How to Make Ceramic Votive Sphere

Creating a ceramic votive sphere is a fun and creative project that combines artistry and functionality. These handcrafted vessels can beautifully hold candles, casting warm, flickering light through intricate patterns.

Whether you’re an experienced ceramic artist or a beginner looking to explore clay crafting, this guide will take you through the steps of how to make ceramic Votive Sphere.

What is a Ceramic Votive Sphere?

A ceramic votive sphere is a round, hollow vessel crafted from clay, designed to hold small candles or votive lights. These spheres often feature intricate cut-out patterns or perforations that allow light to shine through, creating captivating shadows and a warm ambiance.

They can be used as decorative elements in homes, gardens, or special events, adding a touch of elegance and artistry to any space. The handmade nature of ceramic votive spheres makes each piece unique, showcasing the skill and creativity of the artisan.

Materials & Tools Needed

To create ceramic votive spheres, you will need the following materials and tools:

• Clay: High-quality clay suitable for handbuilding or wheel-throwing, such as earthenware or stoneware clay.
• Pottery tools: Tools like a wire cutter, wooden modeling tools, and a pin tool for shaping and detailing.
• Pottery wheel (optional): For creating more uniformly round spheres if you prefer wheel-throwing over handbuilding.
• Slip or slurry: For attaching separate clay pieces securely.
• Sponges: To smooth the surface and keep the clay moist during the process.
• Perforating tools: Items like hole cutters, needle tools, or specialized carving instruments to create the cut-out patterns.
• Glazes: A range of glaze options to add color, texture, and a finished surface to the piece.
• Kiln: Essential for firing and hardening the clay into a durable ceramic piece.

Having these materials and tools ready ensures a smooth and enjoyable crafting process while allowing for creative freedom in designing the votive spheres.

10 Methods How to Make Ceramic Votive Sphere

1. Choose the Right Clay for Ceramic Durability and Shape Retention

The first step in crafting a ceramic votive sphere is selecting a suitable clay body that matches your design and firing method. Stoneware or porcelain clays are commonly preferred due to their strength and versatility, but if you’re aiming for a more rustic or earthy appearance, red earthenware may be ideal.

Ensure the clay has medium to low grog content so it remains pliable yet holds its shape well. Your clay should be moist and wedged thoroughly to eliminate air bubbles, which can cause cracking or explosions during kiln firing. Choosing the right clay from the start ensures a successful build and long-lasting piece.

2. Form a Hollow Sphere Using the Pinch Pot Method

One of the simplest and most effective methods for creating a votive sphere is using the pinch pot technique. Begin by making two equal-sized pinch pots—small, bowl-like forms—by pressing your thumbs into balls of clay and pinching outward with even pressure. Once you have two hemispheres of similar thickness and diameter, score the rims with a needle tool, apply slip (a liquid clay adhesive), and join them together to form a full sphere. Blend the seam gently using your fingers or a rubber rib until it’s smooth. This technique results in a lightweight, symmetrical form that’s ideal for votive candles.

3. Shape the Sphere Using a Mold for Precision

If you prefer a more uniform and precise sphere, you can use a bisque or plaster mold. Roll out a clay slab of consistent thickness, usually about ¼ inch, and drape it inside a hemispherical mold, trimming the excess with a needle tool. Repeat for the second half. Once both hemispheres firm up to leather-hard stage, remove them from the molds, score and slip the edges, and join them. Smoothing the joint and refining the surface with a damp sponge ensures a clean result. Using molds is especially beneficial for producing multiple matching votive spheres.

4. Cut Openings for Light Emission and Aesthetic Appeal

A ceramic votive sphere should have decorative cutouts to allow the candlelight to shine through. Once the sphere reaches leather-hard stage, carefully draw your desired pattern using a pencil or needle tool. Use a small loop tool, X-Acto knife, or specialized ceramic carving tool to cut out shapes such as stars, hearts, or geometric patterns. Work slowly and support the inside of the form to prevent collapse. The size and placement of these openings will influence how light dances through the sphere, so be intentional about the design. After cutting, smooth rough edges with a damp sponge or fine file.

5. Carve a Flat Base or Add a Candle Insert

For functionality and safety, your votive sphere needs a stable base where a candle can sit securely. One method is to gently carve a flat section at the bottom of the sphere, ensuring it rests evenly on a flat surface. Alternatively, if you want the candle to be enclosed, you can sculpt or carve a small cavity at the top or create an opening with a shallow lip that fits a tealight or votive candle. The base should always be level and proportional to the sphere’s size to prevent tipping or wobbling during use.

6. Dry the Sphere Evenly to Prevent Cracks

Proper drying is essential in ceramic work, especially for enclosed forms like votive spheres that can easily crack if dried too fast or unevenly. Cover your piece loosely with plastic and allow it to dry slowly in a well-ventilated area. Turn it periodically to allow airflow on all sides. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Gradually expose the piece to open air over several days until it reaches bone-dry stage, where it feels chalky and room temperature. Patience during this step greatly reduces the risk of structural damage during firing.

7. Bisque Fire to Harden and Prepare for Glazing

Once your votive sphere is bone dry, it’s ready for the bisque firing—the first kiln firing that hardens the clay without melting the surface. Place the piece in a kiln and fire it slowly to the recommended bisque temperature (usually cone 04 to cone 06, depending on your clay type). This firing removes moisture and organic materials while strengthening the form. After cooling, inspect the bisqueware for any defects. The now-porous surface is ready to absorb glaze, and your votive sphere is prepared for the decorative phase of the process.

8. Apply Glaze or Decorative Slip for Color and Protection

Glazing adds visual beauty, texture, and a protective coating to your ceramic sphere. You can dip, brush, or spray glaze onto the bisque-fired surface, choosing finishes that complement the light patterns you desire. Transparent glazes work well when you want the natural clay texture or carved designs to show through, while glossy or crackled glazes create dramatic effects. Be sure to keep the base and candle area glaze-free to avoid glaze melting during the final firing. Multiple thin coats work better than a single thick coat to prevent drips or uneven coloring.

9. Glaze Fire According to Clay and Glaze Specifications

After glazing, the sphere must undergo glaze firing, which vitrifies the glaze and transforms the clay into its final form. Load the kiln carefully to ensure that the cut-out portions and base won’t stick to shelves or other pieces. Fire according to your glaze’s specified cone temperature—typically cone 5 or cone 6 for mid-range clays. Allow the kiln to cool slowly to room temperature before unloading. A successful glaze firing yields a strong, colorful votive sphere that’s both functional and decorative, capable of withstanding the heat of small candles.

10. Test with Candle and Practice Fire Safety

Before regular use, test your ceramic votive sphere with a tealight candle. Place the candle in the designated cavity or space, light it, and observe how the light reflects through the openings. Ensure the heat doesn’t affect the structure or finish of the sphere. Check that the candle burns safely and the sphere remains stable on its surface. If any glaze has melted or pooled inappropriately, do not use it with an open flame. Practicing fire safety—such as not leaving lit candles unattended—ensures your beautiful handmade votive sphere is enjoyed safely.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When working with handmade votive spheres, a few common issues may arise. If the sphere wobbles or does not sit flat on a surface, check for uneven areas at the base. Sanding the bottom gently or using a small, non-slip pad can provide extra stability.

If glaze pooling occurs and blocks the openings, carefully use a fine file or sandpaper to remove the excess glaze without damaging the piece. For spheres that might crack under heat, ensure you are using heat-resistant materials during the creation process and allow the piece to cool evenly during firing.

If the candle flame seems too enclosed, causing excessive heat buildup, consider enlarging the openings slightly for better airflow. Always remember to test new designs thoroughly before regular use to prevent potential hazards.

Conclusion

Creating a ceramic votive sphere involves creativity, precision, and patience, combining hand-building techniques with decorative design. From shaping the initial form to carving delicate patterns and mastering the firing process, each step plays a vital role in crafting a unique piece that beautifully radiates candlelight.

These 10 methods provide a comprehensive roadmap for beginners and seasoned ceramicists alike. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to make ceramic Votive Sphere! We hope you found it helpful and informative.