27 Jun How to Make a Clay Model of a Tin Loaf

Today’s homeschool handicraft project is a clay model of a tin loaf. We will be making model #40 from the book, A Manual of Clay-Modelling by Hermione Unwin as part of our clay modelling series. Now it occurred to me that some of you younger folks may not know what a tin loaf is. To make a tin loaf, bakers bake the bread in a tin loaf pan.

At the turn of the 20th century, when this book was written, bakers increasingly used bread tins because they produced consistent, evenly sized loaves and kept the crumb softer for longer. Although bakers still use loaf pans today, they often choose glass instead of tin to avoid rust and the metallic taste that tin can impart to the bread.

To make things simple, we purchased a delicious loaf of bread from our local grocery store. We chose a unsliced version so that it would match the picture as much as possible.

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 tin loaf

Happy Handicrafts Video: How to Make a Clay Model of a Tin Loaf

The Process

We began as we usually do, by making an oblong slab around the armature. After we cleanly cut the slab and smoothed it with water, we built up the loaf, shaping it into an oblong form.

We then compared the object and the model for the proportions and general character and took careful note of the curves of the top and the way it is joined at the sides. With our fingers and water, we smoothed out the top and worked up the division between the top and sides. We finished by adding details to the top and sides, trying to stay as close as possible to the object.

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