Is It Safe To Make An Incense Holder Out Of Air Dry Clay?
Air dry clay, also known as no-bake clay, is a modeling material that dries naturally at room temperature. It is made from a mixture of minerals, fillers, and polymer additives that give it a clay-like texture that doesn’t require firing in a kiln. Air dry clay is an accessible and versatile material that is easy to use to create decorative objects like jewelry, figurines, and functional items like bowls and vases.
Making an incense holder from air dry clay is a beginner-friendly craft project. An incense holder, also called an incense burner, is a container designed to hold incense sticks or cones while they burn. Incense holders come in many styles, but making one yourself with air dry clay allows you to customize the design. The air dry clay can be molded by hand or shaped using basic pottery tools. And because it doesn’t require high heat firing, air dry clay incense holders are relatively simple and safe to make at home.
Is Air Dry Clay Safe?
Air dry clay is considered non-toxic and safe to use for arts and crafts projects. The main ingredients in air dry clay are water, clay, and cellulose-based binders. Unlike polymer clay, air dry clay does not contain plasticizers like phthalates that can potentially leach out. Air dry clay is made from natural mineral ingredients that are safe for handling.
That being said, air dry clay is still a fine particulate material that can cause irritation if inhaled. Breathing in any kind of dust over a long period of time can potentially cause lung damage. It’s recommended to work in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling clay dust when sanding or carving dried pieces. Wearing a dust mask can help protect your lungs.
Always read the product label and look for an “AP Approved Product” seal from the Art & Creative Materials Institute, which indicates it’s been tested for safety. As long as you follow basic studio hygiene practices, air dry clay is considered non-toxic and safe to work with for people of all ages.
Types of Air Dry Clay
There are a few common types of air dry clay that are popular for crafting and DIY projects:
Polymer Clay – Made from PVC, resin, and plasticizers. It is very versatile and easy to work with. Polymer clay is lightweight, flexible when cured, and available in many colors.
Paper Clay – Made from paper pulp, glue, and cellulose fiber. It is lightweight and absorbent. Paper clay is easy to sand and carve when dry.
Cellulose Clay – Made from cellulose fiber. It air dries lightweight and extremely hard. Cellulose clay is smooth with a consistency similar to playdough.
Cold Porcelain Clay – Made from glue, cornstarch, and lime. It has a porcelain-like texture when dry. Cold porcelain is lightweight, hardens smooth, and is easy to paint.
Each type of air dry clay has unique properties that lend themselves to certain kinds of projects. Polymer clay is ideal for jewelry and figurines. Paper clay works well for decorative boxes. Cellulose clay is great for sculptures. Cold porcelain is perfect for faux porcelain crafts.
Making an Incense Holder
Making an incense holder out of air dry clay is a fun and easy craft project. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make a simple incense holder:
You will need:
- Air dry clay
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters or household items for shaping
- Toothpicks
- Acrylic paint, glaze, or other decorations (optional)
Instructions:
- Take a lump of air dry clay and knead it briefly with your hands until soft and pliable.
- Use a rolling pin to roll out the clay to about 1/4 inch thickness on a flat work surface.
- Use cookie cutters or improvise with the rim of a cup or other household items to cut shapes out of the rolled clay. Cut out a shape that will be good for an incense holder, like a circle, square, or rectangle.
- Use a toothpick to poke holes for airflow where you will place the incense sticks. Poke at least three holes.
- Allow the shaped clay to air dry completely, which can take 1-2 days.
- Once hardened, you can leave it undecorated for a plain finish or paint with acrylics and add other decorations as desired.
Air dry clay is very easy to work with and mold into shapes. Letting your creativity run wild when shaping and decorating your incense holder is part of the fun!
Curing and Firing
Once your air dry clay incense holder has been molded, it will need time to cure and harden. The curing process allows the moisture in the clay to evaporate slowly instead of drying too quickly. Air dry clay cures through evaporation rather than firing in a kiln.
Curing air dry clay properly is an important step. If it dries too fast, cracking and warping can occur. Follow these tips for curing your clay incense holder:
- Allow the clay to air dry for 24-48 hours. Drying times can vary based on climate, size of the piece, etc.
- Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near heating sources like lamps or vents, as this dries the clay too quickly.
- Consider placing the clay in an airtight container with drying crystals or uncooked rice to absorb moisture.
- Turn the piece periodically so it cures evenly.
The benefit of air dry clay is that no firing is required. Once fully cured, the clay will be dry and hard. Firing is an optional step some artists choose to further strengthen and seal the clay. However, firing requires a kiln which most hobbyists don’t have access to. Skipping firing is recommended for simple air dry clay projects like an incense holder.
Decorating Your Air Dry Clay Incense Holder
Once your air dry clay incense holder has fully cured, it’s time to decorate it! There are many creative ways topersonalize your incense holder and make it your own.
One of the easiest ways is to paint it. Acrylic craft paints work great on air dry clay. Make sure to get paints that are specifically designed for clay, ceramic, and pottery. Regular acrylic paints may not properly adhere. Wipe down your holder with a damp cloth before painting to remove any dust or debris. Use fine tip paint brushes to add designs, patterns, words, or images. Let the paint fully dry between coats.
Another decorative option is to glaze your air dry clay creation. Pottery glazes come in endless colors and finishes like glossy, satin, matte, metallic, and more. Brush or sponge on an even coat and allow to fully dry before firing the piece according to the glaze instructions. Firing helps set the glaze and makes it more durable.
Some other easy decorating ideas include sponging with paint for texture, adding decals and stickers, attaching lace or fabric with decoupage glue, antiquing with paint and glaze, or even using markers to draw designs. Get creative with your air dry clay incense holder and make it into a beautiful decorative piece!
Using Your Incense Holder
Now that your homemade incense holder is complete, make sure you use it properly to get the most enjoyment. Here are some tips:
– Place it on a heatproof surface away from flammable materials. A stone, ceramic or metal table or shelf works well.
– Choose the right type of incense. Cone, stick and coil incense all work with a holder. Avoid very smokey or excessively fragrant incense.
– Light the tip of the incense and gently blow out the flame. Allow the incense to smolder slowly.
– Never leave burning incense unattended. Make sure to extinguish completely when done.
– Allow proper ventilation so smoke does not build up indoors.
– Experiment with different scents like floral, woody, herbal or spice infused incense to find your favorites.
– Clean the holder periodically by wiping gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove ash buildup.
Safety Tips
When using incense and an incense holder, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips to help prevent accidents and injuries:
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Never leave burning incense unattended – make sure an adult is always present when incense is lit.
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Keep incense away from flammable materials like curtains, bedding, or upholstered furniture.
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Place the incense holder on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
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Keep the incense holder at least 12 inches from walls and other items.
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Avoid knocking over the incense stick while it’s burning.
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Make sure the incense stick is fully extinguished before leaving the room.
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Consider using an incense burner or electric incense warmer instead of burning sticks.
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Never touch the hot ash or burning end of an incense stick.
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Have a bowl of sand or water nearby to fully extinguish incense sticks when finished.
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Don’t burn incense if sleepy or medicated.
Incense and incense holders can get extremely hot while in use. Take steps to prevent burns, fires, and other injuries when enjoying incense in your home.
Maintenance
Air dry clay is quite durable, but it does require some maintenance to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips for caring for your clay incense holder:
Dusting – Use a soft dry cloth or brush to gently dust your incense holder regularly. This prevents dust and dirt buildup which can make details look muddy over time.
Cleaning – If needed, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down your incense holder. Avoid submerging it in water or using harsh cleaners which can degrade the clay. Let it fully dry after cleaning.
Sealing – Applying a sealant like varnish or polyurethane will help protect the clay from moisture damage and give it some added durability. Reapply sealant every 1-2 years.
Storage – Keep your incense holder out of direct sunlight which can cause fading. Store in a dry, room temperature location away from moisture.
With proper care and maintenance, an air dry clay incense holder can last for many years while retaining its beauty and artistry.
Conclusion
Making your own incense holder out of air dry clay can be a fun, creative project that results in a beautiful, functional piece for your home. As we’ve covered, air dry clay is non-toxic and safe to work with as long as proper handling and curing techniques are followed. The process allows you to shape the clay into any design you choose and decorate it with paint, glaze or other embellishments. Once fully cured and fired, the clay incense holder will be sturdy, durable and ready to hold incense sticks or cones. The benefits of making your own incense holder include unleashing your creativity, customizing a piece that reflects your style, learning a new artistic skill, and having a unique handmade object to use and enjoy. With proper care and maintenance, an air dry clay incense holder can last for many years. If you follow key safety tips, work carefully, and properly cure the clay, creating an incense holder from air dry clay can result in a beautiful and functional work of art.
