10 May How to Make a Clay Model of a Saucer

Today we will be making model #11 from the book, A Manual of Clay-Modelling by Unwin. This lesson is a clay model of a saucer, which is meant to be made simultaneously with model #12, which is a plant pot. Although we made them together, we will be demonstrating them separately in our videos.

While working our way through this book, we’ve noticed that the author typically introduces at least one new and different skill with each lesson. This time is the first time that we are making something without an original object to copy. This adds space for originality and creativity. So come join us as we create a saucer for a plant pot.

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 Saucer

This clay model of a saucer starts out as a 2″ ball. Take your time with the ball. You want it to be as round and smooth as you can get it. Once it’s just right, you will press it down onto your board. When it’s about 3/4″ thick, work the clay with your thumbs, going from the middle to the edge, hollowing out the center. Just be careful not to press too hard, as you don’t want to make a hole in your saucer.

Once the bottom of the saucer is made, you’ll move on to the sides. This is done by pinching the sides up, making sure that it is even in thickness and in height all around. We smoothed ours out using water.

The final step is to create 5 or 6 (we made 6) marks around the saucer, ensuring that they are of equal distance to each other. These marks are going to be gently bent outwards to create an ornamental design. We found that it also helped to gently slope inwards the spaces between the marks. This created a more dramatic design.

We’ll save the next model, number 12, for our next post and video. It’s very similar, but together the saucer and plant pot make a lovely matching set.

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!