2 Ways to Make a Clay Lamp

During Autumn and Winter we spend more time indoors and the days get dark and long. Many festivals and special events are celebrated around this time and candles or lights are often a feature of the celebrations. Here are two simple lamps to make with your toddler.

Age group: 2 years+

What you need:

 PVA glue

Flower petals (dried or paper shapes work best)

Air drying modelling clay

Paint (optional)

What to do:

1.  Take some clay and shape it into a small bowl over the bottom of a cup.
2. Press the petals into the outside of the bowl.
3. Leave the clay to dry.
4. For a good shiny effect cover the whole diya with glue (PVA)

If you like a bit more colour, you could wait until the clay has dried, then paint it. Glue on the the petals with a little PVA (white) glue. For a good shiny effect cover the whole diya with glue.

 Don’t have time to make one? Here’s a quick and effective tea light holder instead.

This little candle holder makes a lovely little gift for kids to make for many occasions, and is a perfect craft for Diwali too.

Age Group: 18 months +

What you need:

Small terracotta plant pots or ramekin dishes
Acrylic paints
Tea light

What to do:

1. Using some bright and cheerful colours, paint a pattern on your pot. 
2. Leave to dry (see suggested drying time on paints)
3. place a tea light inside.

We have included some ideas for decorating the pots for a variety of different special events.

Diwali: If you are making the tea light holder as a diya for Diwali, flowers are a popular Diwali design. Try matching your tea light to the design you have chosen.

Halloween: Use black, orange, green and purple paints. Decorate with spider web patterns or moons and stars. Use silver for some added sparkle. use n ornage or green tea light.

Christmas: paint the pot with reds and greens and try holly leaves and berries or even snowflakes. Add sparkle with gold or silver paints and glitter. Use a red or green tea light inside.

Valentine’s Day: Paint the pot red, white or pink. Decorate with hearts and flowers. Use red, pink or white tea lights.