Thread - I’ve been asked how my tealights are made First I cast a plaster positive from which I make a plaster mould 1/8
#UKGiftHour #UKGiftAM #SmallBiz #etsyhandmade

https://etsy.me/36tlgpz 

Liquid #porcelain is poured into the mould then poured out leaving a cast behind It shrinks as it drys then it’s taken out very fragile easily broken 2/8

When dry each one is cleaned up with a damp sponge and fired to bisque (kiln to 1000°C) the clay permanently changes its material state and truly becomes solid 3/8

https://etsy.me/36tlgpz 

Each one is sanded by hand for a super smooth surface ready for decorating Here’s a really quick snippet of how I add colour. 4/8

After painting the tea lights are fired again to 1230°C (really really hot!) at this point the clay becomes watertight & colour becomes fixed to the clay body & cannot easily be removed. 5/8

When the kiln is cool enough the tea lights are taken out & polished by hand to give a beautifully smooth silky finish. Every one is truly handmade from start to finish 6/8

Sold in my @Etsy shop each comes with a hand poured clean burning soy wax candle Once the candle burns down residue wax can be washed out with hand hot soapy water & reused with a regular tea light or regular votive candle 7/8