From old shoes to David's nose: what to make in clay (Parents' Review Volume Two)

From "A First Lesson in Modelling," by Mrs. F. Steinthal.  The Parents' Review, Volume 2, 1891/92, pg. 290-292.  Mrs. Steinthal explains how to begin modelling lessons by having the child copy a younger sibling's small shoe.  Then one can go on to grander things...

The pupil must remember that the shoe is not new, and as he must always be very truthful if he works for Madame Art, he must turn up the toes, and put in two or three little creases baby has made with creeping, so that mother will know, at once, that it is a portrait of her dear little baby's shoe, and will give the artist a kiss for it. Now he has only to make a very little roll to go round the top, and smooth the sides with his thumbs, keeping them for this purpose wet, by rubbing them on a wet sponge, and the shoe is ready. Cut it off the board with a piece of string held in both hands, and let it dry. If a brick kiln is near send it there to bake, or cook will perhaps let it stand in a very hot oven, and as the shoe is small it may be made hard enough to hold water and flowers....

If the little artist shows a natural aptitude for modelling, and a pleasure in his work, boots, dolls' cradles, dolls' pumps, horses, and all kinds of toys might be copied. After this it would be wise to begin more serious work. For this I would recommend in order, David's nose, eye, and mouth, by Michael Angelo, casts of which can be obtained in the south from Brucciani, Covent Garden, and in the North from Alberti, 1, Oxford Road, Manchester. Both these firms sell excellent models of animals' heads, 6d. each, which are a great joy and delight to boys and girls.