Clay Pumpkin Candle Holder

Pumpkin candle holder and ornament 🎃 🕯

So this little craft has been on my to do list for a while, and it’s something I have just not gotten around to doing. But today the most beautiful soul in the shape of @fairoakfell came over for a much anticipated and needed play date, so whilst the children played we sat and moulded clay with our hands into a decoration for the seasonal table, all whilst putting the world to rights and sipping tea.

So nourishing and welcome and I am sat this evening feeling blessed after a lovely day. Thank you Amelia 🤍

These clay decorations are easy to make, and children could also have a good go (if unlike me you get clay which is a bit more workable, this one today was rock hard) to make one yourself, all you need is some air drying clay, a basic tool such as a lolly stick and a knife, a little water and your hands.

• First, make your pumpkin, knead and roll your clay into a ball and then squash it slightly so it is a little flat on both sides. Create an indent either side in the middle with your thumb or knuckle.

• Use your knife to score the ‘segments’ of the Pumpkin, then dip your finger in the water and use it to smooth the contours and rough edges.

• For a candle holder push your candle in the centre top, wriggle it around a little as clay shrinks when it dries so you want the hole slightly bigger.

• For the stems simply roll sausages wet them with the water and your finger to stop them cracking and coil them around, either starting them at the side of the candle or the centre of the pumpkin if it is an ornament.

• To make leaves cut rough rugged heart shapes from rolled out clay, use your fingers to thin the edges of the leaves and crinkle them slightly. Attach them with a little water.

Leave to dry. Use on the dinner table or seasonal table and re-use year after year

Air drying clay from @therangeuk

Beeswax dinner candle from @myriadnaturaltoys