28 Feb How to Make a Clay Model of a Poppy Capsule

Today for our homeschool handicraft lesson, we are going to make a clay model of a poppy capsule. We are working our way through the book, A Manual of Clay-Modelling by Hermione Unwin. The poppy capsule is model #32, and once again, presented a real challenge to find! First of all, it’s wintertime, and secondly, I’ve never seen an actual poppy grow near us. So, in what appears to be our norm, we found an alternate solution – a dried seed capsule of some sort. Along with a few pictures, we were able to make a poppy capsule.

The poppy capsule is round or oval seed pod that forms after the flower petals fall away. Inside the pod are hundreds, if not thousands of tiny seeds. The top of the capsule displays a distinct flat top with radiating stigma rays.

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 poppy capsule

Happy Handicrafts Video: How to Make a Clay Model of a Poppy Capsule

The instructions begin by directing us to make the model twice its size, keeping the stalk about one inch long. They then by leading us back to our first model, an orange, for guidance.

We began making a square slab around the armature.

Then we took piece of clay and pressed them together on the board until a lump about the size of the poppy capsule is made. With the lump of clay between our hands, we rolled it in a circular motion until it was smooth and round. Any marks on the surface were smoothed out with a wet thumb or finger.

This is a good time to stop and examine what you’ve made so far. Hold up the ball between the thumb and finger to observe the outline, pressing it into shape where needed. Perfection is not the goal, here, as the shape will be affected once it is pressed onto the armature.

Next, press the ball of clay onto the armature so that it touches the slab. Adjust the shape as needed so it is as much like the object as possible.

Our next focus is going to be the disc located on top of the capsule. Work it into shape on the board, using the tool. Once it is satisfactory, press it onto the tip of the ball.

For the stalk, roll out a tiny piece of clay. Wet one end of it and press it onto the model. Wrap a small piece of clay around the join and smooth it on with the tool.

And that completes our clay model of a poppy capsule!

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