28 Jun How to Make a Clay Model of a Broad Bean

We are continuing our trek through the book, A Manual of Clay-Modelling by Unwin. Today we are making model #15, a clay model of a broad bean. This model was very similar to model #7, a model of a pea pod. In fact, model #15 had no instructions of its own; it simply referred to model #7 for instructions.

What is a Broad Bean?

Our challenge with this model was not the clay modelling portion, since it was a little repetitive. Our challenge was finding the object itself! First of all, I had no idea what a broad bean is! We conducted an internet search and found out that the term “broad bean” is perhaps more of a United Kingdom term and not so much a United States term. Here in the US, we refer to broad beans as fava beans.

Fava beans are a legume, fairly large, and contain large beans inside their green pods. With this information, we went to the grocery store. Actually, grocery stores – with an “s.” Several grocery stores later, we could still not find a fava bean. So, we settled for the closest object we could find, sugar snap peas.

Sugar snap peas are obviously much smaller than broad beans. They contain more fruit and are thinner than broad beans. However, they are going to have to do. I’m sure that the purpose of this project is not to create a model of a broad bean, but rather to learn the skills required for clay modelling.

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
• A broad bean (otherwise known as a fava bean)

Happy Handicrafts Video: How to Make a Clay Model of a Broad Bean

The Process

We started by creating an oblong slab away from the armature. Because this object is of little height and does not need vertical support, we will not be needing the armature. Make the slab long and wide enough to hold your object.

Next you are going to build up the mass of the object with your clay. This is done by rolling a piece in your hands and adding to it as needed. You will want to make it slightly smaller than your actual object so that you can add clay later. Once you are finished, lay the length of clay onto the slab.

We Made a Mistake!

I do want to mention a mistake that we made over and over and over again. Once you lay the model down onto the slab, it is not to be picked up again. To explain this, here is a quote from the book, A Manual of Clay-Modelling: “The clay model must not be held in the hand after the general shape is obtained… It is against all principles of the art for the student to hold the clay model in his hands while he is working on it. By doing so the work which has been already done is constantly being spoilt, and has to be commenced again, the model is pressed out of shape, the clay is dried by too much handling, and moreover, the use of one hand is lost.”

I left this error in the video because I want it to be clear that we are learning right along with you! We learn from our errors and hopefully improve with each lesson.

The next step is to compare the object and the model, noting where modelling is needed. You will then model the top, and then the bottom. Once you have the shapes of the bean (or peas in our case), shape the ends with the forefinger and tool. Then mark the join of the two parts of the pod with your tool and smooth the edges as you go.

To complete your clay model of a broad bean, smooth the surfaces with a wet thumb.

If you are enjoying this clay modelling series and would like to follow along with us in our homeschool handicraft adventures, jump over to our YouTube channel, Happy Handicrafts. You can choose from the different Handicraft Playlists and craft along with us! We add a new video every week!