How to Make a Wire Sculpture for Kids
Wire sculpture is a dynamic and tactile form of expression. Artists such as Alexander Calder have demonstrated the worth of wire as a artistic medium. Children can experience wire sculpture as a way to fuel their imaginations and creativity. Wire's malleability makes it easy to create a shape, or straighten it out and start again. Parents and teachers should take care to assemble the necessary tools in advance to give children more time to bend and play with the wire.
Things You'll Need
- Wire, cut into lengths of 12 inches
- Wire cutters
- Kid-safe paint
- Safety glasses
Instructions
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Choose appropriate wire for a sculpture project. Florist wire, paddle wire, or "tie" wire (also known as baling or bailing wire) are all inexpensive and easily used by kids. These types of wire can be found in floral departments or hardware stores. Salvage yards and recycling centers may also carry such wire on the cheap, or for free.
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Gather the necessary tools for safety and decoration. Kid-safe paint can color the wire after it's been shaped. Wire cutters should be purchased — one pair for every two or three children. Safety glasses are also recommended. However, a long, loose end of wire can still get through the ventilation holes that appear on many safety glasses. Shorter lengths of wire are typically less problematic than longer pieces. Ideally, the wire should be cut into lengths of 12 inches before kids handle it. Conversely, young children can start with pipe cleaners instead of wire.
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Conduct the three-wire exercise for the kids. Each child should be given three 12-inch lengths of wire along with wire cutters. Encourage the children to create any shape that comes to their imagination with the wire — cartoon figures, flowers, faces, anything. They should focus on key details that define a shape. For instance, a face should have features like a nose and eyes; petals help make a flower.
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Expose the children to examples of wire sculpture. Alexander Calder, for instance, is celebrated for his "animated circus" composed of classic animals rendered with wire. Letting them see the possibilities of wire can spark their creative flair.
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Direct the children to "mess with" the wire. Avoid telling them that there is a specific way that wire sculpture works. Having them work from scratch, as opposed to using another wire sculpture or drafting in pencil first, can instill a respect for originality and foster the eye-brain-hand connection. The kids can play and arrange the wire however they like, taking it apart and starting again if they believe they can fashion something better. The emphasis should be on creativity and expression.
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Tips & Warnings
Adults should closely monitor children while they use wire. Accidents involving the skin and eyes can happen without supervision.
