24 Oct How to Make a Clay Model of a Sycamore Leaf

Today’s homeschool handicraft project took some hunting. We were planning on making a clay model of a sycamore leaf, but had no luck finding one. Sycamore leaves are quite large (about 6-10 inches across) with 3-5 pointed lobes. They look somewhat like maple leaves but are generally larger and thicker. We ended up taking this description and finding a leaf that was similar. Sometimes that’s the best you can do, right? We are working through the book, A Manual of Clay-Modelling by Hermione Unwin and is part of our clay modelling series and this is Model #46.

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 sycamore (or similar) leaf

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

The Process

Our clay model of a sycamore leaf will be made on a clay slab, but will not need the support of the armature. We will refer to Model #9, a clay model of a laurel leaf, for the instructions.

First, we made the slab to hold the leaf. Estimate the size, depending on the size of your leaf and how large you want to make it, leaving about 1/2″ all round. We could have made ours a little longer on both ends.

Next, we sketched the outline of the leaf, beginning with the ribs, onto the slab. The instructions state explicitly that one should not lay the leaf onto the slab and trace the outline. We then built up the model, beginning at the highest points, going to the lowest points.

The stalk is made by rolling out the clay, making it solid underneath.

The midrib looks lighter than the leaf, so to portray this effect, it needs to be raised. To make it appear raise, we used the tool to draw a depressed line on both sides of it, leaving a narrow ridge. We then drew in the lateral ribs with the tip of the tool. The clay underneath the lobes was cut out to give the appearance of being thin at the edge. To complete the model, we smoothed the surface with wet fingers.

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