20 Sep How to Make a Clay Model of a Bon-Bon Dish

Today in our clay modelling homeschool handicraft series, we are making model #21, a clay model of a bon-bon dish, from the book, A Manual of Clay-Modelling by Unwin. We found this model very similar to model #11, a clay model of a saucer that we did several weeks ago., as well as model #12, a clay model of a plant pot. Each were made from small balls of clay, which were then formed into small dishes with six curvatures around the edge. This version was fun to make. Unlike many of our clay models, we decided to keep this one and paint it.

Materials Needed

• The book, A Manual of Clay Modelling by Hermione Unwin (or free online HERE)
• Modeling Clay (the book suggests red terra cotta clay)
• Clay modeling tools (this kit includes many tools, along with a sponge and wire to cut the clay)
• An modelling board with an armature – hopefully you’ve made this with us already
• A bowl of water
• An apron or paint shirt to protect your clothing
• Newspaper, or plastic covering to protect your table

Happy Handicrafts Video: How to Make a Clay Model of a Bon-Bon Dish

For this model, you do not actually need your wooden slab, as our dishes will be “actually used for the purpose for which they are obviously intended.” We used ours anyways out of habit. Our bon-bon dish is also what is considered a “hollow model,” so you’ll want to be sure to use soft clay. As you build up the sides, be careful to keep your hands moist with water so that they clay will not crack.

Being by making a 1.5″ ball of clay. You will then flatten the ball until it is about 3/4″.

Next we loosen the disc from your board. Begin to hollow it out with the tips of our thumbs until the sides are 1/8″ in thickness all around.

Build up the sides so that they are about 1 inch in height. They should slope slightly outwards so that the circumference at the top is slightly larger than that of the bottom.

The next step is to divide the circumference into six equal parts. We estimated this measurement with our tool. Then at each division, bend the edge inwards, making all curves alike. This creates a gentle wave pattern around the edge.

Finish your clay model of a bon-bon dish by smoothing out all surfaces with wet fingers.

Once our clay models are finished, we typically return the clay to the original bag, sprinkle it with water as needed and seal it up until our next handicraft session. This time, we decided to paint our creation and actually use it. Luci painted it pink with a beautiful golden rim, outlined with a series of gold dots. I absolutely loved how it came out.

We can now use it for the purpose it was intended!

Do you plan on keeping your clay model of a bon-bon dish?

If you are just finding us, and you want to start at the beginning of our clay modelling series, you can find the Clay Modelling Playlist over on our YouTube channel, Happy Handicrafts. Come and join us!