07 Jun How to Make a Clay Model of a Potato

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the need to make a clay model of a potato, yet here we are. In this week’s video, we will be making model #14, a potato, from the book, A Manual of Clay-Modelling by Unwin. Each lesson in this book features a progressively complex skill set. Since we had already mastered the rather basic skill of building up a blob the size of our object and placing it on the armature, we focused this lesson on creating texture.

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 potato

Happy Handicrafts Video: How to Make a Clay Model of a Potato

As with most of our models so far, we started by building up an oblong slab around the armature. We then made a lump of clay about the size and shape of our potato. The surface was smoothed out and then the lump was placed on the armature.

After carefully observing the potato from all angles, we marked the eyes with the pointed end of the tool. We then pressed our finger into the marked spaces, creating a depression on the surface, and softening the edges of the eye. Then with the pointed end of the tool, we reinforced the dot in the eye.

To finish our clay model of a potato, we applied texture by pressing a piece of clay against the clay model. It’s not perfect, but hey – we are improving.

If you 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!