17 Best Clay Incense Holder Ideas to Elevate Your Space

Did you know that burning incense has been used for centuries to create a calming atmosphere and enhance mindfulness? A beautifully crafted clay incense holder not only serves a functional purpose but also adds a unique, artistic touch to your space. Whether you prefer minimalist designs or intricate handmade pieces, creating your own incense holder can be a fun and rewarding project.

I still remember making my first clay incense holder—it was a simple moon-shaped dish with tiny star imprints. Even though it wasn’t perfect, it quickly became my favorite because it was made with my own hands. Working with clay is a relaxing and creative experience, and the end result is a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your style.

In this post, I’ll share 17 of the best clay incense holder ideas that are easy to make and visually stunning. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned DIYer, these ideas will inspire you to craft something beautiful for your home or as a thoughtful gift. Let’s get started! 🌙🔥✨

Moon Phase Incense Holder

Roll out air-dry clay and cut out a crescent moon shape. Use a toothpick to imprint delicate star patterns or add tiny indentations for texture. Carve a small hole in the center or at the tip to hold the incense stick securely. Once dry, paint it in metallic gold, silver, or matte black for a celestial look. A perfect piece for moon lovers and astrology enthusiasts!

Minimalist Dish Incense Holder

Shape a small, shallow dish using white or speckled clay. Keep the edges slightly uneven for an organic, handcrafted feel. Poke a tiny hole in the center to hold the incense stick upright. Once dry, glaze it with a glossy finish or leave it raw for a natural, earthy aesthetic. This simple yet elegant design complements any décor.

Leaf Imprint Incense Holder

Press a real leaf into rolled-out clay to create a delicate vein pattern. Cut the clay into an oval or natural leaf shape, then gently curl the edges for dimension. Add a small hole near the stem area to hold the incense. Once dry, paint it in shades of green, gold, or bronze for a realistic look. A beautiful way to bring nature into your incense rituals.

Hand-Shaped Incense Holder

Roll out clay and mold it into the shape of an open palm with slightly curved fingers. Carve a small hole between the fingers to hold the incense stick at an angle. Smooth out any rough edges and let it dry before painting in a neutral or metallic tone. Add intricate henna-inspired designs for extra detail. A symbolic and artistic piece for meditation or relaxation spaces.

Coiled Snake Incense Holder

Shape a long clay coil and gently twist it into a coiled snake form, leaving a raised head. Use a toothpick to add small scale details along the body for texture. Poke a hole near the snake’s mouth or tail to hold the incense stick. Once dry, paint it in rich earth tones or metallic hues for an enchanting effect. A mystical and unique piece for those who love serpent symbolism.

Lotus Flower Incense Dish

Mold individual petals from clay and layer them into a lotus shape. Gently press a small indentation in the center where the incense stick will stand. Let it dry completely before painting it in soft pinks, whites, or metallic golds. The lotus design symbolizes purity and tranquility, making it perfect for meditation spaces. An elegant and meaningful incense holder.

Wave-Inspired Incense Holder

Shape a flat piece of clay into a long, curved wave shape. Smooth out the surface and carve delicate water ripple patterns along the edges. Make a small hole at the peak of the wave to hold the incense. Once dry, paint it in deep ocean blues or soft sandy tones for a coastal feel. Ideal for anyone who loves the calming energy of the sea.

Celestial Star and Cloud Incense Holder

Cut out a round or cloud-shaped base from rolled-out clay. Add tiny star and moon details using a toothpick or clay stamps. Place a small raised dome in the center with a hole for the incense. Paint it in soft blues, whites, or metallics for a dreamy, celestial look. A whimsical choice for cosmic energy lovers.

Rustic Log Incense Stand

Roll out a thick piece of clay and shape it into a small log with textured bark details. Carve small wood grain lines using a toothpick or sculpting tool. Create a slightly indented groove along the log’s surface to hold incense sticks at an angle. Paint it in natural wood tones for a realistic effect. A rustic and nature-inspired incense holder for earthy décor lovers.

Mountain Landscape Incense Holder

Sculpt a small, curved base with miniature mountain peaks rising along the edge. Add fine details like snowcaps, trees, or a small sun impression. Carve a hole into one of the peaks to hold the incense. Once dry, paint it in earthy greens, browns, and soft grays. A serene and artistic piece inspired by nature’s beauty.

Spiral Galaxy Incense Holder

Roll out clay into a circular base and gently swirl the edges inward to create a spiral effect. Use a toothpick to add tiny star or constellation imprints throughout the surface. Poke a hole at the spiral’s center to hold the incense. Paint in cosmic hues like deep purple, blue, and silver with shimmering specks for a galactic finish. A celestial-inspired design that brings the universe into your space.

Yin-Yang Incense Dish

Shape a small round dish and divide it into the yin-yang symbol using gentle indentations. Add two small circles on each side and a tiny incense hole on one half. Paint one side in black and the other in white, finishing with a glossy or matte glaze. This design represents balance and harmony, perfect for meditation spaces. A meaningful and symbolic incense holder for those who love mindfulness practices.

Sun and Moon Incense Dish

Sculpt a round clay dish and divide it into two halves—one shaped like a crescent moon and the other like a rising sun. Add small rays or craters for texture, then carve a hole near the sun’s center for the incense. Paint in warm golden tones for the sun and cool silvers or blues for the moon. A celestial design that represents the balance of day and night.

Crescent Moon Stand with Hanging Incense

Instead of a traditional flat base, sculpt a standing crescent moon shape with a small hanging loop in the center. Attach a tiny clay plate beneath the loop to catch falling ash. This design allows incense sticks to dangle and burn gracefully in mid-air. Once dry, paint in deep midnight blue, silver, or gold for a magical effect. A stunning incense holder for celestial décor lovers.

Turtle-Shaped Incense Holder

Mold a small, rounded clay turtle with a flat shell. Press a decorative pattern onto the shell using a toothpick or textured stamp. Carve a small hole near the turtle’s tail or along its back to hold the incense stick. Paint in earthy browns, greens, or metallic bronze for a natural look. A cute and meaningful incense holder symbolizing longevity and wisdom.

Boho Macramé-Inspired Incense Stand

Roll out clay into a flat oval or rectangular shape. Use a sculpting tool to press intricate macramé-inspired patterns into the surface, mimicking woven textures. Add a small raised dome with a hole for the incense. Paint in soft beiges, terracotta, or neutral whites for a boho-chic aesthetic. A perfect piece for those who love handmade, textured designs.

Dripping Wax Effect Incense Holder

Sculpt a rounded candle-like base with “dripping wax” details cascading down the sides. Add a small hole at the top to hold the incense stick upright. Once dry, paint the base in soft ivory, pale blue, or gold for a melted wax effect. A creative and unique incense holder that mimics the elegance of a burning candle. Perfect for those who love gothic, vintage, or romantic aesthetics.

Each of these clay incense holder ideas adds a unique touch to your home, whether you’re looking for something rustic, celestial, or minimalist. Which one will you craft first? 🌙🔥✨