Deepavali Crafts: Clay Lamps, Rangoli Colours and Cards

Deepavali, the festival of lights, is a time for bright homes, colourful patterns at the doorway and greetings for family and friends. Making your own Deepavali crafts is a lovely way to get children, students and the whole family involved. This Haanz Art Guide shows you three easy projects: painted clay lamps, rangoli designs on paper or board, and handmade Deepavali cards, with the materials we stock for each one.

What you need for Deepavali crafts

• Mont Marte Air Hardening Modeling Clay (white or terracotta) or Art Rangers Air Dry Modeling Clay 500g-White for shaping lamps. Both dry in the air, so you do not need a kiln.
• Camlin Fabrica Acrylic 15ml -Crimson (062) and other bright acrylics for painting lamps.
• Flash Gold Paint 50ml for a rich gold-effect finish on rims and patterns.
• Pentel Poster Colours 12x30ml for colourful rangoli on paper or board.
• Ivory Paper – 240Gsm A4 as thick card for greeting cards.
• Glitter Dust Bottle and Double Side Tape 1/2″ (Large Roll) for sparkle and neat sticking.

Find more clay in Polymer Clay, Modeling Clay and metallic colours in Flash Paints. Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price.

Project 1: Painted clay lamps

Traditional Deepavali lamps are fired clay. A home-made air-dry clay lamp is a decorative holder, so use it with a battery LED tealight, not a real flame. Air-dry clay is not made to take heat.

1. Shape the base. Roll a ball of clay about the size of a lime. Press your thumb into the centre and pinch the sides out to form a small bowl.
2. Add the spout. Gently pinch one edge into a point, like a leaf tip.
3. Smooth it. Dip a finger in a little water and smooth any cracks.
4. Decorate. Press dots or lines into the rim with a pencil tip or toothpick.
5. Let it dry. Leave it in a dry, airy place for a few days, turning it over so the base dries too. In humid weather, drying takes longer.
6. Paint. Paint the lamp in crimson, orange or yellow. Once dry, add gold patterns on the rim.
7. Seal. A coat of Mont Marte Signature Gloss Clay Varnish 20ml gives a glossy, protective finish.

Project 2: Rangoli colours on paper or board

Rangoli and kolam patterns welcome guests at the entrance. A painted rangoli on board lasts the whole festival and can be used again next year.

1. Draw a centre point. On a square of thick card, mark the centre and draw a circle around it.
2. Build the pattern. Add petals, then a second ring of shapes. Keep the design the same on every side.
3. Paint in rings. Fill one ring at a time with bright poster colours. Let each ring dry before painting the next.
4. Add outlines. Outline the shapes in white or gold to make the colours stand out.
5. Sparkle. Brush a thin line of glue on a few details and sprinkle glitter. Tap off the extra over a sheet of paper and pour it back into the bottle.

For more pattern ideas, see Mandala and Dot Art for Beginners.

Project 3: Handmade Deepavali cards

1. Fold the card. Fold a sheet of ivory card in half and press the fold firmly.
2. Draw a lamp. Sketch a simple lamp shape with a flame on the front.
3. Colour it. Paint the lamp in warm colours and the flame in yellow and orange.
4. Add layers. Cut a small rangoli circle from coloured paper and stick it behind the lamp with double side tape.
5. Write your greeting. Write “Happy Deepavali” in your neatest lettering, and add a few gold dots around it.

Our Handmade Greeting Cards Guide and Air Dry Clay for Beginners have more tips.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a real oil lamp flame in an air-dry clay lamp?

We do not recommend it. Air-dry clay is not fired, so it is not made for heat or flame. Use a battery LED tealight for a safe glow.

How long does air-dry clay take to dry?

Small pieces usually take a few days to dry fully. Thick pieces and humid weather can make it take longer, so start your Deepavali crafts a week early.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? Call / WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose clay, colours and card for your Deepavali crafts.

More Haanz Art Guides

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