How to Make Diwali Diva Lamps

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Things You'll Need

  • Polymer clay

  • Acrylic paints

  • Sequins

  • Clear glue

  • Votive candles

Make your own Diwali lamps with polymer clay.
Image Credit: amlanmathur/iStock/Getty Images

The five-day festival of Diwali commemorates several events in the Hindu religion. To celebrate, the people illuminate the village and their homes with diva lamps. If you're celebrating Diwali with family and friends, gather a group and make your own lamps with polymer clay to light up your home or other social gathering locations.

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Learn How to Make a Diwali Diva Lamp

Step 1

Roll a piece of polymer clay several times to remove any air bubbles. It's easiest to work with a clay that doesn't require baking and that will harden by air drying.

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Step 2

Mold the clay into the desired shape for your Diwali diva lamp. Traditionally, diva lamps are made small enough to be held in the palm of the hand. However, you can make your diva lamp into any shape -- round, square, oval or even curved.

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Step 3

Finish shaping your Diwali diva lamp by using your thumb to make a depression in the center large enough to hold a votive candle. When this is done, allow the clay to dry for 24 hours to harden completely.

Step 4

Paint your dried diva lamp. You may paint the lamp in one solid color, or express your creativity by painting a pattern or design in multiple, bright colors. Some favorite colors used to decorate for Diwali include red, purple, yellow and blue. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

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Step 5

Decorate your Diwali diva lamp with colorful, shiny sequins. Use a small dab of clear, fast drying glue to affix them onto the lamp. When the embellishments dry completely, insert a votive candle into the center of your finished lamp.

Tip

A diva lamp that is purchased is made from earthenware and usually contains oil with a wick that has been dipped in ghee. DIY versions make a Diwali diva lamp using a votive candle, an acceptable and popular alternative to the traditional oil diva lamp.

Diva lamps, also called diwa, can be burned in the home, office, school and outdoors at any time of day.

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