Tutorial: Fairy & Mermaid Armature
An Armature For Small Scale Sculpting
The following tutorial has been created to share the basic method I use for making an armature for small scale sculpting a fairy or mermaid in polymer clay.
This type of armature will help to eliminate the problem with the wire protruding through the clay during the sculpting process. It’s also helpful in achieving a proportionally correct foundation in which to build a sculpture upon, and ease in creating a graceful and life-like pose.
To begin, start with a body guide. This can be one from your own personal drawing, photo, or other source. In the photo below, an online source from “Figure Drawing for All it’s Worth” by Andrew Loomis, has been used. The page used for the body guide in this tutorial is found on page 27, the ‘Ideal Proportion Female’.
From this guide, enlarge or reduce the size as needed. The measurements shown in this tutorial is for a 6″ figure, but can be easily resized to one of your own choice.
The resource file can be found at the following link in PDF form:
http://www.austinsketchgroup.com/share/loomis_FIGURE_draw.pdf
Or you may download and save my personal copy: (Adobe Acrobat Reader required)
The following materials will be needed:
- 20 gauge wire
- wire cutters
- body guide
- polymer clay (epoxie clay may be substituted)
BEFORE BEGINNING - IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
- EPOXY CLAY is suggested if the sculpture cannot be baked within 2-5 days of applying a new layer of clay to the pre-baked armature.
- The plasticizers in the raw polymer clay will soften the baked polymer on the armature, unless it is cured in a timely period.
Dear Visitor,
I hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial on how to create a small scale fairy or mermaid armature, and have find some of the information beneficial. Please remember this is one the methods that I personally use and have chosen to share it. There may be other ways, and with that I encourage you to continue to seek more methods and techniques on your dollmaking journey. Please enjoy!
NOTE: Tutorials posted at lindasmithoriginals.com have been created by the artist to be used as a FREE resource for the purpose of education. The use of the tutorial in itself or in conjunction with other “online classes” or “programs of study” through which tuition is paid, is strictly forbidden.
Posted in Tutorials
July 8th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Linda,
This is so helpful. Can you tell me how you attach a tube if the figure is to stand? I have tried different methods including apoxie sculpt to attach the rod, but seem to get it thick and it changes the color of the “skin” added afterward.
Love your tutorials and your work!
Cindy
July 12th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Hi Cindy,
This is a good question!
First, I recommend using a 3/32 size brass tube for the leg armature, with a 1/16 size brass rod to place into a base. The tube slides over the rod for a snug and secure fit, perfect for creating a small standing figure.
* Cut the tube to the appropriate length.
* Trim the armature leg wire just above the knee.
* Slip leg armature into the leg tube.
* Hold tube in place by wrapping a smaller gauge wire around the tube at the thigh area - tie off at the spine.
* Bond the wire armature and tube together by adding epoxie clay or polymer clay.
To avoid the discoloration mentioned, I might suggest to apply the apoxie sculpt in a thin layer only to the thigh area, where the rod is joined to the wire armature. The object is to secure and bond the two together. The brass rod is a strong element, so there is no need for additional apoxie sculpt down the leg.
I do like to apply a very thin amount of polymer clay from the knee down to the ankle and then bake. This helps to conceal the brass rod, when applying the final “skin” layer.
Sometimes if the brass has tarnished a bit, it can cause darker shadowing to come through the clay. I’ve found to minimize the discoloration from the brass itself, I will rub the tubing with very fine 2000 grit automotive sandpaper to brighten the brass, removing the old tarnish.
I’ve added an additional photo to the tutorial as a visual, be sure to check it out!
Thank-you for your lovely comments!
December 15th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Wonderful tutorial. Thank you for sharing.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 pm
You’re welcome Veronica. I’m glad you’ve found it helpful.