How to Make a Replica of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor and was a stunning gift from France to the United States in 1886. The real Statue of Liberty is made of an iron frame covered with sheets of copper. But you can make a simple, beautiful replica mimicking the beautiful green patina covering the Statue by using aluminum foil, dowels and plasticine. Plasticine is an oil-based clay that doesn't permanently harden, but will become stable.
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Things You'll Need
- Plasticine for the statue: light green
- Wooden dowels sharp at one end
- Reference photo of the Statue of Liberty
- Sculpting tools (optional)
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Plasticine for the base: taupe (optional)
- Decorative box for the base (optional)
Instructions
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Start with a base for the statue. The real base is made from granite stones and includes several steps and decorative ridges as well as three large windows on each side. Depending on the size and level of the replica, you may wish to omit some of these details. Construct the base out of taupe-colored plasticine or use a decorative box as a simple substitute.
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Use the green plasticine to recreate the Statue of Liberty's feet. In the original, she wears sandals surrounded by broken chains, symbolizing the victory of justice over slavery. For added detail, you can construct the chains first out of aluminum foil, then cover with a thin layer of green plasticine.
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Build the Statue of Liberty's body and robes. First, stick the end of one of the sharp wooden dowels into the statue's feet. Repeat as necessary until there are enough wooden upright dowels to support the plasticine of the statue's torso. Add clay against the support rods, then carefully sculpt it into the folds of the statue's robes. If desired, you can shape the folds of the robe out of aluminum foil first, then cover the foil over with plasticine.
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Build the Statue of Liberty's arms. A tablet is in the crook of the Statue's left arm. Use plasticine to mold her left arm against her torso. Then, using your fingers or sculpting tools, create the folds of her left sleeve and the tablet with the inscription "July IV, MDCCLXXVI" -- Latin numerals for July 4, 1776, the date the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Statue's right arm extends up to the sky and holds a torch. Insert a small sharpened dowel into the right side of the statue's torso, and construct her right arm around the dowel, using your fingers or sculpting tools to add details of her robe, sleeve and torch. You can also construct details of the statue's sleeves, tablet and torch out of aluminum foil first and cover it with a layer of green plasticine.
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Construct the Statue of Liberty's head, face and crown. The actual Statue of Liberty is thought to be modeled after sculptor Frederic Bartholdi's mother. Her crown features seven rays, and her hair is pulled back with long curls on both sides. Use your fingers or sculpting tools to shape the fine details of her face, hair, neck and crown.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to work in a dust-free environment, as any loose particles or material will stick to the plasticine.
References
- Photo Credit Statue of Liberty image by Roy L. from Fotolia.com
