How to Make a Wire Figure for Modeling Clay

Make a wire figure using basic craft materials.

When you construct a human figure out of polymer clay, it can be difficult to make the structure stand upright without it falling over or breaking. One solution is to make a wire frame for the figure that the polymer clay is sculpted onto. This enables you to make a human figure that is sturdy enough to remain in tact as you bake and decorate it. Make a wire figure using basic materials that you can find at any arts and crafts supply store.

Things You'll Need

• Medium-gauge craft wide
• Wire cutters
• Needle-nosed pliers

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of medium-gauge craft wire using wire cutters to measure 8 inches long. This will be the body of the figure.

2. Cut two pieces of medium-gauge wire using wire cutters to measure 4 inches long each. Twist the two wires onto the top third of the 8-inch wire using needle-nosed pliers. These will be the arms of the figure. Spread the two arm wires apart and bend them into the forms that you want the arms to be in.

3. Cut two pieces of wire to measure 6 inches long, and twist the two wires onto the bottom end of the 8-inch wire using needle-nosed pliers. These will be the legs of the wire figure. Spread the two wires apart and into the position that you want the legs to be in.

4. Cut a piece of wire to measure 4 inches long and twist the wire onto the top end of the 8-inch wire using needle-nosed pliers. Wind the wire into a sphere, which will become the head of the wire figure.

5. Apply modeling clay as you prefer to complete the figure.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep sharp wire cutters out of the reach of children.