Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Feathering Palm Wax Flower Pillar

by

This is the palm pillar that I made with my daughter the other day. Palm is perfect for pillars and it looks so pretty with its sparkling patterns.

It also throws a scent very well and doesn’t require additives. In fact, if you add additives it might mess the feathering effect up.

Also, if the palm wax cools down too quickly, it might not feather either.  I learned this the hard way when making votives.

This time, we warmed the mold in the oven before pouring the wax and that helped. Palm wax needs to be heated up to 200 F (93 C) and poured at about 190 F (88 C). We used a cotton wick, which seems to work well with palm pillars.

I think the last time I made palm candles, it was the summer, so the temperature wasn’t an issue.  Besides that, palm is very low maintenance because you don’t need a second pour of wax and it slips out of the mold easily without any sort of mold release.  Palm wax is great to work with because it’s so lovely and it burns well for a long time.

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Pottery Travel Mug Template Set (3 Pieces)

There’s something so satisfying about a handmade travel mug. It’s practical, stylish, and makes your daily coffee or tea ritual feel that little bit more special. With this set of 3 pottery travel mug templates, you can create your own ceramic mugs that not only look professional but also make thoughtful, personal gifts.

What’s Included

This set comes with three different templates for slab-building your own travel mugs. Each template has slightly different proportions, giving you variety in size and style. That way you can experiment until you find the perfect fit for your hand—or make a matching set for family and friends.

Why These Templates Are Worth It

  • Reusable & Reliable: Print and trace them as many times as you want.

  • Practical Design: The angled opening and lid slot make them comfortable and functional.

  • Perfect for Beginners: Templates take the guesswork out of hand-building.

  • Gift-Worthy: A handmade travel mug is a unique, eco-friendly present that anyone would appreciate.

Inspiration for Makers

  • Try a speckled clay body with a matte glaze for a modern, minimalist vibe.

  • Add underglaze designs or decals for a personalized look.

  • Make a full set of mugs in coordinating colors—perfect for a couple or family gift.

  • Pair your finished mugs with a bag of specialty coffee or tea for a beautiful handmade gift set.

Why You’ll Love It

Handmade pottery mugs have a warmth and character that no store-bought cup can compete with. Using these templates makes the process approachable, while still leaving plenty of room for your creativity to shine. And honestly? Everyone I know could use a good travel mug—so why not make one that feels personal and one-of-a-kind?

You can grab the set here: Travel Mugs Set Templates (3 Pieces) on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I share clay tools and templates that make creating both functional and decorative pottery easier and more fun. And if you’re looking for a project that balances everyday use with handmade charm, these travel mugs might be your next go-to.