Ritual Making

In this workshop, we’re creating a combined candle and tarot card holder — a ritual piece that doubles as a small altar for your daily practice.

This beginner-friendly project is about bringing together function, symbolism and intention. You’ll create a piece designed to hold a candle and display a tarot card, creating a simple space where light, meaning and clay come together.

We’ll begin by thinking about what you want your piece to represent and how you might use it in your own practice. From there, you’ll learn how to build the base using a slab of clay before adding a small candle holder and a slot to securely display a tarot card.

You’ll learn how to score, slip, attach and blend clay components, as well as how to reinforce joins and create a stable, functional form. We’ll also look at smoothing and refining your piece so that it feels considered and finished.

Once the basic structure is complete, you can make the piece completely your own. Add carved symbols, textures, patterns, stamps or personal marks that connect to your practice and give your altar piece meaning.

This is a project where there’s no need to aim for perfection. Instead, you’re encouraged to slow down, work intentionally and create something that feels personal to you.

What you'll learn

• How to create a simple intention for your clay project
• How to roll and compress a slab for the base
• How to create different shapes for your altar base
• How to build and attach a small candle holder
• How to create a secure slot for displaying a tarot card
• How to score, slip and reinforce joins between clay components
• How to blend seams and strengthen your construction
• How to smooth and refine edges and surfaces
• How to check that your candle holder and card slot are functional
• How to personalise your piece with carving, stamps and texture
• How to incorporate meaningful symbols and marks into your work
• How to prepare your piece for drying and firing
• How to create a functional object with personal meaning and intention