Tyler Brooks
Handbuilding your own ceramic candle holders is a fun and creative project that can add a cosy, ambient light to your home. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced potter, there are many ways to create unique and personalised candle holders. From using air-dry or kiln-fired clay to sculpting with a tap tool, there are endless possibilities to explore when crafting these holders. You can even add decorative touches, such as a bird perched on top or a moon face carved into the design. With the right tools and techniques, you can make sure your candle holders fit your candles snugly and securely. So, get ready to unleash your creativity and craft some beautiful ceramic candle holders!
Characteristics and Values Table for Handbuilding Ceramic Candle Holders
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Loop tool, angle cutter, X-bevel cutter, serrated rib, knife, clay shrink ruler |
| Techniques | Sculpting, hollowing, smoothing, compressing, blending, scoring, scratching, painting, baking, firing |
| Materials | Clay, porcelain paint, super glue, wax, water |
| Considerations | Shrinkage rate, clay type, candle size, stability, alignment, thickness |
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What You'll Learn
Start with a wide, thick, circular slab for a stable base
When creating handbuilt ceramic candle holders, it is important to start with a stable base. This will ensure that your candle holder is sturdy and can withstand the weight of the candle and any possible movement during use. Starting with a wide, thick, circular slab is a great way to achieve this. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Rolling the Slab
Begin by rolling out your clay to a thickness of about 1 cm. You can use a rolling pin or any cylindrical object to achieve an even thickness. The slab should be large enough to provide a stable base for your candle holder, so aim for a diameter of at least 10-12 cm. Remember that the clay will shrink during the drying and firing process, so account for this when determining the initial size. You can find the shrinkage rate of your specific clay by searching for its shrink rate or looking up the information provided by the manufacturer.
Creating the Base Shape
Once you have rolled out your clay, use your fingers to gently lift and shape the edges of the slab to create a lip or rim. This will give your base a finished look and provide additional structural support. You can also use tools like a knife or an X-bevel cutter to refine the shape and smooth out any uneven areas. Take your time with this step to ensure your base is symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing.
Preparing for Attachment
At this stage, you should have a wide, thick, circular slab with a nicely shaped edge. Now, you need to prepare it for the attachment of additional elements, such as the column or stem of your candle holder. Mark the centre of the slab, as this will guide you when attaching the subsequent pieces. You can use a simple tool like a loop tool or a knife to make a small indentation or mark that will help you align the rest of your candle holder components.
Drying and Firing
Before attaching any additional elements, it's important to let your base dry partially. This will give it enough strength to support the weight of the rest of the structure. Cover the base with a thin cloth or plastic wrap and set it aside in a dust-free area to dry slowly. Once it's leather-hard, you can proceed to the firing stage, following the instructions provided by your clay manufacturer. Remember that the firing process will also impact the size and shape of your base, so always account for shrinkage rates during this step.
Remember, the base is a crucial component of your handbuilt ceramic candle holder, so take your time and ensure it is sturdy, well-shaped, and ready to support the rest of your creation.
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Use a loop tool to hollow out the top candle-holder piece
To hand-build a ceramic candle holder, you will need to use a loop tool to hollow out the top candle-holder piece. This is done after the base has firmed up and the bird has been sculpted and attached to the base.
The loop tool is used to create a hollow in the top of the candle holder, which will eventually hold the candle. It is important to have a tapered candle nearby to ensure that the hollow is large enough. Aim for the hollow to be about 15% larger than the candle base so that it fits snugly once the piece is fired.
To use the loop tool effectively, follow these steps:
- Begin by marking the centre of the top candle-holder piece with a wire tool. This will ensure that the hollow is centred.
- Gently press the loop tool into the clay, using a circular motion to create a hollow. Take care not to go too deep, as you want to create a shallow hollow.
- Smooth and compress the interior of the hollow with your finger to ensure that it is even and free of any ridges or bumps.
- Check the size of the hollow by placing the tapered candle inside. The candle should fit snugly, with about 15% of the base visible.
- If the hollow is too small, you can use the loop tool to gently enlarge it. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this may cause the clay to crack or distort.
- Once you are happy with the size and shape of the hollow, set the piece aside to dry.
Using a loop tool to hollow out the top candle-holder piece is a crucial step in creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing ceramic candle holder. It ensures that the candle fits securely and adds to the overall stability of the final product.
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Secure a taper with wax or candle adhesive
When making a ceramic candle holder, it is important to ensure that the taper fits securely. One of the best ways to do this is to use wax or candle adhesive.
Begin by finding the shrinkage rate of your clay. All clays shrink differently, so look up your specific clay type. You can then use a printable clay shrink ruler to measure the diameter of the candlestick and make the hole the same width, accounting for shrinkage. For example, if your desired width is 1”, make the hole 1” wide according to the shrink ruler. After glaze firing, the hole should be the desired 1” width.
To secure a taper with wax, drip some wax into the base of the candlestick and then push the candle in. You can also use wax dots, which are small wax discs that you place in the base of the holder. These can be found by searching for "wax dots" or "candle adhesive".
Alternatively, you can use candle adhesive or candle "stick-um" to secure the taper. Apply the adhesive to the base of the candle and then push it into the candlestick.
It is important to note that even commercial candlesticks/holders are often the incorrect size. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a tapered candle nearby when making your candle holder to ensure a snug fit.
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Assemble and bake the pieces
When assembling the pieces of your handbuilt ceramic candle holder, it is important to ensure a strong connection between the different parts. One way to achieve this is by using a serrated rib dipped in water to score the surfaces that will be joined together. This technique helps to create a firm bond between the pieces.
For more complex shapes, such as a bird-shaped candle holder, you may need to cut and hollow out certain sections before reassembling them. In this case, it is crucial to make registration marks to ensure proper alignment when reattaching the pieces. This will help you achieve the desired shape and ensure that the pieces fit together seamlessly.
Before baking, carefully lay out all the pieces on a baking tray. Follow the specific baking instructions provided for your chosen type of clay. Baking the pieces individually before gluing them together can help ensure a stronger hold.
After baking and cooling the pieces, you can use super glue to assemble your candle holder. Hold the pieces in place while the glue sets, ensuring a secure bond.
Remember to take into account the shrinkage rate of your clay during the drying and firing process. Different types of clay have varying shrinkage rates, so it is important to refer to the specific information provided for your clay. This will help you create a piece that fits your desired dimensions after firing.
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Paint the finished product
Once you've created your candle holder, it's time to paint the finished product! Here are some tips to help you achieve a beautiful and charming look:
Start by choosing the right type of paint. Porcelain paint is a great option for ceramic candle holders. It's important to consider the colour palette you want to work with. Light colours, such as white, tend to work very well for candle holders as they allow the light from the candle to reflect and create a cosy ambiance. You can start with a white base and then add small drops of other colours to create a custom shade. If you prefer a simpler look, you can stick to just using white paint.
When painting, aim for a thin and even coat. You won't achieve a solid colour, and that's okay! The slightly translucent look adds to the charm of the handmade candle holder. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat. This helps to ensure that the paint adheres properly and reduces the risk of smudging.
To add a creative touch, you can try a splatter technique. Mix a darker, more concentrated colour and splatter it over the previous layer once it's dry. You can use your finger to gently spray the bristles at the end of the paintbrush, creating a unique and artistic effect.
Don't forget to consider the functionality of your candle holder. To secure a taper candle, you can use a clever trick: drip some wax into the base of the candle holder, then gently push the candle in. This ensures that the candle fits snugly and stays in place. Alternatively, you can use wax dots, candle adhesive, or "stick-um" to achieve the same result.
Lastly, remember that all clays are unique and will shrink differently during the drying and firing process. To account for this, it's essential to find out the shrinkage rate of your specific clay type. You can do this by searching for a "clay shrink ruler" online and printing one that matches your clay's shrinkage rate. By measuring the diameter of your candle holder and using the shrink ruler, you can ensure that your candle holder accommodates the desired candle size.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by making a wide, thick, circular slab of clay to build upon as a stable base.
Aim for the candle holder to be about 15% larger than the candle base. You can also drip some wax into the base of the holder and then push the candle in.
All clays shrink differently, so look up your clay type and find the shrink rate. You can use a printable clay shrink ruler to measure the desired dimensions of your piece.
You will need a loop tool to hollow out the candle holder piece, a serrated rib, and a knife to cut the clay.
Place each part of the candle holder together and gently press them into place. Then, carefully separate the pieces and bake them in the oven following the instructions for your clay. Once baked and cooled, use super glue to stick the pieces together.
