Anisha Riggs
Burning incense sticks is a cherished custom in Southeast Asia, where the fragrant smoke is believed to purify the surroundings, ward off evil spirits, and connect the earthly and divine realms. While there are many incense holders readily available, there are several alternatives to burning incense without a holder. For instance, a small bowl or dish filled with uncooked rice, sand, or salt can be used to hold the incense stick upright. Another option is to use a glass partly filled with water, ensuring that the water level is below the area where the incense is ignited. If you're looking for a more creative approach, you can make your own incense holders using oven-baked clay, air-dry clay, or everyday items such as soda cans, vases, or plates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Clay, aluminium foil, glass, soda can, vase, urn, bowl, plate, wine bottle, rice, ash, sand, water |
| Customization | Color, shape, design |
| Craft supplies | Clay tools, knife, paintbrushes, clay glaze, paint |
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Clay incense holders
Sculpey Incense Holder
The Sculpey Incense Holder is a popular choice for those who want to create their own clay incense holder. The process involves using a Clay Conditioning Machine to condition the clay by running it through multiple passes on the widest setting. After each pass, the clay is folded in half and inserted into the rollers for an even texture. A sheet of clay is then rolled out, and a circle is cut out to serve as the base. This base is carefully positioned and pressed into the bottom of a bowl or vase, ensuring it adheres to the sides as well.
The next step involves silk-screening, where a silk screen is placed over the clay, and gold paint is spread across it. After lifting the screen, the paint is allowed to dry, and circles are cut out to create a hole for the incense. Another piece of clay is rolled out and positioned over the pattern, creating a dome shape. The dome is then baked and glued onto the dish, resulting in a unique and functional incense holder.
Hand-Carved Clay Incense Holder
For a more natural and artisanal option, hand-carved clay incense holders are a beautiful choice. These holders are crafted by skilled artisans in Thailand, using a special technique called bisque firing, which gives the clay a distinctive dark grey colour. Each piece is unique in size, shape, and colour, adding a one-of-a-kind touch to your space. The holders can also double as candle holders or even as decorative accents to display small pieces of jewellery.
DIY Clay Incense Holders
For those who enjoy crafting, creating your own clay incense holders is a fun and rewarding experience. All you need is some clay, a few simple tools, and your creativity. You can shape the clay into various forms, such as dishes, beads, or even small sculptures, to hold your incense sticks. Decorate your creations with paint, glaze, or other embellishments to make them truly yours.
Tips for Using Clay Incense Holders
When using clay incense holders, it's important to note that they may require regular cleaning due to the accumulation of ash. To protect the paint or glaze on your holder, consider using a thin coat of Sculpey Stain or Glossy Glaze. Additionally, always ensure that your incense sticks are securely held in place to prevent accidents.
In conclusion, clay incense holders offer a unique and personalised way to enjoy your incense. Whether you choose to purchase handmade clay holders or create your own, these holders add a touch of creativity and functionality to your space. So, embrace the calming aromas of your incense sticks, knowing they are supported by a holder that is both beautiful and practical.
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Using everyday items
- Glass with Water: Fill a glass halfway with water and rest the incense stick against the side at a slight angle. Ensure the glass is tall enough to support the length of the stick, and the water level is below the burning end. This method is commonly used in Southeast Asian temples and is a safe way to burn incense.
- Bowl with Rice or Ash: Fill a small bowl or dish with uncooked rice or ash from burnt incense. Gently insert the incense stick, ensuring it stands upright and remains stable. The rice or ash provides stability and protects the surface from heat. This method is also commonly used in Southeast Asia and is a simple, effective solution.
- Soda Can: Utilize the tab of a soda can to hold the incense stick in place. Alternatively, place the soda can on a fire-proof surface and balance the incense stick on it. This method is creative and unique, perfect if you're in a pinch.
- Vase or Urn: Fill a vase or urn with sand or salt and stick your incense sticks in. This method is convenient as it catches all the falling ash. It's also a traditional practice often seen outside Buddhist temples in Asia.
- Kitchen Sink: Suspend the incense sticks over your kitchen sink, allowing the ash to fall directly into it. Ensure the burning portion doesn't touch the sink to avoid marks. This method is practical and easy to clean up.
- Creative Decorations: Get creative with everyday items like old wine bottles or decorative plates. For example, you can drill a hole in a bottle, use a paper clip to hold the incense stick, and place it on a plate to catch the ash. This method adds a personalized touch to your incense holder.
Remember, when using everyday items as incense holders, always prioritize fire safety and ensure the items are heat-resistant or placed on fire-proof surfaces.
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Glass of water
A glass of water can be used as an incense holder, but it is not the most effective method. While the water will prevent the incense stick from burning your chosen surface, it will not catch the ash. This means that you will need to clean up the ash from the surface after the incense stick has burned out.
To use this method, simply light the incense stick and then place it in the glass, ensuring that the lit end is above the water. The water will act as a barrier between the lit incense and your chosen surface, such as a table or counter.
It is important to note that this method may not be suitable for all types of incense sticks, as the water could potentially extinguish the flame or affect the fragrance of the incense. Additionally, you will need to be careful when placing the incense stick in the glass to avoid spilling the water.
While a glass of water can be used in a pinch, there are other household items that may be more effective for holding incense sticks. For example, you could use a decorative plate or bowl, a vase, or even a soda can. These options will catch the ash and reduce the amount of clean-up required.
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Rice or ash
Ash and rice are both viable options for use as incense holders. Ash is an excellent medium to hold incense sticks, coils, or cones in a vessel and can help prevent embers from scattering and the incense from falling over. It is also safe and easy to use, and there is no waste as everything will burn up until the end without leaving anything leftover. Ash can be used in a bowl or cup made of a non-flammable material such as ceramic or metal. The trick with using ash is to ensure it is lightly pressed down so that it is slightly firm but still fluffy enough for the incense to burn properly.
On the other hand, rice can also be used as an incense holder, specifically rice chaff ash. A bowl filled with rice chaff ash can be used to set the incense stick upright or laid on its side. The burned incense becomes a support for other incense sticks, and the ash can be mixed or sifted and baked to remove impurities. However, one user reported that they found the smell of burning rice chaff ash unpleasant.
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Sand or salt
It is important to note that sand and salt offer no air circulation from below, unlike ash. This means that the burning incense may not get enough oxygen to burn down completely. To avoid this, the ash should be lightly pressed down with a spoon to create a fluffy yet firm base.
Some incense users also prefer to use natural sand without any added chemicals. This is because, when the burning end of the incense stick touches the sand, it can produce an unpleasant (and possibly toxic) aroma.
Sand and salt are also used as a bottom layer to support the incense sticks, with ash or rice filling the rest of the bowl. This allows the incense to burn properly without the need to bury it deep in the sand or salt.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use everyday items such as a glass of water, a bowl of uncooked rice, a vase, or an empty soda can.
You can use any bowl, but make sure it is filled with something that can support the incense stick, such as rice, ash, or sand.
You can make your own incense holder out of clay, which you can bake in the oven or leave to air dry. You can decorate it with paint and glaze.
Make sure your incense holder is on a fireproof surface. You can suspend the incense stick over a sink, but be careful that the burning end doesn't touch the sink.
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