Page 16 - Creating Whimsical Characters Using Simple Wood and Paper Forms, Wire, Paperclay, and Encaustic Medium

Complex Armatures

Complex armatures all use some basic steps done in numerous
ways. And they usually require building in steps. Once you have

your design, you need to think about the best way to implement it
using an armature.

First, decide the size of your core body piece. Is it a square dowel

or a round one? Is it thin or thick? How long is the body?

Next, determine the size of the limbs (legs, arms, wings, etc). How

large they are in relationship to the body? Is the thigh larger than

the calf? What’s the position of the leg (standing, sitting,
crouching)? Is the leg inline with the base of the body or attached
on the side of the body?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you need to find

the materials that fit your requirements. When you have them
assembled, you can build the armature.

First, cut the body piece and limb pieces to your determined length.

In the main body piece

• Drill a hole for the neck dowel.

• Drill a hole or use a round file to make a groove for the arms.

• Drill a hole or use a round file to make a groove for the legs.

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