found to perform well:
Dripless Hanukkah Candles →
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If dripless candles aren’t available, you can protect the surface by applying a very thin coat of oil to the wood before lighting, or by using paper drip protectors or small pieces of foil around each candle cup.
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