Which wax is best? – Craft Gossip

It depends on what you’re using it for. If you want to make rolled candles, beeswax is best because it’s more malleable than paraffin. Spiral candles are fun and easy to make. You just warm a beeswax sheet a little until it softens and then cut the sheet into a triangle, place the wick along the edge and roll. Beeswax generally requires a thicker wick than those used with paraffin.

Paraffin is an inexpensive wax and easy to work with. You can purchase it in slabs, beads or pellets.

Soybean wax is gaining in popularity because it’s less sooty and safer for animals and children. It also burns longer than paraffin and is easier to clean up. There is a blend called Para-Soy wax which is a 70/30 blend of soy and paraffin.

Candle gel is very pretty and because it is translucent you can display decorative objects inside of your candle. It also burns slower than paraffin. Candle gel is mineral oil made into a gel with the addition of a polymer similar to vybar which is a common additive for candles.

Bayberry is an expensive type of wax that comes from bayberries. It’s a hard wax with a strong smell that burns well.

Howtmakecandles.info goes into the various types of wax in greater detail. They also have a lot of interesting historical trivia such as the fact that William Proctor was a candle maker and James Gamble was a soap maker.

What’s your favorite wax? I haven’t tried them all and surely have missed one.

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There’s something so magical about the gentle clink-clink of ceramic wind chimes swaying in the breeze. Unlike the sharp tones of metal chimes, pottery pieces create a softer, more earthy sound that feels grounding and peaceful. If you’ve been looking for a creative clay project that’s both decorative and functional, making your own ceramic wind chimes is a beautiful way to combine art with nature.

Why Choose Ceramic Wind Chimes?

Pottery wind chimes are a wonderful project because they’re:

Customizable – You can play with shapes, glazes, and textures.
Eco-friendly – Made with natural clay, they blend beautifully with garden spaces.
Functional décor – They add sound, movement, and a handmade touch to patios, porches, or even indoor corners.
Great for gifting – A handmade chime is a heartfelt, personal present.

Materials You’ll Need

Pottery clay (stoneware or earthenware)
Clay tools (knife, rib, rolling pin, sponge, etc.)
Twine, jute cord, or fishing line
Wooden or ceramic ring/base for hanging
Pottery glazes or underglazes
Access to a kiln (or a community pottery studio for firing)

Optional: Texture tools such as lace, stamps, or leaves for pressing designs into the clay.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prepare Your Clay

Start by wedging your clay to remove air bubbles. Roll it out into a slab about ¼ inch thick. Consistency in thickness ensures the chimes make a balanced sound and don’t crack while firing.

Step 2: Shape the Chimes

Cut or hand-form your chime pieces. You can create long twists (like in the photo), bell-shaped forms, discs, or even leaf imprints. The variety of shapes will create different tones when they strike against each other.

Tip: Add a hole at the top of each piece using a skewer or straw so you can thread the cord later. Make sure the holes are wide enough for your stringing material.

Step 3: Add Texture & Details

Press in designs using lace, wooden stamps, or even everyday items like forks or buttons. These impressions not only add character but also make the glaze more interesting once fired.

Step 4: Dry & Bisque Fire

Allow your pieces to dry slowly to prevent cracks. Once fully dry (bone dry), bisque fire them in a kiln according to your clay type’s instructions.

Step 5: Glaze & Fire Again

Apply glaze in your favorite colors. You can go rustic with earthy tones or bright and glossy for a modern look. Once glazed, fire the pieces again to maturity.

Step 6: Assemble the Wind Chime

Thread your twine or fishing line through each piece, tying secure knots. Attach them to a central wooden or ceramic ring, leaving enough space for each chime to move freely in the wind. Adjust the lengths so the pieces gently collide with each other to create sound.

Step 7: Hang & Enjoy

Find a breezy spot outdoors—like a porch, patio, or garden arch—and hang your creation. The sound will be subtle, soothing, and uniquely yours.

Design Ideas to Try

Twisted forms like spirals or ribbons (as pictured) create movement and look stunning in the light.
Themed chimes – try seashell shapes, stars, moons, or even botanical-inspired designs.
Minimalist discs with speckled glaze for a modern, clean look.
Upcycled base – hang your chimes from a driftwood branch or an old embroidery hoop.

Making ceramic wind chimes is not only a fun pottery project but also a way to bring a little handmade music into your home. Every time the breeze catches them, you’ll be reminded of the joy of creating something with your own two hands.