05 Apr How to Make a Clay Model of an Acorn

Today we are continuing to work through the book, A Manual of Clay-Modeling by Unwin. In this post, we are going to be tackling model #8, which is a clay model of an acorn. We took a stroll through our neighborhood and found a little acorn, so that’s what we’ll be using.

In this model, we are instructed to build a slab around the armature that is 1.5″ in height. We are also instructed to create our acorn to be twice its natural size. The purpose of this is so that the armature does not extent past the top of our acorn.

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
• An acorn

Happy Handicrafts Video: How to Make a Clay Model of an Acorn

As per the instructions in the book, we worked up the acorn first, connected it to the slab over the armature and then connected the cup or top portion of the acorn. Once the cap was well applied, we texturized the cap with the tool. Our poor little acorn did not have a stem extending out, so we didn’t make one.

Are you just discovering our clay modelling handicraft series? If you visit our YouTube channel, Happy Handicrafts, you can 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!