Seamus Hammond
Incense burners are a great way to use up scrap clay. You can use molds, embellishments, and pigments to create your own unique design. To make a backflow incense burner out of clay, you will need to ensure that the burner has a stand for the incense to sit on, allowing for a hollow cavern for the smoke to travel through and an opening for the smoke to escape. This will ensure that the smoke drips down and doesn't waft away. You can create any design you like, from a lighthouse to a dragon, as long as you include these key elements. It is important to note that the hot coal or flame should not be too close to the clay to avoid scorching or burning it.
Characteristics and Values Table for Making a Backflow Incense Burner Out of Clay:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Clay, scrap clay, air-dry clay, polymer clay, a blade, a rod, a needle or a stick of incense |
| Design | A stand for the incense with a hollow cavern for the smoke to travel through and an opening for the smoke to escape |
| Shape | A swirl, a pinch pot, a mushroom, or any other desired shape |
| Texture and Layers | Smooth, detailed, or incorporating various textures and layers to create a visually appealing design |
| Theme | Fantasy, nature, or custom themes like a lighthouse by a lake |
| Function | Ensure the design allows for proper airflow and smoke pattern |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a design
When choosing a design for your backflow incense burner, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to decide on the overall shape and style of your burner. Do you want something simple and sleek, or more intricate and decorative? Perhaps you want to incorporate natural elements such as leaves, waves, or rocks, as mentioned in some online tutorials, or maybe you want to create something more whimsical, like a dragon or a fairy.
Another important consideration is the size of the incense cones or sticks you plan to use. You'll need to make sure that your burner is the appropriate size to accommodate your incense, with enough space to allow for the smoke to drip down and create the desired effect. You may want to sketch out some basic ideas, as suggested by some makers, to help you visualise the final product and plan out the different textures and layers.
It's also important to think about the functionality of your burner. It should have a stand or holder for the incense, as well as a hollow cavern for the smoke to travel through and an opening for the smoke to escape, creating the backflow effect. You'll need to ensure that the design allows for adequate airflow and that the smoke can flow in the intended pattern without wafting away.
Additionally, consider the type of clay you will be using. Most types of clay, including air-dry clay and polymer clay, can be used for incense burners, but it's important to ensure that the hot coal or flame is not too close to the clay, as this could scorch or burn it. Keep this in mind when designing the shape and size of your burner, especially if you plan to use a small incense cone that may trap heat.
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Using scrap clay
Making a backflow incense burner out of scrap clay is a great way to use up leftover materials from previous projects. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own unique burner using scrap clay:
Firstly, gather your materials. You'll need a ball of scrap clay, a blade, and a rod. If you have various colours of scrap clay, you can mix and match to create a unique design. Alternatively, you can use pigments to add colour to your burner.
Now, it's time to shape your clay. You can roll the clay into a swirl, creating an interesting visual effect, or use a pinch pot technique to form the shape. If you're feeling creative, try using moulds to add textures or embellishments to your burner. For a backflow burner, it's important to remember to include a stand for the incense to sit on, allowing for a hollow cavity for the smoke to travel through, and an opening for the smoke to escape, creating that desired fog-like effect.
Once you're happy with the basic shape, use your hand to gently flatten the ball of clay. Then, use a needle or even a stick of incense to create a hole in the clay, ensuring it's wide enough for the incense to fit snugly without touching the sides. This step is crucial to ensure the hot coal doesn't come into direct contact with the clay, which could scorch or burn it.
After shaping your burner, it's time to let the clay dry. Depending on the type of clay you're using, you might need to follow specific drying or curing instructions. For example, if using polymer clay, avoid placing it directly over a flame, as the heat could scorch or burn the clay.
Finally, once your burner is dry or cured, you can add any final touches, such as painting or glazing, if desired. Your backflow incense burner is now ready to use! Remember to always exercise caution when burning incense, ensuring it's placed on a heat-resistant surface and never left unattended.
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Creating a stand for the incense
Planning the Design
Begin by sketching out your ideas for the stand. Consider the overall theme or concept you want to achieve, such as a lakeside scene or a cabin in the Midwest. Decide on the number of tiers or levels you want for your stand, keeping in mind that a greater distance between the incense and the first tier can impact the smoke flow pattern.
Choosing the Right Clay
Select a type of clay suitable for your project. Air-dry clay or polymer clay are commonly used options. However, keep in mind that polymer clay and most other types of clay should not be placed directly over a flame, as the heat can scorch or burn the clay. Opt for a clay that aligns with your design and can withstand the heat generated by the incense.
Shaping the Stand
Roll out your chosen clay to create the base of the stand. You can use a rolling pin or a rod to achieve the desired thickness. Cut out a circular or oval shape, ensuring it is large enough to accommodate the incense and provide stability. Use your hands or a shaping tool to create a hollow cavern in the centre of the base, allowing for the smoke to pass through. Make sure the cavern is deep enough so that the incense is not too close to the clay, preventing direct heat transfer.
Adding Details and Texture
Enhance the visual appeal of the stand by adding textures, layers, or embellishments. You can use clay-shaping tools or your hands to create waves, rocks, or other thematic elements that align with your overall design. Consider adding tiers or cups to guide the smoke flow and create a cascading effect. Remember to leave an opening below the stand to allow the smoke to mimic fog across the water.
Finalizing the Stand
Once you're happy with the shape and design of the stand, carefully smooth out any rough edges or imperfections. Use a needle or a thin tool to create a small hole at the top of the stand, directly above the hollow cavern, to guide the smoke upwards. Allow the clay to air dry completely or follow the manufacturer's instructions for kiln firing, depending on the type of clay you've chosen.
By following these steps, you can create a functional and visually appealing stand for your backflow incense burner, setting the stage for the mesmerizing flow of smoke that will enhance your incense experience.
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Making a hole for smoke
Making a hole for the smoke to escape is a crucial step in creating a backflow incense burner out of clay. The hole ensures the smoke flows downward, creating the iconic backflow waterfall effect. Here is a detailed guide on how to create this feature:
Firstly, decide on the shape and design of your incense burner. This could be a simple pinch pot shape, a swirl, or something more intricate and artistic. This step is important as it will determine the placement and size of the smoke hole.
Next, use a needle, a sharp stick, or even a small drill to carefully create the hole in your clay structure. This hole should be at the base of the burner, where the incense cone will sit. Ensure the hole is not too big, as you want the smoke to flow gently and gracefully downward, not rush out. The hole should be large enough for the smoke to escape and create the desired effect, but not so large that it disrupts the flow or weakens the structure.
If you are creating a lid for your incense burner, you will also need to add ventilation holes. These holes will allow the smoke to diffuse and escape, while still maintaining proper airflow for the incense to burn efficiently. Use a small sharp object, such as a needle or even a nail, to carefully punch these holes into the lid. Be mindful of the size and spacing of these holes, as making them too large or too close together could weaken the lid.
Finally, test the placement of your incense cone to ensure the hole at the base of the cone aligns perfectly with the hole in your burner. This alignment is crucial in guiding the smoke down the burner's channels and creating the desired visual effect.
Remember, the hole for the smoke is a key feature of your backflow incense burner, so take your time and ensure it is placed and sized correctly.
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Avoiding scorching the clay
Polymer clay is a popular choice for making incense burners, but it's important to take precautions to avoid scorching the clay. Here are some tips to help you avoid scorching your clay incense burner:
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that polymer clay should not come into direct contact with flames or hot coals. The area directly above a flame is the hottest, and the heated air stream can burn, scorch, or discolour the clay. Even without direct contact, polymer clay can darken and scorch at temperatures of 270°F and higher, though this may vary depending on the brand and specific type of clay.
To prevent scorching, it is recommended to place a heat-safe barrier between the flame or hot coals and the clay. This can be something like a small glass or metal bowl, or even aluminium foil, placed inside the clay structure where the coals or flame will be. This barrier protects the clay from direct heat while still allowing you to enjoy the decorative aspects of your clay burner.
Additionally, when using stick incense, ensure that it is angled in such a way that any falling coals or ash do not come into contact with the clay. By the time the coals fall, they will have cooled significantly or turned to ash, minimising the risk of scorching.
If you're using cone incense, be aware that some makers choose not to let the cones burn down completely to prevent scorching. This is because the cone can get very close to the clay as it burns down, increasing the risk of direct heat transfer.
Finally, consider using a different type of clay, such as earthen clay, which is less likely to burn or scorch, even if it's only dried and not fired, due to its unique ingredients. However, keep in mind that air-dry clays are still susceptible to scorching and burning if exposed to high temperatures, and they should be protected from moisture to avoid deformation.
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Frequently asked questions
Most types of clay will work, but air-dry clay is a popular choice. It's important to avoid placing the clay too close to an open flame, as this could scorch or burn the clay.
You will need a ball of scrap clay, a blade, and a rod. You can also use molds, embellishments, and pigments to decorate your burner.
You can roll up your clay in a swirl, use pinch pot-type shapes, or form it into any other desired shape. Just make sure to include a hollow cavern for the smoke to travel through and an opening for the smoke to escape.
Once you have shaped your clay, use a needle or a stick of incense to make a hole.
