03 Jan How to Make a Clay Model of a Jerusalem Artichoke

Who knew it would be so difficult to make a clay model of a Jerusalem artichoke?! But it’s not the making of the clay model that is difficult, it’s finding the Jerusalem artichoke! More often than not, finding the object is the most challenging task of the entire project. My working theory is that the book we are working through, A Manual of Clay-Modelling by Unwin was written in England back in the early 1900s. Maybe broad beans and cockle shells were hanging out on street corners back then. Things are apparently a little different here in Texas, and once again, we find ourselves on the search for a random object.

What is a Jerusalem Artichoke?

Before beginning our multi-grocery store search for a Jerusalem artichoke, we went to the internet to learn what it actually looked like. We learned that the Jerusalem artichoke is actually native to North America – NOT Jerusalem. And it was actually NOT even an artichoke!

The Jerusalem artichoke is a root vegetable from a type of sunflower plant. It’s size and shape could be compared to a knobby potato or a ginger root… which gave us an idea. After a visit to several grocery stores, all without any luck, we decided to use what we already had at home – a ginger root.

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 Jerusalem Artichoke (or a piece of ginger)

Happy Handicrafts Video: How to Make a Clay Model of a Jerusalem Artichoke

The model’s instructions begin by directing us to Model 3, steps 1-4. This was a clay model of a plum, and being the beginning of the book, was fairly simple to do. I like this approach of referring back to previous models, as it takes the initial trepidation of tackling a new project away.

In this case, we began by making an oblong slab around the armature – something we’ve done many times before. Then, separately, we built up a lump of clay, about the size of our piece of ginger. Once we had smoothed it out, we placed the lump of clay onto the armature.

You’ll want to make the lump of clay somewhat smaller than the object, to allow for putting on the knobs later. We don’t want the knobs to extend out past the edge of the slab.

Once you have the proportions correct, begin putting on the knobs. Each knob is going to be a little different in size and shape. You’ll want to match the original object as closely as possible.

When all of the knobs have been attached, take a moment to smooth out the surface with a wet finger. Then, to finish, you’re going to apply texture to the clay model, as well as rough areas at the ends of the knobs with the tool.

And that should complete your clay model of a Jerusalem artichoke (or piece of ginger). How did you do?

Are You New Here?

If you’re just finding our clay modelling handicraft series, be sure to visit our YouTube channel, Happy Handicrafts. There, you’ll find several playlists of different handicrafts. We’ve made each video with homeschool families in mind. We recognize that not all homeschool families love crafting – in fact, I know many homeschool moms who absolutely hate crafts of any sort! That’s where we come in. We are the crafty part of your village. All you need to do is go to our YouTube channel, pick a playlist that you think your children will enjoy and start with the first video. (Moms can join in too!)

I hope this helps!