Heidi Norton
Incense bowls are a safe and inexpensive way to burn dried plants and herbs. They are easy to make and can be used to curate a fragrance that suits your space. You can make an incense bowl by using air-dry clay and following a simple process of cutting, molding, and drying. You can also use a metal or ceramic bowl and fill it with incense sand, ash, or dry grain such as rice, and then place incense sticks, cones, or bricks on top. The type of incense you use depends on your preference, and you can choose from a variety of scents and blends, such as sandalwood, lavender, or citrus.
Characteristics and Values of an Incense Bowl
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Metal, ceramic, clay, wood, stone, brass |
| Incense | Sticks, cones, coils, loose mixtures, pellets, natural ingredients, plants, dried herbs, charcoal, essential oils, resins |
| Incense Bowl Fillers | Sand, ash, dry grain (e.g. rice), lava rock |
| Incense Bowl Types | Open incense bowl, covered incense bowl, censer, cup, boat-style burner, soapstone burner, clay incense holder |
| Benefits | Relaxation, improved sleep quality, air quality improvement, stress reduction, stimulation of creativity, natural fragrance |
| Additional Tools | Heat-safe mat, paintbrush, black acrylic paint, varnish, strong craft glue, super glue |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a material
Choosing the right material for your incense bowl is crucial, as it will determine the bowl's durability, heat resistance, and overall aesthetic. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your material:
- Heat resistance: The material you choose should be able to withstand high temperatures without warping or cracking. Metal, ceramic, and clay are all good options in this regard. Metal, especially brass, is an excellent heat conductor, making it a popular choice for incense burners. Ceramic and clay are also heat-resistant and suitable for burning incense.
- Durability: Consider the durability of the material, especially if you plan to use your incense bowl frequently. Metal and ceramic are known for their durability and ability to withstand regular use. Clay, while less durable than metal or ceramic, can still be a good option if properly treated and maintained.
- Aesthetic: The material you choose will also contribute to the overall look of your incense bowl. Metal bowls can add a modern or industrial touch to your space. Ceramic and clay bowls offer a more natural and earthy aesthetic. You can even paint and varnish your clay bowl, as suggested in a DIY project, to create a unique and personalized design.
- Safety: Ensure that the material you choose is safe for burning incense. Avoid materials that can be easily damaged by fire, such as glass or plastic. If using a metal bowl, consider using a coaster or a heat-safe mat underneath to protect your furniture.
- Ease of cleaning: Some materials may be easier to clean than others. For example, metal and ceramic bowls can typically be wiped clean, while clay bowls may require more gentle care to prevent damage.
When making your decision, it's important to consider the type of incense you plan to use. Different materials may work better with certain types of incense, such as cones, sticks, or loose incense. Additionally, you may want to fill your bowl with incense sand, ash, or dry grains like rice to protect the bowl and improve airflow, so ensure that the material you choose is compatible with these fillers.
Remember, the material you choose will depend on your personal preferences, the intended use of the bowl, and the overall look you wish to achieve.
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Selecting a shape
The shape of your incense bowl depends on the type of incense you plan to burn. Incense cones, for example, require a burner with a lid that is tall enough so as not to extinguish the incense when closed. The walls of the bowl should also be high enough to prevent the cones from falling out. If you plan to use incense sticks, you can opt for a boat-style burner with holes drilled into the top to hold the sticks upright. Alternatively, you can use a simple bowl filled with rice, sand, or ash to hold the incense sticks upright.
If you want to burn loose incense, you will need a burner that resembles a small charcoal grill, often made of brass. You can place sand or ash in the bottom of the bowl or use a metal screen to keep the charcoal disk off the bowl's bottom. For this type of incense, a cup, bowl, or shell-shaped vessel works well. Large sea shells, such as abalone, can also be used for burning loose incense.
When selecting a shape for your incense bowl, consider the material as well. Metal, ceramic, and pottery bowls are ideal as they are not susceptible to fire damage. Avoid materials such as glass or plastic that can be damaged by fire. Additionally, if your bowl does not have a metal base, use a coaster or a heat-safe mat underneath to protect the surface it rests on.
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Preparing ingredients
Firstly, gather your ingredients and tools. If you are just starting out, it is recommended to keep the number of ingredients to three, such as one wood and two herbs, or one resin, one wood, and one herb. As you become more experienced, you can gradually increase the number of ingredients. Pulverize your ingredients separately, grinding the woods first, then the herbs, and finally the resins. This order will help you avoid making a mess of your mortar and pestle. Alternatively, you can use a coffee grinder to grind your ingredients into powders. Freshest ingredients are obtained by pulverizing them yourself. However, you can also start with pre-ground substances if you prefer. Weigh each ingredient after grinding and keep one bowl for dry ingredients and another for resins.
If you are using dried plants, you can harvest and dry them yourself. After harvesting, tie the plants together at the base and hang them upside down for a few days. You can also create bundles of multiple herbs and dry them together. To prevent rotting, use a dehydrator.
For the incense bowl, you will need a jar-like container to house your creation. You can use a metal or ceramic bowl, ensuring it has a base or a coaster underneath to protect the surface from heat damage. To avoid scorch marks in your bowl, use a layer of incense sand at the bottom. This sand is smooth and dry and serves to protect the incense brick and regulate the heat in the bowl. You can also use white rice ash or pulverized lava rock as an alternative.
Finally, choose your incense brick, which is the star of the show. Incense bricks are small, smokeless cubes made from natural ingredients, providing a safe and organic scenting experience. Select a fragrance that suits your preferences and creates an authentic scenting experience.
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Assembly
To make an incense bowl, you will need a few tools and ingredients. Incense bricks, incense sand, and an incense bowl are the three main components. Incense bricks are small, smokeless cubes that are made from natural ingredients. Incense sand is a smooth, dry sand that is used to protect the brick and balance the heat. The incense bowl will contain your creation and allow you to move it from place to place.
You can make your own incense bowl from scratch using air-dry clay. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Place a small bowl face down on a piece of clay and use a scalpel to cut around it to create a clay circle.
- Place the circle into your bowl, pressing down lightly to mould it into a bowl shape.
- Use a knife to neaten the edges and smooth out the surface with your fingers dipped in water to remove any cracks or ditches.
- Leave the bowl to air dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Roll some leftover clay into a small ball and poke a hole in the top with a skewer. Ensure the hole is large enough for an incense stick to fit.
- Allow the clay ball to air dry, preferably overnight.
- Use strong craft glue or super glue to attach the ball to the bowl.
- (Optional) Decorate your incense holder by splattering black acrylic paint with a paintbrush. Varnish the paintwork to protect it and add shine.
Once you have your incense bowl, you can assemble your ingredients and tools for making and burning your incense. You will need bamboo charcoal or makko powder, tweezers or tongs, mica, a coffee grinder, distilled water or fragrant hydrosols, mixing bowls or food-grade plastic bags, measuring tools, and a drying cloth or wax paper.
To burn your incense, place charcoal in the centre of your bowl filled with ash or sand. Sprinkle your incense mixture directly on top of the charcoal. The charcoal will heat the materials and release the fragrance.
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Burning techniques
Burning incense is a great way to fill your space with a pleasant aroma. Here are some tips for burning incense in a bowl:
- Choosing the right bowl: Opt for a bowl made of metal, ceramic, or soapstone. Avoid materials that can be damaged by fire, such as glass or plastic. Ensure the bowl has a base or use a coaster or heat-safe mat underneath to protect the surface from heat.
- Preparing the bowl: Fill the bowl with a layer of incense sand, ash, or rice. This layer insulates the bowl, absorbs heat, and catches the ashes. For cone incense, use enough sand or ash to create a small pad for the cone to rest on. For stick incense, use a thicker layer of sand or rice to support the sticks.
- Lighting the incense: Hold a lit match or lighter flame to the coated end of the incense for at least ten seconds. If using dried herbs, light them over the bowl, then drop them in before the heat reaches your fingers. You can also light the herbs before placing them in the bowl.
- Promoting combustion: For incense sticks inserted into the ash, stir the ash occasionally to allow air into the mixture and promote complete combustion. Traditionally, a "fire chopstick" is used, but common kitchen utensils like knives, spoons, or skewers can also be employed.
- Circulating air: Use your hands to waft the smoke rising from the bowl. This keeps the air circulating and makes the embers burn a little longer.
- Safety precautions: Always burn incense in a well-ventilated area. Avoid burning incense near flammable materials or in windy conditions to prevent sparks and potential fires. Do not burn anything poisonous.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need an incense brick, incense sand, and an incense bowl. You can also make your own bowl out of clay.
Place a small bowl face down on a slab of clay and use a scalpel to cut around it to create a clay circle. Then, place the circle into your bowl, pressing down lightly to mold it into a bowl shape. Use a knife to neaten the edges, and then dip your fingers in a bit of water and smooth out the surface so it’s free of cracks. Leave your bowl to air dry according to the clay manufacturer’s instructions.
Incense comes in a variety of scents and blends. If you are looking to gain specific benefits from your incense, you might want to try one of the following:
- Sandalwood, frankincense, and cedarwood for meditation
- Nag Champa to relax and find clarity
- Lavender, chamomile, and vetiver to help with insomnia or problems resting
- Rosemary to aid with relaxation and muscle tension
- Citrus, lemongrass, and ylang-ylang for an uplifting scent to bring focus and clarity
First, clean your incense bowl and let it dry thoroughly. Then, pour your chosen incense sand into the bowl and fill it about a third of the way. Place a couple of incense bricks on top and light them whenever you want a refreshing scent.
You can burn incense using a censer, a brass burner, or a soapstone burner. You can also burn incense outdoors by placing individual ingredients, loose mixtures, and incense pellets directly in a small campfire or on a hot rock.
