19 Sep How to Make a Clay Model of a Canoe

Let’s move on to our next homeschool handicraft project! Today, we are going to make a clay model of a canoe. This is model #45 from the book, A Manual of Clay-Modelling by Hermione Unwin and is part if our clay modelling series. No real canoe is needed for this project – we’re going to make this from our memory and life experience.

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 Canoe

The Process

Our clay model of a canoe is going to be about 6 inches long, so we started by making an oblong slab about 7 inches in length, away from the armature so as to accommodate the model. We then built up the mass of the canoe, making it solid inside.

Once we had a general shape, we modeled the ends and outside. To complete the canoe, we hollowed out the inside with the tool, and smoothed everything out with wet fingers.

Come follow us on YouTube, at Happy Handicrafts, where we share videos of all of our homeschool handicrafts! We would love to have you join us!