Hiya *waves* Jaf here with my next step in the process of creating a sculpture. So my last n first step was to simply sketch out what you want to make. What I failed to say was that between that step and this step so we'll just say step 1.5 >.> I mark on the sketch where I think the main wire frame should run along the sketch.

Ok once I have a ruff idea I pull out my wires n cutters. The base, main oval body as well as the pole that goes top to bottom are 14Ga galvanized aluminum. The thinner twisted wire is an 18Ga same kind. Thicker it is harder to bend etc. My first few creations had no wire skeleton and were simple built up clay but over time I learned the benefits of a wire support system as well if your piece does crack in the baking process the wire holds it together still ^ ^ gluer up n away ya go.

Back to the skeleton, This is the one I made based off my sketch. Not to bad I think. Put a little pressure on each limb when ya make it to make sure it doesn't swing freely. If it does use pliers etc to clamp down on some of your twist till everything's secure n tight. It's just aluminum so can easily be bent into the pose ya want.

Bonus tip I found is that leave a small hoop in the end of the limbs. if ya ever need to add an extension etc that hoop will be a lifesaver trust me >.> So I use my thickest wire to ruffly run the main length then easier thinner wire for all the extra limbs. Basically anything sticking out I want a wire in, arm, leg, head n tail. heh thank god I haven't had to do tentacle yet lol omg. Once I think I got all the limbs where they look like they should go I use my needle nose pliers to clmp all the wires tight to each other to prevent movement.

My first ones to have skeletons when I did start making them used steel bailing wire I got from work. Omg it was such a lovely treat when I found the aluminum wire lol. I Tried a copper wire on a few pieces cause it's pretty soft n easy to bend but if ya over bend it it just weakens n breaks so I stopped using it but luckily I got no complaints with this wire. Easy to work with n cut.

So This is my finished skeleton for my next piece. 7" tall and bout 6.5" across A carousel wolf

Next step will be ruffing out the base and bulking the main mass which will actually be very shortly since that steps done as well ^ ^

P.S. sorry bout the crappy pic. I didn't check it till it was covered >.<

Jafra