Gothic Candle Holders

In this workshop, we’re creating Gothic-style candle and incense holders — chunky, character-filled pieces thrown on the wheel and transformed with carving, texture and playful details.

You’ll start by throwing the basic form on the wheel, focusing on creating a strong, functional shape that gives you plenty of room to experiment with the finished design.

Once your piece is thrown, we’ll explore how to use carving, curves, texture and details to give it personality. Whether you’re going for moody medieval, Roman temple vibes or something completely offbeat and wiggly, there’s plenty of room to make the project your own.

We’ll look at refining the shape and preparing the surface before using a range of simple carving tools to add texture and decorative details. You’ll also learn how to create a finished piece that balances shape, form and function.

This workshop is perfect for intermediate potters who are already comfortable centring and pulling up clay on the wheel and want to have some fun pushing their forms in a more sculptural direction.

What you'll learn

• How to throw a chunky candle or incense holder on the wheel
• How to create a strong, functional base form
• How to refine curves and shapes while throwing
• How to prepare your piece for carving and decorating
• How to carve textures and decorative details
• How to use loop tools, skewers and trimming tools for different effects
• How to create character and personality through surface decoration
• How to explore Gothic, medieval and architectural-inspired forms
• How to balance sculptural shape with practical function
• How to embrace unusual, wiggly and offbeat designs