Lance Carson
Backflow incense burners are a unique type of incense burner that creates a mesmerizing waterfall effect with smoke. They are designed to channel smoke downwards, making them both visually appealing and safer than traditional burners. The downward flow of smoke ensures the burning cone stays in place, reducing fire hazards and the risk of accidents. With their gentle flow of smoke, backflow incense burners can also enhance meditation practices by creating a peaceful and serene environment. Crafting your own backflow incense burner can be a fulfilling and creative process, allowing you to express your personal style and creativity. In this guide, we will explore the steps to make your own backflow incense pottery burner, from molding the clay to creating the mesmerizing backflow effect.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Functional and decorative |
| Function | Channels smoke downwards to create a waterfall effect |
| Benefits | Enhances meditation, calming, safer, more efficient, requires less maintenance, produces less ash |
| Materials | Clay, ceramic, scrap clay, pigments, embellishments, molds |
| Tools | Blade, rod, needle or stick of incense |
| Steps | Mold into desired shape, create backflow mechanism with central and horizontal holes, smooth internal pathways, refine surface, decorate with paint or glaze, apply sealant |
| Tips | Ensure still air for thicker smoke, use with sticks, cones or coil incense, ventilate space and wipe after use |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right materials
Clay or Ceramic:
Start by selecting the base material for your burner. Clay or ceramic are commonly used materials that offer versatility and durability. Clay, especially scrap clay, can be easily shaped and moulded into various designs, allowing you to create a unique and personalised burner. You can roll the clay into a swirl, opt for a pinch pot shape, or get creative with your desired shape.
Tools for Shaping:
To shape your burner effectively, you'll need the right tools. A blade and a rod can be useful for flattening and shaping the clay. You can also use moulds to achieve more intricate designs. If you're working with clay, remember that it needs to be fired in a kiln to harden and become suitable for use as an incense burner.
Smooth Surface:
Creating a smooth surface is essential for both aesthetic and functional reasons. A smooth burner surface ensures that paint or glaze can be applied evenly later on. It also enhances the overall appearance of your burner, giving it a refined look. Additionally, a smooth surface makes it easier to clean and maintain your burner, as it is less likely to retain smoke residue compared to a rough texture.
Paint and Decorations:
Once you've crafted the burner's shape, it's time to personalise it. You can use acrylic paints, ceramic glazes, or other suitable decorative materials. Choose colours and designs that reflect your taste and creativity. If you want to add intricate patterns or details, consider using pigments or embellishments. Allow the paint to dry completely, and if desired, apply a clear sealant for a more durable finish.
Incense Compatibility:
When choosing your materials, keep in mind the type of incense you plan to use. Some backflow incense burners are designed specifically for cones, while others can accommodate sticks or coils. Ensure that the size and shape of your burner align with the incense type you prefer. Check that the burner has a stable cradle or holder for the incense to rest on, preventing it from falling over.
By carefully selecting the right materials, you can create a backflow incense burner that is not only functional but also a beautiful reflection of your artistic vision.
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Moulding the base shape
To get started, gather your materials and tools. You'll need your chosen material, as well as shaping tools or moulds to help you create your desired shape. If you're using clay, make sure you have a ball of scrap clay, a blade, and a rod. Roll the clay into a swirl or use any other shape you prefer. You can even try the pinch pot technique, where you use your hand to flatten a ball of clay.
Once you have your basic shape, it's time to refine it. Use your shaping tools or moulds to smooth out any imperfections and add detail to your design. If you're using a mould, simply press or roll out your clay or ceramic material into the desired shape. Remember, this is your chance to personalise your burner, so feel free to get creative!
After you're happy with the basic shape, the next crucial step is creating the backflow mechanism. This will allow the smoke to flow downwards, creating the mesmerizing waterfall effect. Drill a central hole from the top of the burner, where the incense cone will sit, ensuring it goes about halfway down. Then, drill a horizontal hole that connects with the vertical one, forming a pathway for the smoke to travel. Make sure the horizontal hole exits from the side of the burner, below where the cone will be placed.
Finally, before moving on to the next steps, ensure that your base is stable and level. If you're using legs, adjust them as needed to ensure your burner stands evenly on a flat surface. With your base shape now complete, you're one step closer to enjoying the soothing and hypnotic experience of a backflow incense burner.
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Creating the backflow mechanism
Drilling the Holes:
Start by drilling a central hole from the top of the burner, where the incense cone will eventually sit. Ensure that this vertical hole goes about halfway down the burner. Then, carefully drill a horizontal hole that intersects with the vertical one. This horizontal hole should exit from the side of the burner, below where the cone will be placed. These holes create a pathway for the smoke to travel downwards, producing the desired backflow effect.
Smoothening the Pathways:
Use sandpaper to smooth the internal pathways of the holes you just drilled. This step is important to ensure a seamless and uninterrupted flow of smoke. Take your time with this step, as precise engineering is key to achieving the mesmerizing backflow effect. Clean out any dust or debris generated during the drilling process to prevent blockages.
Testing and Placement:
Before using your backflow incense burner, ensure the space is well-ventilated. Place the incense cone on top of the burner, directly above the central hole. The backflow smoke effect should begin within about 30 seconds. The gentle downward flow of smoke will create a peaceful atmosphere, enhancing your meditation practice and calming your mind.
Maintenance:
Always remember to wipe down your burner after each use to remove any residue. Proper maintenance will help keep your backflow incense burner in good condition and ensure the smoke flows optimally. Enjoy the soothing effects of your handcrafted burner and the beauty of its cascading smoke.
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Smoothing the surface
Sanding and Polishing
Start by using sandpaper to smooth the surface. It is recommended to use fine-grit sandpaper (400 grit or higher) for a smoother finish. Sand the piece either by hand or using a belt sander or sanding wheel. Always wear a mask when sanding to avoid inhaling the dust. You can also try wet sanding, which involves using a wet sanding disc or a regular piece of sandpaper with water to smooth the surface while keeping dust levels down.
Burnishing
Burnishing is a technique used to create an extremely smooth surface. This can be done using various tools such as an agate jeweller's burnishing tool, a smooth stone or pebble, the back of a spoon, or even a plastic grocery bag. Make small, gentle circular motions over the surface to slowly polish it. However, it is important to note that burnishing should be done when the clay is sufficiently dry, as too much moisture can disturb the alignment of clay particles and result in an uneven surface once fully dried. Additionally, burnishing will not preserve the smoothness at high temperatures, so if you intend to fire the piece to vitrification, you will need to sand and polish it after firing.
Terra Sigillata
Terra sigillata, or "terra sig," is a very smooth slip that can be applied in thin layers and then polished with a rag. This technique requires a lot of applications and patience, but it can create an incredibly smooth surface.
Glazing
If you plan to glaze your piece, any surface imperfections will likely be unnoticeable. A thin layer of transparent matte glaze can give your piece a smooth and elegant finish.
Remember to always handle your piece with care during the smoothing process, as any pressure or force can alter the shape of your burner. Take your time and choose the method that best suits your needs and skill level.
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Decorating your burner
Smoothing the Surface:
Use sandpaper to smooth the external and internal surfaces of your burner. This step is essential for both aesthetic appeal and functionality. A smooth surface ensures that your burner is free of any sharp edges that could cause injury. It also creates an even base for paint or other decorations to be applied. After sanding, use a damp cloth to wipe down the burner and remove any residual dust.
Painting:
Now it's time to personalize your burner with paint or other decorative materials. You can use acrylic paints, ceramic glazes, or other suitable substances depending on the base material of your burner. The design can be as simple or intricate as you like. Feel free to experiment with different colors and patterns to make your burner one-of-a-kind. Always refer to the paint packaging for proper drying instructions.
Applying a Sealant:
For added durability, consider applying a clear sealant over the painted surface. This will protect your artwork and ensure that it lasts longer. Again, follow the instructions on the sealant packaging for proper application and drying times.
Finalizing the Design:
Once your paint and/or sealant is completely dry, your burner is almost ready for use. Place the incense cone on top of the burner, directly above the central hole. You may need to wait about 30 seconds for the backflow smoke effect to begin. Remember to ventilate the room and wipe down the burner after each use.
Your backflow incense pottery burner is now complete and ready to be enjoyed! Whether you use it for meditation, relaxation, or simply as a captivating home decoration, your unique burner is sure to be a conversation starter.
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Frequently asked questions
Backflow incense burners are designed to be safer and more efficient than traditional burners. The smoke flows downwards, ensuring the burning cone stays in place and reducing the risk of accidents or fire hazards. They also require less maintenance and produce less ash. The gentle flow of smoke can also help enhance your meditation practice by creating a peaceful and serene environment, calming the mind and clearing any negative thoughts or emotions.
First, gather your materials. You can use clay or ceramic, and you will also need a rod, blade, and needle or stick of incense. Once you have your materials, mould the clay or ceramic into your desired shape, making sure there are no sharp edges. Then, create the backflow mechanism by drilling a central hole from the top of the burner, where the incense cone will sit, ensuring it goes about halfway down the burner. Drill a horizontal hole to meet the vertical one, creating a pathway for the smoke to travel downwards. Smooth the internal pathways with sandpaper, then wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any dust. Finally, decorate your burner with paint or other materials suitable for the base material.
First, light the incense. Then, place the incense cone on top of the burner, directly above the hole. It should take about 30 seconds for the backflow smoke effect to start. Remember to ventilate the space and wipe the burner after using it.
