Air-dry clay or terracotta clay, a lemon-sized ball per diya
A small bowl of water
Poster or acrylic paints
Glitter glue, sequins or old bindis (optional)
A plate to work on
Tools
Paintbrush
A toothpick or ice-cream stick for patterns
Steps
Roll the clay into a smooth ball between your palms.
Press your thumb into the middle and turn the ball slowly, pinching the sides to make a small cup.
Pinch one side of the rim into a little pointed spout.
Dip a finger in water and smooth any cracks.
Press dots or lines around the outside with an ice-cream stick.
Let the diya dry in the shade for one to two days.
Paint it and add dots of glitter glue or bindis.
Place your diyas on a plate as a Diwali decoration.
⚠️ Safety note
This diya is for decoration only. Do not put oil, a wick or any flame in it — painted and air-dry clay is not made for fire. Real diyas are lit only by adults.
Learn while you craft
3D shapes: the diya is like half a sphere (hemisphere).
Drying: water evaporates from the clay and it becomes hard.
Diwali, the festival of lights, and why diyas are lit.
