Kwanzaa Unity Cup

A unity cup is a key symbol of the Kwanzaa celebration. You might want to make this lovely cup to signify your unity as a family. Get the kids involved in helping to pick out the symbolic pieces that adorn this kikombe cha umoja (unity cup), and try out different designs and fabrics for variety. You might want to make an extra unity cup to give to a friend as a gift at the final feast (Karamu).

Level: Moderately easy

Time involved: Three to four hours, including drying time

Materials:

• Remnant material
• Lace trim
• Scissors
• Large stemmed glass
• Decoupage clear finish (You can find this in craft stores in the decoupage section.)
• Paintbrush
• Symbolic buttons (You can find bags of decorative buttons in craft stores—pick through these to find meaningful symbols.)
• Glue gun
• Marker designed for glass

1. Cut two strips of material approximately 1 inch wide and long enough to fit around the middle of the cup. Brush the backs of the material strips with decoupage clear finish and stick them onto the outside middle of the cup.

2. Paint the right side of the glued-on strips with decoupage clear finish to protect them. Be careful not to get the finish on the glass portion that is not covered by material. Allow this to dry.

3. Sort through your buttons and pick a variety of symbols to glue onto the material. Be sure the buttons you use are flat with holes, not the type with an attached loop on the back (for sewing them onto fabric). Using a glue gun, glue these in a random pattern around the material band.

4. Glue a strip of lace trim on the top and bottom edges of the material.

5. Using a marker designed for painting glass, write the words “Kikombe Cha Umoja” on the base of the glass, and the date if desired.