Crafting Your Own Pottery Candlestick

Creating your own pottery can be a fulfilling experience, allowing you to personalize your home decor with unique, handmade items. One such project is making a pottery candlestick, a charming addition to any room. Here's a guide to crafting your own candlestick, adapted from traditional pottery techniques.

Materials and Preparation

Before you begin, gather your materials:

• Clay
• Modeling stick
• Water
• Cardboard "templet" (optional)
• Round stick (same size as the candle you intend to use)

Creating the Base

Start with a round base approximately 1/4 inch thick and 4 inches in diameter. This will serve as the foundation for your candlestick. Ensure the base is smooth and even for stability.

Building the Candlestick

1. Add Clay to the Center: Place a lump of clay in the center of the base and work it into the surface. Add another lump on top, blending it seamlessly with the previous layer.
2. Build Up the Height: Continue adding clay in this manner until the candlestick reaches your desired height.
3. Create the Socket: Carefully force a candle into the moist clay, twisting it around until it creates a socket deep enough to securely hold the candle.
4. Symmetry and Shaping: For a symmetrical design, use a cardboard templet with one edge trimmed to the desired shape. Run the edge of the templet around the walls of the candlestick as you work, guiding you on where to add, trim, or straighten the clay.

Adding a Handle (Optional)

If you desire a candlestick with a handle:

1. Build the Wall: Create a base as described earlier. Then, cut strips of clay and build up the wall, similar to constructing a jar, leaving a center hole just large enough to hold a candle.
2. Top Band: Once the wall reaches the desired height, cut a strip of clay 1/4 inch wide and 1/4 inch thick, and lay it around the top of the wall, projecting approximately 3/8 inch over the wall. Smooth this piece on top, inside, and outside with your modeling stick and fingers.
3. Attach the Handle: Prepare a strip of clay 1 inch wide and 3/8 inch thick. Join one end to the top band and the other end to the base. Use a small lump of clay to fill around the joining points, and smooth off the piece on all sides.

Finishing Touches

1. Keep it Straight: To ensure the candlestick remains straight during drying, insert a round stick (the same size as your candle) into the hole and leave it in place until the clay is dry.
2. Drying: Allow the candlestick to dry completely before proceeding with any further treatments.
3. Waterproofing (if needed): To waterproof the candlestick, especially if you intend to use it with candles that might drip, apply bathtub enamel to the inside (and outside, if desired) to seal off any cracks and prevent leaks.

Glazing and Firing (Optional)

While not necessary, glazing and firing can add a professional touch to your pottery candlestick. If you choose to do so, you'll need access to a pottery kiln.

Final Thoughts

Creating a pottery candlestick is a rewarding project that allows you to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your home decor. With a little patience and practice, you can create beautiful and functional pieces that will be cherished for years to come.