DIY Clay Candle Holder Inspired by West Elm

Creating high-end decor on a budget is one of my favorite things to do, and when I saw the SIN Weylyn Candle Holder from West Elm, I knew I had to try making my own. The modern, organic shape instantly caught my eye, but at $160, I wanted to find a way to get the look for less. With some air-dry clay and a little creativity, I was able to make a DIY clay candle holder that captures the sculptural feel of the original.

Here’s exactly how I did it, plus what I would change if I made it again.

Materials Needed for a DIY Clay Candle Holder

• Air-dry clay (a generous amount for thickness, I suggest 3-4 blocks}
• Household items for shaping (cardboard, a curved vase, small cans, packing tape)
• Rolling pin 
• Ballpoint pen or other props for shaping
• A level or straight edge
• Taper candle for sizing holes
• Knife for cutting, or pizza cutter
• Sandpaper for smoothing
• Spray paint or latex paint (optional, in your preferred color)

How to Shape Your DIY Clay Candle Holder

To mimic the fluid curves of the West Elm candle holder, I had to get creative with my mold. I gathered random items from around my home, including a curved vase, small Coke cans, cardboard, and plenty of packing tape. I based my dimensions on the original piece (18.5″w x 3″d x 5″h) and adjusted as needed.

First, I covered my kitchen island to protect the surface. Then, I rolled out a long strip of clay, about 3″ wide and three times the final length—approximately 54″. This extra length was necessary to accommodate all the loops and curves.

Once the clay was rolled out, I carefully placed it onto my makeshift mold, draping it up, over, and down again to form the wave-like shape. Since clay can be finicky while drying, I used household items like a ballpoint pen and a round decanter lid to prop up certain sections, ensuring they dried in place.

Making the Candle Holders in Your DIY Clay Candle Holder

After the base shape was set, I created the holes for the taper candles. Using an actual taper candle, I pressed an impression into the clay, then used a knife to cut out a slightly larger opening. Clay shrinks as it dries, so making the holes a bit bigger prevents the candles from being too snug later. A damp fingertip helped smooth the edges for a finished look.

At this point, the hardest part was waiting. The clay needed to dry fully before I could move it. I left it untouched for several days to ensure it hardened completely.

Finishing and Painting Your DIY Clay Candle Holder

Once the candle holder was fully dry, I gently lifted it off the mold. Some rough edges appeared in the drying process, so I sanded them down for a smoother finish. To match the look of the West Elm version, I spray-painted mine in an off-white shade, but this is where you can customize your piece with any color you like.

What I Would Change

While I love how this turned out, my final piece is very fragile. If I made it again, I would use a thicker layer of clay for added durability. I didn’t have enough clay at the time, but it would have been worth the extra material to ensure a sturdier result.

Another thing I learned: when inserting candles, it’s best to place them from the bottom up rather than pushing them down from the top. This prevents unnecessary pressure on the delicate structure.

Overall, I’m thrilled with how my DIY clay candle holder turned out. It has that organic, wabi-sabi aesthetic I love, and the contrast against my black dining room shelves makes it stand out beautifully.

Save This for Later

If you love this idea, be sure to pin it to your DIY or home decor boards on Pinterest. That way, you can come back to it when you’re ready to make your own!

And be sure to follow me on Instagram where you can see videos of all my projects and more!

To see more of our dark and moody dining room, click here.