How to Create a Wire Armature for Sculpture

When making larger sculptures out of any sculpting medium, especially polymer clay, it is a good idea to create an armature, or wire frame skeleton, to go underneath and act as structural support to help bear the weight. With polymer clay, you may even want to wrap the wire frame with aluminum foil, since the thinner the polymer clay is, the less cooking it will require and the lower the chance of burning the outside trying to harden the inside.

Begin with a pliable wire, preferably one that is specially designed for armature, such as any of these. You will need good wire cutters and pliers. A wooden board (6 in. x 6 in. or larger) and some finishing nails also can create a great tool to help during the construction of the wire frame. The gauge wire you use will be determined by how large of a piece you are making. Remember that the lower the gauge of the wire, the thicker the wire will be. For a smaller piece, no more than 8 inches or so, 20 gauge wire is probably a good size for the armature.

For a small sculpture, start by hammering 2 finishing nails into the board, ¼ - ½ inch apart, depending on the size of your potential sculpture. Cut your wire into strips between 3-6 inches long, whatever you find is easier to work with on the scale of your piece. For large pieces, just space the nails further and cut the strips longer.

Take the first strip and hold it by both ends. Place the middle against one of the nails and then cross the ends loosely on the other side. The loop should be large enough to slip off the nail when you are finished, but tight enough to stay on while you are working. Cross the ends again in front of the second nail, then again behind it. Bend the ends of the wire straight up. Repeat this in the opposite direction.

You now have a small base from which to build your armature. Continue looping strips of wire to create the basic shape of your piece. This wire skeleton does not need to be pretty; it only needs to be sturdy. To thicken portions of the frame, or just to strengthen them, wrap 1 or more wires strip around the area multiple times and bend in the ends to hold it in place.