Incense Holder
A minimal, organic incense holder with a gentle wave shape. This is one of the simplest projects in the collection and produces something genuinely beautiful on a shelf or nightstand. The wave form catches ash naturally, and the curved silhouette looks intentional rather than just functional.
What You'll Need
Air-dry clay 200g/one fifth of bag
Included in kitAcrylic paint set
Included in kitBrush set
Included in kitIncense Stick
For poking the holder holeRolling pin
For creating an even slabStep by Step
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1 Roll your Slab
Place your clay between two pieces of parchment paper. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness. You want it thick enough to feel substantial but not so heavy it looks clunky. Aim for an even thickness throughout.
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2 Cut the Base Shape
Using your craft knife tool, cut a long oval shape, roughly 6 inches long and 2 inches wide. Don't worry about perfect symmetry here. A slightly organic, freeform shape will look better than a rigid oval.
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3 Create the Wave (Optional)
Gently lift one end of the slab and fold it upward about 1 inch to create a subtle wave or lip. The raised end is where your incense stick will sit, so make sure it's angled enough to hold the stick at a slight tilt. Press the fold gently to secure it without flattening the curve.
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4 Poke the Holder Hole
Take your incense stick and poke it into the raised end at a slight angle (about 70 degrees from horizontal). Push it in about 1/2 inch deep, then gently remove it. The hole should be snug. If it's too loose, pinch the clay around it slightly.
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5 Refine and Smooth
Dip your finger in water and smooth any cracks, rough edges, or fingerprints. Pay special attention to the wave curve and the edges of the base. Clean, smooth edges make the difference between 'handmade' and 'homemade.'
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6 Dry & Finish
Place on a flat surface lined with parchment and let dry for 24-48 hours. Flip it once after 12 hours so both sides dry evenly. Once fully cured, lightly sand any rough spots with fine-grit sandpaper.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Test the incense hole with an actual stick before drying. Different brands vary in diameter.
For a more modern look, keep edges sharp and geometric. For boho vibes, let them stay organic.
The ash channel should have a slight concave dip to catch falling ash. Press gently with your thumb along the flat section to create this.
If your wave cracks at the fold, the clay was too dry. Mist it lightly with water and try again.