Tea lights conjure up a warm atmosphere in any room. Tea lights made of clay that you have designed yourself are particularly beautiful.
In this guide, we show you how to make tea lights - step by step, even if you have no previous experience. Whether you want to make classic shapes, intricate patterns or creative lanterns, you'll find inspiration, tips and answers to the most frequently asked questions about making tealights here.
Why make tea lights?
Making your own ceramic tea lights is more than just a DIY project - it's relaxation, creative expression and a great gift. In contrast to store-bought products, you can choose the shape, colour and texture individually and adapt your lantern perfectly to your home style.
What you need to get started
Material
An easily mouldable ceramic clay forms the basis and is easy to model.
Aids
A turntable can make work easier, but is not absolutely necessary.
Tools
Wooden sticks, sponge and modelling knives help to create shapes and work out details.
Underlay & glaze
A protective base and water ensure clean working, while a heat-resistant glaze seals the finished clay.
Step-by-step instructions: Pottery tea lights
Knead the clay well until it is soft and free of air bubbles.
You can make tea light holders with or without a potter's wheel:
- Without a disc:
Roll out a slab of clay and shape it into a bowl or cylindrical form. - With a potter's wheel:
Place the clay on the wheel and shape it evenly into a round bowl.
Now it's time to get creative! You can:
- Carve filigree patterns
- Pierce small holes for light effects (ideal for lanterns)
- Add reliefs and structures
💡 Tip: If you make small holes, make sure that they are evenly distributed - this creates a beautiful play of light.
You can make tea light holders with or without a potter's wheel:
- Without a disc:
Roll out a slab of clay and shape it into a bowl or cylindrical form. - With a potter's wheel:
Place the clay on the wheel and shape it evenly into a round bowl.
After drying, your work is placed in the kiln. You can then work with heat-resistant glaze before firing it again.
Creative ideas for your tea lights
Tea lights with hole pattern
Perfect as lanterns - the light dances through the small openings.
Natural look
Structures with leaves and plant imprints for a rustic atmosphere.
Coloured glazes
Set specific colour accents with glossy or matt glazes.
Frequently asked questions
Basically, you can start making tea lights with a simple bowl shape:
- Knead clay
- Shape the bowl
- Work in a pattern
- Dry & fire
- Glaze and you're done!
With a little practice, you can also create intricate lanterns with hole patterns.
The most suitable are
- Ceramic clay (easy to mould, fires hard)
- Stoneware clay (very robust, ideal for everyday use)
Make sure that the clay fires well and does not crack.
Yes, many potters start without a wheel. You can shape the clay with your hands or roll out a clay disc. The disc helps to create even round shapes, but is not a must.
Tea light holders must be medium to highly heat-resistant, as burning tea lights generate heat. After firing and glazing, you should ensure that:
- no cracks are visible
- the glaze is heat-resistant
This will prevent damage or breakage during use.
Conclusion
Making tea lights is fun, easy to learn and offers plenty of scope for creativity. Whether it's lanterns with a perforated pattern, elegant tea light holders or colourful ceramics - a lot can be created with clay. Making ceramic tea lights yourself is worthwhile: as a decoration, gift idea or relaxing hobby.
If you want to learn more about these techniques, our pottery courses are ideal! Whether you are in pottery courses Zurich or pottery courses Basel you will learn from professionals and realise your ideas directly.
