Lotus Candle Holder

How to Make

1. Use a compass to draw a 13cm diameter circle onto white card. Draw a small 4.5cm circle in the centre. Use a pencil and ruler to divide the circle into quarters then divide again into quarters to make 8 equal sections.
   Draw 8 matching curved petal shapes around the circle using the pencil lines as a guide. Draw each petal starting from the edge of the small circle with the point at the end touching the outer circle. Keep the shapes simple. Cut out the flower. Use this shape as a guide for making the 2 outer layers on the candle holder.
2. Draw another smaller circle 11cm in diameter onto white card. Draw a 4 cm circle in the centre. Use a pencil and ruler to divide the circle into quarters then again into quarters to make 8 equal sections.
   Draw 8 petal shapes around the circle using the pencil lines as a guide then cut out the flower. Use this smaller shape as a guide for cutting the inner layer of petals on the candle holder. Tear off a 30cm piece from a roll of cling film then tape it to your work surface. Cut off a 5cm section from the block of clay. Roll it into a ball, flatten with your fingers then place it onto the cling film. Keep the remaining clay wrapped in the packaging so it doesn’t dry out. Roll the clay to about 5mm in depth. You could use wooden craft sticks or strips of wood as a guide for rolling the clay to an even depth.
3. Place the larger template on top of the rolled clay then carefully cut around the shape with a modelling tool. Lift up the card shape to re-use. Remove the clay from around the edge then wrap it up.
   Smooth the edges of the petals with a modelling tool, adding water if necessary. Make a texture or pattern with a modelling tool or leave the petals plain if you prefer. Lift the clay flower with the edges of the cling film then place it into a shallow small bowl with the cling film underneath. Gently press the petals into an even, curved shape.
4. Repeat to make 2 more clay flowers in the same way, 1 larger size and 1 smaller. Work on a new piece of cling film each time. The curve can be varied on each layer by drying the clay in cups or bowls in different sizes. Use a smaller cup for a more closed effect on the petals or a shallow bowl for a more open flower. The outer layer can either be made into leaves or flower petals.
5. Leave the clay to dry. Allow 48 hours before painting. Paint the 3 sections separately. Mix white paint with a small amount of red to make a pale pink, or use some different colours. Leave to dry, add a layer of varnish and leave to dry.
6. Glue the 3 pieces together with the smallest section on top. Stick a self-adhesive felt circle on the base. Place an LED tea light in the middle.

Top Tip

To help roll the clay to an even depth, place 2 wooden craft sticks glued together down both sides of the clay.