26 Jul How to Make a Clay Model of a Poplar Leaf

Every week, in preparation for our clay modelling session, we check our book, A Manual of Clay-Modelling by Unwin, to see what we will be modelling. We then go on a hunt for the object. Sometimes it’s in our backyard, or pantry, and sometimes we prowl the neighborhood, parks, or grocery stores looking for the item. This week we had to go on the hunt. A simple poplar leaf was all we needed for model #17. I assumed I could drive past our local nature preserve and grab one – but no. There was no poplar leaf to be seen.

I grew up surrounded in poplar trees and have beautiful memories of being surrounded with the sound of the leaves in the wind. In our area of the country, there is no such thing. So we had to find an alternative. Instead of a clay model of a poplar leaf, we are going to be making a clay model of a pear tree leaf, which we have growing in our backyard. If you can’t find a poplar leaf, find something similar, as we did, and let’s make it together!

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 poplar (or similar) leaf

Happy Handicrafts Video: How to Make a Clay Model of a Poplar Leaf

The instructions directed us immediately to Model #9, the clay model of a laurel leaf. Although the model used the same instructions, they were a very different shape and therefore worked up quite differently.

These models did not use the armature, as they were flatter in nature and did not need the vertical support. They were, however, built up on a slab, like all of our models so far.

We began with the slab to hold the leaf, estimating a margin of about 1/2″ around the leaf. A sketch was then done of the outline of the leaf onto the slab with a tool. The book emphasizes the importance of sketching the outline, not laying the leaf down and tracing around the leaf.

The bulk of the work is building up the model inside of the outline that we just drew. Start with the highest point and work to the lowest point.

As you work up your model, take note of and copy all the irregularities on the surface and edge of the leaf. Obviously, these will be different for everyone, so no model is going to be the same. Isn’t this part of the beauty of nature?

The next step is to make the stalk, then smoothing the surface with a wet thumb of finger. Mark in the lateral ribs with a line drawn with the tool.

Cut out small amounts of clay from underneath the model, in order to give it an appearance of being thin. You’ll just do this to the edges. Add any finishing touches you may need, like a final smoothing of the slab and leaf, and you have completed your clay model of a poplar leaf.

We are making amazing progress in our clay modeling series! 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!