An armature provides the internal foundation on which to build your sculpture. Much like our own human skeletal system is the framework which keeps us standing in an upright position, an armature is used to keep the artist’s clay from collapsing, while also protecting the integrity of any outward extensions, such as thin limbs or legs. Truly, the most disheartening experience a clay sculptor can have is to create the ideal form, only to have his project fail due to the lack of a sturdy frame.
Although it can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood or steel, the (almaloy) aluminum wire armature is the superior choice due to the following features:
non-corrosive
lightweight
fully pliable
non-staining
In addition to the pre-formed armatures, many sculptors choose to construct their own out of armature wire. When selecting this wrapping wire for clay modeling, the artist should look for a wire that is lightweight and strong, yet fully flexible, the key features of armatures themselves.
And don’t forget the wire must be able to withstand corrosion. Why is this important when selecting wrapping wire? Certain polymers and clays do not dry out. Therefore, if the wire is created from a material that has the ability to rust or corrode, the integrity of the sculpture will eventually be compromised.

FOUR – Head Armatures – 5/8-Life Size – 15″
This strong, adjustable 15” head armature serves as your internal support framework for modeling with sculpting materials that cannot support their own bulk, typically if you are using more than 5 lbs. of modeling material. Our armature is designed for models that will be 5/8th-life size and includes the head and partial neck.
It is built of non-staining, non-corrosive aluminum wire with a steel backiron that is attached to a Formica base over heavy gauge plywood.
If using moist (ceramic/pottery) clay, please note, the armature cannot be put in a kiln during firing. The clay will shrink but the wire will not, resulting in cracking and/or breakage. We suggest using a wet and twisted newspaper armature as the paper will burn off during firing; or a wax armature as the wax will melt during firing.
$136.00Add to cart

THREE – Animal Armatures – 10″ with Board
This strong, pliable 8″ animal armature is the ideal support framework for modeling with sculpting materials that cannot support their own weight. It is made in a horse shape since most animals have this basic form.
$126.00Add to cart

TWO – Head-Bust Armatures – 24″
If you are sculpting with more than 5 lbs. of Plastilina, moist clay or other sculpting medium, an armature is a necessity to serve as the internal support frame for your piece since the modeling material cannot support itself.
Of all the head armatures, the head-bust armature is the most widely used and includes the head, neck and portion of the shoulders (bust). Our 24″ head-bust armature is constructed of strong, yet pliable, aluminum wire that is supported with a heavy duty steel backiron and cross bar that makes up the lower portion of the bust.
This non-corrosive and non-staining wire armature is securely attached to a base of Formica over heavy gauge plywood.
If using moist (ceramic/pottery) clay, please note, the armature cannot be put in a kiln during firing. The clay will shrink but the wire will not, resulting in cracking and/or breakage. We suggest using a wet and twisted newspaper armature as the paper will burn off during firing; or a wax armature as the wax will melt during firing.
$144.00Add to cart