LARRISSA BURTON

Trying air drying modelling clay

LARRISSA BURTON

This summer I wanted to try using new materials and mediums and I decided to put my 12.5 kg bag of air-drying modelling clay to good use. Versatile and easy to use, I decided to make candlestick holders as I had recently bought some nice candles. Candles have often been a staple within the home, the perfect gift to add a fragrant smell to your home, a simple tealight or more decorative piece can add warmth and light to a home creating a relaxing atmosphere. Maybe this is why during and after the pandemic candle sales and products similar to candles such as diffusers and essential oils have jumped. Spending more time at home has led the nation to value their homes and its interior more than ever which explains the rise in decorative pieces such as tealights, candlesticks and candelabras – used to display and hold your candles. I decided to design and create my own candlestick holders since buying some new candles and wanting to be able to display them within my room. I wanted to create some pieces that were modern and unique, and would fit with the aesthetic of my room. I looked to magazines for modern and contemporary shapes, colours and patterns for inspiration to influence my design of the candleholders.

I decided to use round shapes and curvature within my pieces. Working with clay was new for me but the medium is fun to experiment with. I wanted to create handmade candle holders as I wanted something unique rather than shop bought and mass produced. I used air drying clay tools to help shape and mould the clay and add additional detail and textures but no special tools are really necessary instead you could use a cocktail stick or paint brush and these will work just as well. Keeping it damp using water is important whilst shaping the clay with your hands. From experience I found that the clay can become very delicate once dried especially with smaller, thin pieces, they can break easily. I would recommend trying larger pieces that will be more durable and easier to work with. Make sure the clay is completely dry before attempting to paint, this could take a few days depending on size and temperature. Once dried, I carefully sanded my candleholders down to create a smooth surface ready for the paint to be applied. I used a paint brush to gently remove any dust or residue. I used my acrylic paints as I wanted my candleholders to be colourful and fun. I started off by creating a white base and working over in colour, I diluted the paint with water to create a thinner paint consistency, this was easier to apply. It's also a good idea to apply a clear gloss varnish or pva glue to seal it, this creates a resistance to water and protects the porous clay piece.