07 Mar How to Make a Clay Model of a Windsor Bean

Our next clay model is going to be my favorite vegetable. As part of our homeschool handicrafts curriculum, we are working our way through the book, A Manual of Clay-Modelling by Hermione Unwin. This is model #33, which is a Windsor bean. As a kid, we called these beans “fat beans” and, no, they were NOT my favorite vegetable. I HATED these beans and would do anything to avoid eating them! My Mom would slip them into a dish of peas and carrots, hoping we wouldn’t notice. But there was no mistaking the texture and flavor of a Windsor bean, also known as a fava bean. Instead of eating them, I would stuff them into my pocket and at the end of the meal I would flush them down the toilet.

What are Winsor beans?

A Windsor bean is another name for a broad bean or fava bean. It’s a large, flat green bean that grows inside thick, fuzzy, green pods. It is one of the oldest cultivated food plants in the world.

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 Windsor bean

Happy Handicrafts Video: How to Make a Clay Model of a Windsor Bean

The Process

Before getting started, take the time to soak your bean in water for at least a day or two. This will remove all wrinkles.

For this project, we are going to make our model at least twice the size of the Windsor bean. It is also suggested that we refer to Model #7, a Pea Pod, for guidance.

We start by making an oblong slab away from the armature. We do not need the support of the armature for this model, as it lays quite flat. The next step is to build up the mass of the object with our clay. When it’s similar to the size and shape that you want, set it on the slab and compare the object and model.

Shape the ends with the forefinger, thumb, and toll. Then complete the bean by smoothing the surface with a wet finger or thumb.

Are You New Here?

If you’re just finding our clay modelling handicraft series, be sure to visit our YouTube channel, Happy Handicrafts. There, you’ll find several playlists of different handicrafts. We’ve made each video with homeschool families in mind. We recognize that not all homeschool families love crafting – in fact, I know many homeschool moms who absolutely hate crafts of any sort! That’s where we come in. We are the crafty part of your village. All you need to do is go to our YouTube channel, pick a playlist that you think your children will enjoy and start with the first video. (Moms can join in too!)

I hope this helps!