Samhain Blessing Bowl

Samhain (pronounced Sow-en) is an ancient Celtic celebration. It’s a time for honoring the ancestors and remembering those who’ve passed over. It’s no coincidence that the date of Samhain is October 31, this sacred holiday is the predecessor for our modern day Halloween, a time when we forget about our fear of the dark and poke fun at the things that scare us.

A Samhain Blessing Bowl can be used to burn loose incense as an offering to your deceased loved ones just remember to place an inch or two of sand in the bottom and place the bowl on a heat-safe surface. You could also fill the bowl with herbs like cedar or rosemary to place on a family remembrance altar. The colors associated with this tradition are black, red and white. Any design you choose in that color scheme will be appropriate. This is one project where you should definitely follow your intuition.

What you need

You Will Need:
• Two 2-ounce packages of black polymer clay
• Aluminum foil
• White glue
• Decorative paints

Instructions

Wedge the clay until it’s workable and roll it into several walnut-sized balls. Use a rolling pin to roll the balls into ovals, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Spray the inside of an oven-proof cereal bowl with non-stick oil. Start by making an X shape with the ovals and layer the pieces over one another to fill in the entire bowl. Lightly press the clay together to mold the ovals into one piece. Trim any excess clay from the top edge of the bowl with a butter knife. Shape and smooth the edge with your fingers, pulling it away from the bowl slightly to prevent sticking.

Bake the clay according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the cereal bowl to cool to the touch then simply slide the clay bowl out of it. The clay bowl should be completely firm when finished. If it still feels soft after cooling return it to the oven on a cookie sheet to cook for a few more minutes.

Crumple a piece of aluminum foil and press it back out, smoothing the sheet until it feels very thin and supple. Tear the foil into large chunks and glue them into the inside of the bowl with white glue. Layer the pieces of foil on top of each other and cover the entire inside surface. Use a soft toothbrush or burnishing tool to gently press the foil into all the nooks and crannies as you work. Allow a small edge of foil to lap over to the front here and there. Adding foil to the bowl not only adds visual appeal, but it adds strength to the design and an element of fire resistance.

Rub a small dollop of silver paint into the foil with a wet sponge or piece of paper towel. The paint brings down the shine of the foil and makes it look almost identical to silver leafing.

Paint the outside of the bowl as you desire.