How to Make Character Maquette

Right, so people keep asking how I make 3D versions of my snakes with legs. The answer is: badly, but with determination. Today I’m sharing my completely unprofessional guide to making character maquettes using wire, foil, and modelling clay.

What You’ll Need (Amazon Links at Bottom):

- Armature wire (the bendy skeleton stuff)

- Aluminium foil (kitchen foil works, fancy sculpting foil is just expensive kitchen foil)

- Scola Modelling Colour Clay (this is what I actually use - air-drying, no baking required)

- Wire cutters (or really strong teeth, not recommended)

- Basic sculpting tools (or kitchen utensils, snakes aren’t picky)

Step 1: The Wire Armature (Making a Skeleton)

Start with your wire. You’re basically making a stick figure, but for snakes with exactly two legs. Twist the wire to create:

- Main body spine (long and curvy, obviously)

- Two leg supports

- A tail section (crucial - this is what they use instead of hands)

Pro tip: Make it slightly smaller than your final desired size because clay adds bulk. I learned this the hard way when my first snake looked like it had been hitting the gym too hard.

Step 2: Bulk It Out with Foil

Wrap foil around your wire armature to create basic volume. This saves clay and prevents your snake from weighing as much as a small car. Snakes are supposed to be graceful, not doorstops.

The foil stage is where you can really see the snake’s personality emerge. Are they slumped in defeat? Standing proudly despite having no hands? Attempting something they’re clearly not equipped for? This is the fun bit.

Step 3: Clay Application (The Messy Part)

Now for the Scola Modelling Clay. This stuff is brilliant because it air-dries, so no oven required (which is lucky because my oven is currently occupied with tasty snacks). Roll it out and start applying over your foil armature. Work in sections:

- Body first (get the basic snake shape)

- Legs next (remember: exactly two legs, no more, no less)

- Head and expression last (mildly grumpy but determined)

The Face: Getting That “Everything’s So Silly” Expression

This is where the magic happens. Snake expressions are all in the eyes and mouth line. You want that slightly exasperated look - like they’ve just realized they need to open a jar but have no hands. Practice this expression in the mirror if you need to. (This face will be great at you next social gathering)

Step 4: Details and Personality

Add scales using a clay tool or the back of a knife. Don’t go overboard - we’re aiming for “recognizably snake” not “museum quality reptile study.”

Remember to add those crucial snake features:

- Slightly narrowed eyes (they’re always mildly annoyed)

- A determined set to the mouth

- Proper leg positioning (usually mid-struggle with something)

Step 5: Drying (Much Easier Than Baking)

The beauty of Scola clay is that it just air-dries. Leave your snake somewhere safe for 24-48 hours depending on thickness. Don’t put it anywhere your cat might knock it off (trust me.. they will). No oven temperatures to worry about, no burnt snake smell - just patience.

Why Make Maquettes?

Good question. Honestly, I started making these because drawing the same character from different angles was driving me mental, and having a 3D reference helps enormously. Plus, they make excellent desk companions for when you need someone who understands the struggle of trying to accomplish things with inadequate appendages.

The Reality Check:

Will your first maquette look professional? Probably not. Will it look like your snake character? If you squint and have good intentions, yes. The important thing is capturing that determined energy that makes snakes with legs so relatable.

What Can Go Wrong:

- Wire poking through clay (tape down sharp ends)

- Clay cracking as it dries (work in thinner layers)

- Proportions going weird (embrace it, call it “artistic interpretation”)

- Forgetting they only have two legs (this happens more than you’d think)

- Clay taking forever to dry (maybe leave it somewhere you never go so you forget it exists… and one day it’s found and honoured as ancient artwork and is worship)

Amazon Supply List:

[Note: These would be actual affiliate links on your website]

- Armature Wire Set

- Scola Modelling Colour Clay (various colours available)

- Basic Clay Tool Set

- Wire cutters

- Aluminium foil (the expensive sculpting kind, but kitchen foil honestly works fine)

Making maquettes won’t make you a professional sculptor overnight, but it will give you a deeper understanding of your characters and probably some clay under your fingernails. Plus, you’ll have desk companions who truly understand the daily struggle of being slightly under-equipped for modern life.

Now go forth and create some tiny snake chaos.