Project #187

Create a shadow sculpture with wire and air-dry clay! This project also has an instructional video available!

Steps

• Step 1
  Bend a 24" length of 16-gauge dark annealed wire in half. Leave a 1-1/2" loop at the top for the head and neck. Hold the loop and use pliers to twist about 4" to form the body of the armature.


• Step 2
  Bend a 20" length of 16-gauge wire in half and wrap it around the first piece to create arms.



• Step 3
  Cut a 20" length of thinner, 20-gauge wire and wrap it around the arms, trim off any excess. Cut a 24" length of 20-gauge wire and wrap the legs. The wrapped wire allows the clay to attach better to the armature. Decide where you want to place the legs and drill holes in a wood base. Mix together some fast-setting epoxy and glue the legs into the base.
• Step 4
  Use air-dry clay to sculpt over the armature. Try to sculpt what you think the shadow of the figure would look like. Since the clay is air-dry, the hardening process starts as soon as the package is open. The sculpture will be completely dry in about 24 hours.


• Step 5
  Once the clay has set, paint with acrylic. For a bronze-like finish, use Magic Metallic Steel paint and Rapid Rust patina. For a more economical alternative, use your favorite acrylic paints.

Products Used

• Giacometti-Inspired Sculpture Project Kit (USCPK187)
• Mini Thin Plaque Assortment by Walnut Hollow (WH-0072)
• Parawire Annealed Wire - 16-Gauge: 480 ft. spool (CMS-DA16)
• Parawire Annealed Wire - 20-Gauge: 1750 ft. spool (CMS-DA20)
• Sculpey Air-Dry Clay (PP-AD2222)