Curating your home is about blending old and new, found and made.
In this project we explore the medium of clay to create Candle Pillars that celebrate curved forms and the beauty of hand created surfaces. A careful balance of simplicity, geometry and the organic. Creating a collection of Candle Pillars to decorate your space, and compliment the ritual of candlelit moments.
Another handmade project created by us, for you.
For the sake of ease, we used a white air drying clay to form the pillars. Our preference was to keep the palette pared back so that the matt finish would enhance the soft imperfections that are the result of hand working the clay. You might like to explore different hues so that these pieces can become colourful accents to compliment your home's palette.
Whilst this is a fairly quick project to produce, due to the thickness of the forms drying time will be significant.
You will need
Air Drying Clay
Rolling Pin
Knife or Clay Tools
Water
S T E P 1
Break off a piece of clay to roll into a ball approximately 5cm diameter. Using a rolling pin or round object roll the ball flat so that it is about half a centimetre thick.
Cut a circle out of the flattened clay, a glass is an easy way to do this. Ensure that the diameter of your circle is just slightly bigger than the diameter of the candles you would like to use these holders for.
S T E P 2
Roll a thin strip of clay out until it is about 1.5cm diameter. Using the rolling pin, gently roll over the length of clay so that it is flattened to about half a centimetre.
Tip: A piece of baking paper can help to ensure that your clay doesn't get stuck on surfaces as you work.
S T E P 3
Wet the outer edge of your clay circle and the inside of the long length of clay with water. Then wind your length of clay around the flat circle, trimming any excess and smoothing over the joining point. Use your hands, a little bit of water and your knife if you need it to smooth over any gaps in the clay or bumps.
S T E P 4
Roll out a piece of clay for your base. You want to make this roll slightly larger than the size you envisage in your final result. As you roll start to apply slightly more pressure to one end to create a tapered shape. Once you are happy with the thickness use your knife to gently cut each end to create flat top and bottom edges.
S T E P 5
Stand your base piece upright and use your knife to create rough lines on the top. Creating a rougher surface will help to fix your base to the top. Wet this top surface with water then gently place your top piece onto the base.
S T E P 6
Finally use your knife, hands and water to smooth joins and straighten out any uneven surfaces before leaving the clay to dry overnight.
