In this session, Amy Howard, the Mother-Maker, walks us through a fabulous DIY project: transforming ordinary clay pots into stunning vintage French-style outdoor candles.

Perfect for entertaining on those crisp autumn evenings, these elegant candles not only add a chic touch to your outdoor space but also help keep pesky mosquitoes at bay.

Why Vintage French Pitch Pots?

As the seasons change, Amy reflects on the joys of outdoor entertaining, particularly in September and October. With cooler temperatures and the desire to dine al fresco, these handmade candles provide both beauty and functionality. Using organic beeswax and essential oils, these candles are not just decorative but also serve to repel insects, making your outdoor gatherings more enjoyable.

What You’ll Need:

• Clay Pots: You can find these at your local thrift store or use any spare ones you have at home.
• Milk Paints: Amy uses Topiary Green, Pompeii Gray, and Strasbourg White to create a layered, textured finish.
• Natural Sea Sponge: Essential for achieving the unique texture on your pots.
• Frames and Phrases Stencil: Adds the perfect French-inspired detail to your pots. 
• Organic Beeswax Pellets: Ideal for making long-lasting candles. 
• Lavender Essential Oil: Provides a pleasant fragrance and helps keep insects away. 
• Candle Wicks and Glue Dots: To secure your wicks in place before pouring the wax.
• Eco Powder: For sealing the hole at the bottom of the pot. 

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare Your Clay Pots: Start with clean, dry clay pots. If your pots have drainage holes, seal them using Eco Powder or hot glue to prevent wax leakage.
2. Create the Base Layer: Mix your Strasbourg White  milk paint with water (1:1 ratio) and apply it to the pot using a damp sea sponge. This will be your base layer, providing a subtle contrast to the top layers.
3. Layer the Colors: Once the base layer is dry, use your sea sponge to apply Pompeii Gray Milk Paint. Dab the sponge lightly to create a textured, weathered look. For added depth, sporadically apply Topiary Green Milk Paint to mimic the natural aging process.
4. Apply the Stencil: After your painted pot is fully dry, position the Frames and Phrases Stencil on the pot. Using a small brush, apply Hold Your Horses Ink over the stencil to create a beautiful French-inspired design.
5. Seal the Paint (Optional): If you plan to use the pots outdoors where they might get wet, seal your design with a matte sealer. This will protect the paint while maintaining the flat, vintage finish.
6. Make the Candle:
   • Melt your Organic Beeswax Pellets in a double boiler.
   • Add 20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil to the melted wax for a calming, insect-repellent scent.
   • Secure the candle wick to the bottom of the pot using a glue dot or Eco Powder.
   • Pour the melted wax into the pot, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
   • Allow the wax to cool and harden for about five hours.
7. Add Finishing Touches: Once the wax has set, sprinkle dried lavender on top for a decorative and fragrant finish.

Enjoy Your Chic Outdoor Decor

Once completed, these vintage-inspired French pitch pots will be a delightful addition to your outdoor space.

They not only enhance the ambiance but also make thoughtful, handcrafted gifts. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening on the porch, these candles are sure to impress.