Seamus Hammond
Creating a clay incense holder is a fun and simple project that can be done at home. Clay incense holders can be made from various materials, including air-dry clay, kiln-fired clay, or polymer clay. Polymer clay is a popular choice for incense holders as it can be shaped and decorated in various ways, but it is important to note that it may not be the safest option due to its plastic content. Natural clay is the safest option for direct contact with hot coals. In addition to the type of clay, there are several tools and techniques needed to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing incense holder.
Characteristics and Values Table for Making a Clay Incense Holder
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clay Type | Polymer clay, natural clay, air-dry clay |
| Tools | Paintbrush, bowl, scalpel/blade, knife, strong craft glue/super glue, skewer, varnish, acrylic paint |
| Techniques | Shaping, drying, sealing, painting, gluing, varnishing |
| Considerations | Strength, heat resistance, safety, aesthetics |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right clay
Type of Clay:
The most commonly used clays for incense holders are air-dry clay, polymer clay, and kiln-fired clay. Each type has its own advantages and considerations:
- Air-dry clay is a convenient option if you don't have access to a kiln. It hardens and cures through natural drying, making it easy to work with. However, it may be more fragile than other types of clay, and you might need to reinforce it with additional materials.
- Polymer clay is known for its durability and vibrant colours. It requires baking in an oven, and it is important to note that it should not come into direct contact with hot coals or flames. Polymer clay is a popular choice for incense holders, but it needs to be used with workarounds to avoid excessive heat.
- Kiln-fired clay is ideal for advanced users who want to create long-lasting, high-quality pieces. This type of clay needs to be fired at high temperatures in a kiln, resulting in strong and durable incense holders.
Heat Resistance:
Consider the heat generated by the incense and choose a clay that can withstand the temperature. Natural clay is the safest option for direct contact with hot coals or flames. Polymer clay, on the other hand, should be used with workarounds to avoid direct and prolonged heat exposure.
Design and Durability:
The design of your incense holder will influence your clay choice. If you plan to create intricate details or small sculptures, consider a clay that hardens well and is less fragile. Air-dry clay can be reinforced with ceramic paints or varnishes to increase its strength. Polymer clay is also a good option for detailed work due to its durability.
Customization:
Think about the colour, texture, and overall aesthetic you want for your incense holder. Polymer clay offers a wide range of vibrant colours, while air-dry clay can be painted and customized with various decorative techniques, such as stamping or carving.
Sustainability:
If environmental impact is important to you, opt for eco-friendly clay options. By choosing sustainable materials, you can create a beautiful and environmentally conscious piece.
Remember, the key to choosing the right clay is understanding the specific requirements of your incense holder design, the desired level of durability, and the heat resistance needed to safely hold incense.
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Shaping the clay
First, you need to decide on the shape of your incense holder. A common shape is a bowl, which can be created by placing a small bowl face down on the clay and using a sharp tool, such as a scalpel or a blade, to cut around it, forming a circle. Then, carefully lift the clay circle and place it into your bowl, gently pressing down to mold it into the desired bowl shape.
Next, use a knife to refine the edges of your incense holder, ensuring they are neat and smooth. To create an even surface, dip your fingers in water and gently smooth out any cracks or imperfections. This step is crucial in achieving a polished final product.
For a unique touch, you can shape the leftover clay into a small ball. Use a skewer to carefully poke a hole in the top of the ball, ensuring it is wide enough for an incense stick to fit snugly. Allow both the bowl and the ball to air dry thoroughly, preferably overnight, following the clay manufacturer's instructions.
Once dry, you can assemble your incense holder by affixing the ball to the center of the bowl using a strong adhesive such as craft glue or super glue. This two-piece design allows for the ash and hot coals to fall into the bowl while the incense stick remains upright in the ball, adding functionality and visual appeal.
It is important to note that the type of clay and finishing techniques can impact the durability of your incense holder. Natural clay, simply dried or fired, is the safest option for direct contact with hot coals. Polymer clay, on the other hand, requires workarounds to avoid direct heat, such as placing a small glass or ceramic bowl inside the holder to protect the clay from scorching or melting.
Additionally, consider sealing your incense holder with a finish to strengthen it and enhance its appearance. Options include ceramic paints, epoxy resin, or several coats of polyurethane or varnish. These coatings not only add strength but can also provide a gloss shine to your creation.
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Drying and strengthening the clay
Drying the Clay:
Allowing your clay incense holder to air dry is the most common method. Place your creation in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. These can cause uneven drying and lead to cracks forming in your holder. The drying time can vary depending on the type of clay and the thickness of your design, typically taking anywhere from 12 to 48 hours. Patience is key during this step!
Strengthening Techniques:
There are several methods to strengthen your clay incense holder and prevent breakage:
- Sealing with Paint or Clear Finish: Applying a permanent paint or clear finish, such as epoxy resin or polyurethane, can enhance the strength of your clay. These act as a protective layer and can fill in any microscopic gaps in the clay's structure.
- Oven-Baking: For oven-safe clays, like polymer clay, baking in an oven according to the manufacturer's instructions can harden and strengthen the material.
- Firing: If you have access to a kiln, firing your clay incense holder can create a long-lasting and high-quality piece. This method involves heating the clay at high temperatures, transforming it into a durable material.
- Adding a Base Plate: For plate-style incense holders, consider attaching a base plate made from wood or ceramic. This not only enhances the design but also provides stability and additional support.
- Sanding: Once your clay is dry, lightly sand any rough spots to create a smooth surface. This helps to refine the appearance and feel of your incense holder.
Remember, the specific techniques you choose will depend on the type of clay you are using and the desired level of durability. Each clay type has unique characteristics and instructions, so be sure to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for best results.
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Painting and decorating
Once you have shaped your incense holder out of clay and allowed it to dry, you can decorate it with paint. You can use black acrylic paint to create a splatter effect by flinging it downwards with a paintbrush. If you don't want your splatter drops to be too big, use less paint on your brush and hold the brush higher up when you fling it. This process can get messy, so it's best to do it outside or somewhere that can get dirty.
If you would like to create a watercolour effect, you can water down your acrylic paint. You can also use nail polish remover to fix any mistakes, but be careful not to spill it on any electronics or screens, as it can be damaging.
After the paint has dried, you can add a few coats of varnish to protect the paint and add a gloss shine. You can use a clear liquid finish, such as epoxy resin or polyurethane, to strengthen your incense holder. However, keep in mind that these are plastics and should not be in direct contact with hot coals.
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Safety considerations
When making a clay incense holder, there are several safety considerations to keep in mind, particularly regarding the choice of materials and the potential heat from the incense:
Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of clay. Polymer clay and air-dry clay are commonly used for incense holders, but they have some safety concerns. Polymer clay is a type of plastic, which may melt, deform, or emit an odour when in direct contact with hot incense coals. Similarly, synthetic paints and clear finishes used on clay are often plastic-based and should not come into direct contact with hot coals. To avoid these issues, natural clay that has been dried or fired is a safer option.
If using polymer clay, it is essential to prevent direct contact between the clay and the hot ember of the incense. This can be achieved by angling the incense stick so that the ashes fall away from the clay, or by placing a small glass, metal, or ceramic bowl inside the clay holder for the hot ember to rest on. These workarounds help to ensure that the clay is not exposed to excessive heat, reducing the risk of melting or deformation.
Additionally, when painting or finishing your clay incense holder, opt for ceramic paints or varnishes that are heat-resistant and non-toxic. Avoid using synthetic paints or finishes that may release toxic fumes when exposed to heat. If using acrylic paint, as suggested by some sources, be cautious of the mess it can create, and consider doing this step outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Finally, always follow the clay manufacturer's instructions for drying or firing your incense holder. Properly drying or firing the clay ensures that it hardens adequately and reduces the risk of breakage or cracking. Remember to exercise caution when handling sharp tools like scalpels or knives during the crafting process to prevent accidental cuts.
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Frequently asked questions
The best type of clay to use for an incense holder is natural clay, as it is the only type of clay that is safe to use in direct contact with hot embers. However, polymer clay is also a popular choice for incense holders, as it can be shaped and decorated easily.
To shape an incense holder out of clay, you can use a small bowl as a mould. Place a small bowl face down on a sheet of clay and use a scalpel to cut around it, creating a clay circle. Then, place the circle into your bowl and press down lightly to mould it into a bowl shape. Use a knife to neaten the edges and smooth out the surface with water. Poke a hole in the top with a skewer for the incense stick to fit in.
Once your clay incense holder has dried, you can decorate it with paint. You can dip a paintbrush in acrylic paint and splatter the paint onto the holder by flinging it downwards. You can also water down the acrylic paint to create a watercolour effect. Once the paint has dried, apply a few coats of varnish to protect the paint and add shine.
After decorating your clay incense holder, leave it to dry overnight. Then, use strong craft glue or super glue to affix any additional clay pieces, such as a small ball with a hole for the incense stick.
