Crafting Pottery Candlesticks: A Guide

Creating your own pottery offers a unique way to personalize your home and connect with a traditional craft. Among the many pottery projects you can undertake, crafting candlesticks is a great starting point. Here's a guide to making your own pottery candlesticks, from simple designs to those with handles.

Basic Candlestick Construction

The foundation of any pottery candlestick is a round base. Aim for a base that's approximately 1/4 inch thick and 4 inches in diameter. This provides stability and a good starting point for building the rest of the candlestick. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)

Once the base is prepared, place a lump of clay in the center. Work this clay into the base, then add another lump on top, continuing to build upwards until the candlestick reaches your desired height. The key is to gradually add clay and integrate it into the existing structure.

Creating the Candle Socket

After building the candlestick to the desired height, it's time to create the socket for the candle. Gently force a candle into the moist clay, twisting it around to form a deep enough indentation. This step is crucial to ensure the candle sits securely and straight. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)

To help maintain symmetry, consider using a cardboard "templet." Trim one edge to the desired shape of the candlestick and run it around the walls as you work. This will guide you in filling out, trimming, and straightening the clay, ensuring an even and aesthetically pleasing result. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)

Adding a Handle

For a candlestick with a handle, begin by creating the base and building up the walls as if you were making a jar, leaving a center hole for the candle. Once the wall reaches the desired height, cut a strip of clay approximately 1/4 inch wide and 1/4 inch thick. Lay this strip around the top of the wall, allowing it to project about 3/8 inch over the edge. Smooth this piece onto the top, inside, and outside using a modeling stick and your fingers. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)

Next, prepare a strip of clay for the handle, about 1 inch wide and 3/8 inch thick. Join one end to the top band and the other end to the base. Use small lumps of clay to fill around the joints, smoothing the piece on all sides for a seamless connection. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)

To ensure the candlestick remains straight during drying, insert a round stick (the same size as the candle) into the hole and leave it in place until the clay is dry. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)

Firing and Finishing

While professional pottery is often glazed and fired in a kiln, it's not always necessary. Air-dried clay will harden sufficiently to maintain its shape. If you intend to use the candlestick with wax candles, waterproofing is essential. You can use bathtub enamel to seal the inside (and outside, if desired) of the pottery, preventing leaks. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)

If you wish to fire your pottery, consider building a sawdust kiln. This type of kiln is suitable for smaller projects and can reach temperatures up to approximately 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, sufficient for firing clay pinch pots and other decorative pieces. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)

Conclusion

Crafting pottery candlesticks is a rewarding experience that allows you to create unique and functional art for your home. Whether you opt for a simple, handle-less design or a more elaborate candlestick with a handle, the process is both enjoyable and fulfilling. With these guidelines, you can embark on your pottery journey and create beautiful, handcrafted candlesticks that will add warmth and character to any space.