If you have an interest in sculpture, you’ve probably heard the word armature used many times. But what is it, and why is it so important?
An armature is basically the internal framework (or skeleton) that supports a sculpture.
If you were to sculpt a person standing on one leg in a dramatic pose, and you just started to sculpt without using an internal support structure, the whole thing would collapse under its own weight. Polymer clay softens when it gets warm, so unless the armature is solid, it will likely start to droop and crack, especially during the baking process.
I once sculpted a figure with a flimsy and wobbly armature and the whole thing collapsed whilst baking and was a crumpled mess. I learned my lesson that day and now make sure that my armatures are solid and robust.
Armature can also be used to bulk out your sculpture and create the basic shapes you need before you even start to add any clay. Polymer clay cures best when it is not too thick, so bulking up the internal structure of your sculpture with wire, foil, and tape, can not only help with the strength and proportions of your piece, but it can also save you from using too much clay.
I used to shy away from making armatures, as I found them to be real struggle. They were difficult, complicated, and I thought them to be a waste of my time. I just wanted to get to the fun part of sculpting and get my hands into some clay!
But they don’t need to be complicated and difficult. When I first started making armatures I used the wrong materials, so struggled and was quickly frustrated. I was using what I had in the house, which was garden and galvanized steel wire, and while these can still be used, they are very hard to bend and shape, especially for smaller sculptures.
When I discovered craft wire (aluminum wire), it was a game changer! This lightweight wire comes in many thicknesses (I typically use 1.5 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm), is very easy to bend, and holds its shape well. To this I add foil (to bulk out shapes without adding weight), some masking tape to hold it all in place, and sometimes use some wooden dowels for extra strength (e.g. in a weight holding leg). You can also use aluminum mesh, which is thin and lightweight, and perfect for making wings.
If you’re working on a small sculpture, you might get away without an armature. But for anything bigger, and with slender limbs—especially figures, animals, or dynamic poses—an armature isn’t just helpful, it’s practically essential. It saves you time, frustration, and the heartbreak of watching your hard work fall apart.
Whether you're just starting out or you've been sculpting for a while, getting comfortable with building armatures is a game-changer. It opens the door to more ambitious projects, gives your sculptures better structure, and honestly makes the whole process more enjoyable. So, the next time you break out your clay, give your creation a strong backbone. Your sculpture will thank you.
