How to Make a Diya

Small diyas are used to create a feeling of celebration for the Indian New Year.

The Indian New Year is called Diwali and to celebrate families make lots of diyas or small clay candles to celebrate good over evil. In India, the small clay pot is filled with clarified ghee which is similar to oil. Cotton wool is twisted to make a small wick and the lamps are arranged in rows as part of the celebration. A crafter can make a similar small lamp (diya) using polymer clay and tealight candles. The pots or lamps can be painted to recognize the Indian holiday and celebration.

Things You'll Need

• Polymer clay
• Tea light
• Oven
• Aluminum foil
• Cookie sheet
• Acrylic paints

Instructions

1. Soften polymer clay in your hand by warming it and kneading it with your fingers.

2. Shape the clay around the tea or votive-size candle. The clay should rise 1/4 inch above the top of the candle wax. Shape the clay in any design you like. The clay should be no more than 1/4-inch thick.

3. Place the clay on aluminum foil on a cookie sheet. Preheat your oven to 275 degrees. Bake your clay for 20 to 25 minutes. Allow the clay to cool completely before you touch it.

4. Decorate your diya with acrylic paints using an artist paintbrush. Paint any festive design you like.

Tips & Warnings

• Make several diyas and use votive or tea light candles inside them when celebrating.

References

• DLTK: Diwali Diyas
• Stampington; Polymer Clay Basics; Sharilyn Miller