Shop-bought candle holders are fine, but nobody has ever been complimented on one and been able to say "I made that". This mini modelling kit makes two candleholders from self-hardening clay in soft, organic shapes, then finishes them with blue patterns painted by hand in a deep ultra marine. The contents are all in the box: self-hardening clay, paint, a brush and candle cuffs, plus instructions, so there is no oven, kiln or trip to the shops involved.
The charm of this one is in the imperfections. The instructions encourage a relaxed approach to shaping, so a few small irregularities are welcome, and each candleholder ends up with its own character. That is what gives handmade pieces their appeal, and it makes the kit forgiving for anyone who has never worked with clay. The blue patterns are entirely up to the maker: stripes, dots, swirls or something more abstract all work, and no two finished sets will look alike.
Once painted, the candleholders suit a laid dinner table, a window sill, a mantelpiece or a bedroom shelf, and the self-hardening clay means they can be used again and again. It also makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who likes personalised home decor, either as a finished pair or as a kit to be made together on a quiet afternoon. The candles themselves are not included.
As with any candle holder, never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep lit candles away from anything flammable.
- Makes two candleholders in self-hardening clay
- Contains self-hardening clay, paint, brush and candle cuffs
- Instructions included
- No oven or kiln needed
- Candles not included
Frequently Asked Questions
How many candleholders does the kit make?
The kit makes two candleholders in soft, organic shapes, which you then decorate with blue paint. They are designed as a pair, though they do not need to match perfectly.
What is included?
Self-hardening clay, paint, a brush and candle cuffs, along with instructions. You do not need an oven or a kiln. Candles are not included.
Do I need to fire the clay?
No. The clay is self-hardening, which means it dries hard on its own at room temperature. Leave the finished shapes somewhere dry until they are firm before you paint them.
Do they have to be perfect?
Definitely not. The instructions suggest shaping them with small irregularities so each one has its own character. A slightly wonky candleholder usually looks better than a perfect one, and certainly looks more like something you made.
What are the candle cuffs for?
The candle cuffs go into the finished holders to hold the candle in place. Make sure you use candles that fit the cuffs, and never leave a lit candle unattended.
Is it a good gift?
Yes. It suits anyone who enjoys making things or who likes personalised home decor, and it can be given as a kit or as a finished pair. It also makes a good project to do together.
