If you’ve been seeing cool candles on socials and are looking for an air dry clay candle holder DIY, you’re in the right place! Making your own décor is all about adding personality to your space. So pick out an idea you like and grab some clay to have a go at home! 

1. Sun candle holders

Image: @jiniii_art_craft

Sun and star shapes are everywhere right now and we love to see it. Think celestial but with bold colours and cute faces. These little sun-burst air dry clay candle holders can double as ring holders, which is handy if you love a bit of styling on your bedside table.

2. Air dry clay croissant

Food-shaped home décor is having a moment, and this air dry clay croissant tealight holder is such a cute nod to weekend brunch. It looks like a flaky pastry at first glance, then you notice the tiny candle nestled in the curve.

This one makes a fun gift too – pair it with a nice candle and a bag of coffee for a breakfast-inspired present.

3. DIY incense holder

Image: @jiniii_art_craft

Incense, candle… same kind of thing! Check out this wall-mounted incense holder with a cute tomato to hold the stick. We love the use of soft, wavy shapes and tiny floral motifs – it feels very homemade and very vintage at the same time and gives off that coveted cottagecore vibe.

4. Air dry clay ghost

Clay ghosts pop up all over social feeds (especially around Halloween), and they’re such a fun, low-pressure sculpt. No detailed faces required, just a cute little sheet-ghost shape! Just pop an electric tealight* under your ghost friend once dry and watch their eyes glow.

You can leave the air dry clay its natural white, or tint it slightly with a wash of grey or pastel for a softer look. Make a whole group at different heights for a Halloween shelf display.

*Always use battery tealights inside covered clay pieces – no real flames inside enclosed holders.

5. DIY pumpkin candle holder

If you love seasonal décor but want something you can reuse every year, an air dry clay jack-o’-lantern is a great alternative to carving pumpkins. We even have a handy tutorial you can check out to recreate this pumpkin tealight holder at home.

Tips for making candle holders that last

• Seal your finished pieces: Once paint is dry, a clear acrylic sealer or varnish helps protect your holders from dust and marks.
• Think about stability: Keep bases fairly wide and flat so candles sit safely. You can always sand the underside gently once the clay is dry.
• Stick to smaller candles: Tealights and slim tapers are easier to work around than tall, heavy candles.

Whether you’re styling a dinner party, creating seasonal decorations or just adding something playful to your desk, air dry clay candle holders are such a fun way to mix creativity with everyday life. Pick one idea that matches your current vibe – sunny, spooky, café-core or vintage floral – pop on a podcast and make a little candle holder that feels like it belongs in your space.

Share your creations with us by using #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see what you come up with!

If you want to see more art, browse our Inspo collection. You can sign-up to Creative Connection by popping in your email down below to get stacks of free art projects sent straight to you. We’re here to keep you inspired!