Seamus Hammond
Incense holders are used to catch the ash from burning incense sticks, cones, and coils. They come in various materials, shapes, and sizes, and can be purchased or made at home. Homemade incense holders can be crafted from materials such as rocks, glass, wood, clay, or even potatoes. Natural clay is one of the best materials for incense holders as it is safe to use in direct contact with hot embers. However, it is fragile and requires careful handling. Other types of clay, such as polymer clay, can be used if the incense holder is designed to prevent direct contact with hot coals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Natural rock, clay, brass, glass, wood, sand, stone, marble, concrete, aluminium, gold |
| Design | Modern, elegant, rock-like, zen, aesthetic, natural, intricate textures, handmade, recyclable |
| Features | Cup-shaped, rock-like pedestal, vertical stick holder, fireproof, recyclable, reusable, washable, multiple incense stick holes |
| Techniques | Hand-mixed, hand-poured, hand-stitched, hand-sculpted, kiln-fired, air-dried, oven-baked, painted, glazed |
| Maintenance | Wash with mild soap and water, towel dry, avoid abrasives and chemicals |
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What You'll Learn
Use natural clay to sculpt your incense holder
To make a natural rock incense holder out of clay, you'll first need to decide on the type of clay you want to use. You can use air-drying modelling clay, which doesn't require any additional equipment, but it can be stressful to work with as you'll have to work quickly before it dries. Alternatively, you can use regular pottery clay, which is slower to dry, giving you more time to work on your sculpture. However, this type of clay usually needs to be fired in a kiln to harden it permanently.
Before you start working with your clay, make sure it's wet enough. To test this, roll a small piece of clay into a cylinder about 1 cm in diameter and 10 cm long, then bend it. If it bends smoothly, it's ready to use, but if it cracks, try adding a little more water.
Once your clay is ready, it's a good idea to sketch out your design before you start sculpting. Consider the dimensions of the main shapes and the ratios between lengths. Think about the direction from which your incense holder will most commonly be viewed and plan your design accordingly.
When it comes to sculpting your incense holder, there are a few techniques you can use. If you're creating a hollow shape, you can build up the sides by laying down coils of clay in a spiral pattern to prevent collapse. You can also create recesses by pinching the clay or digging into it with your thumb and forefinger. If you want to add intricate details or appendages, you might consider using an armature, which is a metal skeleton structure that supports the weight of the clay. Brass rods or aluminium wire can be used for this. However, keep in mind that clay can shrink as it dries, so if you build over an armature, it may cause cracks.
Finally, if you're using air-drying clay, simply leave your sculpture to dry. If you're using regular pottery clay, you'll need to fire it in a kiln to harden it permanently. You can also try pit-firing in a BBQ grill or fireplace, coating your sculpture with a shell of matte medium or craft glue, or burning off the coating in a kiln after it has dried.
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Oven-bake your holder to harden it
Oven-baking your incense holder is a great way to harden it and make it more durable. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
First, it's important to choose the right type of clay for your project. Polymer clay is a popular choice for incense holders as it can be hardened in a home oven. Natural clay, such as earthen, pottery, or ceramic clay, is another option, but it typically requires higher temperatures and is often fired in a kiln. However, if you're using Amaco "Air-Dry Clay," which is a type of natural clay, you can also oven-bake it to harden it further.
Before placing your clay incense holder in the oven, make sure it is properly shaped and dried. Air-dry clay usually takes 24-48 hours to dry completely, but you can refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the specific type of clay you are using. Once it's dry, you can add additional details or sculpt it further if needed.
Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature for your clay. Different types of clay have varying temperature requirements, so be sure to check the instructions. For oven-baking polymer clay, a temperature between 210°F to 325°F (roughly 100°C to 160°C) is typical, but always refer to the specific instructions for your clay.
Place your incense holder on a baking tray or oven-safe surface. If desired, you can cover it with a piece of parchment paper to prevent direct contact with the oven rack or tray. However, some clays may require direct contact with the oven's heat, so check the instructions beforehand.
Bake your incense holder for the recommended time, which can vary depending on the type of clay and the thickness of your design. For thinner pieces, 15-30 minutes may be sufficient, while thicker pieces may require a longer baking time. Keep an eye on your incense holder during the baking process to ensure it doesn't burn or discolour excessively.
After removing your incense holder from the oven, allow it to cool down completely before handling it. You can then add additional decorations or finishes, such as paint or varnish, if desired. However, be cautious when choosing finishes, as some synthetic paints and varnishes may not be suitable for direct contact with hot coals.
By following these steps, you can successfully oven-bake your incense holder to harden it and create a durable and functional piece. Remember to always refer to the specific instructions for your chosen type of clay to ensure the best results.
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Seal with paint or clear finish
To seal your natural rock incense holder, you can use either paint or a clear finish. If you want to add colour to your incense holder, you can use permanent paint to seal it. This will also make the incense holder a bit stronger. Most synthetic paints are plastics, so be sure to avoid direct contact with hot coals. If you want to avoid paint altogether, you can use a clear finish. A few coats of polyurethane will add strength to your incense holder. Alternatively, you can use epoxy resin to give the most strength.
When making your incense holder, it is important to remember that polymer clay and most varnishes are plastics. Plastics do not do well in direct contact with hot coals or cone incense. Therefore, it is recommended to use natural clay when making an incense holder. This can be simply dried or fired. All other kinds of clay will burn, scorch, melt or deform, and may also give off an odour.
If you are set on using polymer clay, there are some workarounds to avoid direct contact with the hot coals. You can sit something inside the clay, such as a small glass or metal bowl, so that the hot part does not sit directly on the clay. You can also put the clay on the underside of a clear glass bowl or plate, so the decorative clay shows through the glass. Another option is to make a holder that sits inside the container, so that the hot part is not in direct contact with the clay.
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Avoid synthetic paints and varnishes
When crafting an incense holder, it is important to consider the impact of synthetic paints and varnishes on your health and the environment. These products often contain harmful chemicals that can be released during the burning of incense.
Synthetic paints and varnishes are typically made with petroleum-based ingredients, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colours. These ingredients can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are hazardous to both the environment and human health. VOCs are organic chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and are commonly found in household products like paints, cleaners, cosmetics, and perfumes. Exposure to VOCs can cause a range of health issues, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, nausea, dizziness, headaches, and allergic reactions. Some VOCs, such as certain synthetic fragrances containing phthalates, can interfere with the endocrine system and impact reproductive health. Additionally, artificial colours may contain heavy metals such as lead or cadmium, which can accumulate in the body and lead to neurological problems.
To create a safer and more natural incense holder, opt for natural clay or earthenware clay, which can be dried or fired. Natural clay is the only type of clay that can safely come into direct contact with the hot ember of an incense stick without burning or melting. While polymer clay is commonly used for incense holders, it requires careful workarounds to prevent direct exposure to heat, such as placing a small glass or metal bowl inside the holder to catch the hot ember.
If you are considering painting a wooden incense holder, be cautious when selecting paint and varnish. Acrylic paint, for example, is not recommended to come into direct contact with the lit incense as it can get damaged. Instead, look for natural and non-toxic alternatives, ensuring that the ember does not touch the painted surface.
By avoiding synthetic paints and varnishes, you not only reduce potential health risks but also minimise the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. This promotes a healthier and more sustainable approach to creating your natural rock incense holders.
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Use rocks in a glass to hold incense
Using rocks in a glass to hold incense is a creative way to blend nature-inspired design with functionality. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Choose the Right Rocks and Glass:
Select a variety of smooth and flat rocks that are similar in size and shape. You can find these rocks in nature, at craft stores, or even in home and garden stores. For the glass, opt for a heat-resistant variety such as borosilicate or tempered glass. Make sure the glass is large enough to accommodate the rocks and incense comfortably.
Prepare the Rocks:
Before placing the rocks in the glass, wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. You can use mild soap and water, and then dry them completely. If you want to get creative, you can even paint or decorate the rocks with non-toxic paint or markers.
Assemble the Incense Holder:
Start by placing a layer of rocks at the bottom of the glass. You can arrange them in a circular or spiral pattern, or simply scatter them for a more natural look. Make sure the rocks are stable and create a flat surface for the next step. Then, place your incense stick or cone on the layer of rocks. You can use a variety of incense types, such as sticks, cones, or pellets. Just ensure the incense is secure and won't topple over.
Add Final Touches:
To enhance the aesthetic and functionality of your incense holder, consider adding a layer of sand, crushed rock, or sea salt on top of the base layer of rocks. This will help catch any ash and add a decorative touch. You can even use coloured sand or rocks to create a unique design. Finally, light your incense and enjoy the aromatic experience!
Safety Precautions:
Always practise safety when burning incense. Ensure the glass and rocks are heat-resistant and placed on a heat-proof surface. Keep the incense holder away from flammable materials and always burn incense in a well-ventilated area. Extinguish the incense before leaving the room and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
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Frequently asked questions
The best clay to use for making an incense holder is natural clay, such as earthen clay, pottery clay, or ceramic clay. This is because it is the only type of clay that can handle direct contact with hot coals.
Yes, polymer clay is a common alternative to natural clay when making incense holders. However, it is important to note that it cannot come into direct contact with hot coals, so you will need to place a small bowl or cup inside the incense holder to prevent this from happening.
Yes, rocks, glass, metal, and wood are all materials that can be used to make incense holders.
To prevent ash from escaping, you can place your incense holder on top of a plate or bowl. This will catch any falling ash and make it less likely to create a mess.
Lava rock is a natural rock that is commonly used as an incense holder. It is known for its ability to catch ash from both sticks and cones and can hold incense vertically for a slower burn.
