How to Use Armatures
Armatures have two primary functions in sculpting and doll making. Armatures provide strength and stability, and they provide bulk. Whether the armature is to be covered with earthen clay, polymer clay, paper mache or fabric, the armature must provide enough strength to support limbs and appendages in various stances or positions. The armature must also provide enough core bulk to provide a canvas for the clay or fabric.
Clay and fabric are both best used as thinly as possible and practical for sculpting, so the armature underneath should provide ample bulk for the general shape of the figure. Whether you choose to use clay, fabric, or a combination of mixed items, the basic use of armatures is the same.
Instructions
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How to Use Armatures
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For small figures, a toothpick, stick, pin, or small piece of wire may be enough to create an effective armature. For small figures in clay, a sturdy structure is more important than bulk in an armature. For draping or attaching cloth, wrapped batting and fabric may be needed to bulk the armature.
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For small items that need more bulk, add aluminum foil, batting material or fabric. For extra security and to reduce the amount of residue transferred from the metal to the hands, wrap the armature in floral tape, preferably white.
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For larger structures, armatures may be formed and bound in pieces. Heavy gauge wire very similar to chain link fence wire can be wrapped with smaller gauge wire, then additionally wrapped with floral tape for sturdy connections.
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Large, full body armatures usually require bulk material, both for under-filler and for additional stability to bolster the wire. Use aluminum foil, batting material, and fabric to wrap and mold bulky areas of the armature. For clay pieces, aluminum foil is usually preferable. For cloth dolls, batting and fabric may be preferable to keep a "soft" shape to the armature.
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When the general shape of the armature is complete, gently bend the areas, such as arms, legs and knees, into the positions you want for your final figure. Trim wire as needed and prepare the armature (to sit or stand on a base) for the application of clay, fabric or multimedia materials.
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Tips & Warnings
Though the images used in these instructions were demonstrating armatures for the human form, the same process and use may be adapted to other objects, animals, chairs and scenic pieces. Wooden toothpicks, sticks, paper, floral tape, batting and material all have a burn point well above the average 275 degrees used to bake and cure polymer clay. At this low temperature and short bake times, it is very unlikely that any of the armature items could burn.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos, armature and sculpture by Sherry Snider
