Substitutes for Modelling Mesh

[DaffyDilly]

Are there a good substitute? I wish to sculpt feathered wings if that helps, so I thought that it would make an ideal base for the feathers. If I sculpt apoxie wings onto apoxie-flat-wings I think that it would end up very thick.


Mine looks like it might arrive too late for me, but I'm a bit skint to buy some elsewhere as it's a £10 jump in price for a larger quantity (my seller was doing individual sheets).

[pantherchild]

I've used aluminum foil and Popsicle sticks or toothpicks to pretty good effect before.

[Firebyrd]

This is actually something I've pondered a lot, since last time I bought mesh it was $6 for something like 18 inches squared, which is ridiculous.  For wings, I'm planning on making a frame of some nice, sturdy wire, and then putting aluminum foil around it.  The fine mesh isn't particularly sturdy, so it's not like it helps keep the sculpture together, it just provides a base for the clay, so I don't see any reason why this won't work as well.

[Diamond]

A few things can work, you can use painters tape and wire, I recently saw some great wings done on the alumni from energy drink cans.  You can also roll out avies apoxie really thin and allow to dry and use as a base.  I have done that.  Done the first one for manes and tails. 

[sd_dreamcrystal]

I seen one person use cardboard (like the kind for soda can packs or something like that) for the framework of wings. I've attempted to use wire and masking tape with super sculpty (never finished it though lol)

[hlbmlp]

i use whatever i have lying around... wire, wood, unbent paperclips, cardboard, a couple pieces of paper... stuff that i can have  a support on sides then weave wire twix them. 

[Maniah]

Do you guys buy your mesh from a craft store, or from a hardware store? I have heard that it is much cheaper to buy from a hardware store than a craft store.

[murbella64]

Aw heck, I've used wire mesh for screen doors with 20 or 25 gauge copper wire stiched in for attaching/positioning/structure and that did the trick. 

The cheapness runs deep in my blood for I am PA dutch;) 

[naylastar]

I'm going to be stalking this thread as I've been looking for an alternative to wire for ages. I've tried everything I can think of but wire is the only thing that seems to work for me.

[Sarahlacewing]

I buy mine from a hardware store.  I think it's in the garndening section.  It's more like chick wire I guess.  I bought a bid roll and it's hard to cut but there is a lot there.  As far as alternatives... when I was working on my BB dragon someone recommended using that clear plastic that comes on packages.  It worked pretty well! Although there wasn't much bend.

[Maniah]

I just spent $7 on a huge roll of aluminum screen door mesh. Its similar to the modeling mesh I have bought before in the craft section. Using the tutorial that Trillions made, I think it will work well for what I need.  This roll is 36" x 84" compared to the art store stuff that is 12" x 24" for $10 or so. Huge money saver, I'd say.

[Em_L._Pea_Customs]

I seen one person use cardboard (like the kind for soda can packs or something like that) for the framework of wings. I've attempted to use wire and masking tape with super sculpty (never finished it though lol)

I am the one who uses cardboard.  I used it to make Ankaa:
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I use the cardboard from six pack beer bottle holders.  I cut the cardboard into the shape that I want and gently bend it to the correct contour I am after.  I then sculpt on one side of the wing, draping it over a paint pot or something to keep the bent contour and let it dry overnight.  Then I sculpt the other side of the wing the next day.  It is strong and will hold up, but it is not as strong as wire/mesh.  It does have the added bonus of making the custom much lighter though.  Good luck! 

BTW - I do use mesh sometimes, but just use the little sheets from the hobby store.