New
New
Year 2

Creating an armature figure

I can create an armature of a figure.

New
New
Year 2

Creating an armature figure

I can create an armature of a figure.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The human body has relative proportions and can be simplified into different shapes.
  2. An armature is the structure inside a sculpture that helps it stay strong.
  3. Twisting wire tightly secures the shape.
  4. Artists can add form to sculptures by layering materials such as foil.

Keywords

  • Armature - a frame or skeleton inside a sculpture that helps it stay up

  • Proportions - the size of parts compared to each other

  • Forms - shapes that are 3D

Common misconception

All joining methods are equally strong.

Some methods, like a tight twist are much stronger than others.


To help you plan your year 2 art and design lesson on: Creating an armature figure, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Provide blunt, coated craft wire if possible, and supervise closely. The pupils may benefit from paper folded into 6 equal parts.
Teacher tip

Equipment

foil, wire, pencil and paper

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
In digital design, a pattern is ...
a picture you draw once.
Correct answer: a design that repeats itself.
a tool you use to colour.
a type of clay.
Q2.
When creating a design for a symbol, it is important to keep the design ...
Correct answer: simple and clear.
very colourful.
very big.
hard to see.
Q3.
Put these steps in the correct order to design a symbol that represents you.
1 - Think of things that represent you.
2 - Design your symbol using simple shapes and bold lines.
3 - Sketch your symbol.
4 - Trace your symbol using bold pen lines.
5 - Erase the sketched lines.
Q4.
Match the word to its meaning:
Correct Answer:Symbol,A picture that means something special

A picture that means something special

Correct Answer:Motif,Something you repeat in your design

Something you repeat in your design

Correct Answer:Pattern,A repeating design or shape

A repeating design or shape

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What is an armature when making a sculpture?
A type of paint
Correct answer: A strong frame to hold the shape
A tool to cut clay
A soft material for moulding
Q2.
What is a form in sculpture?
Correct answer: A shape you use to build your sculpture
A tool for carving
A type of clay
A colour for painting
Q3.
Put these steps in the right order to create an armature for a figure:
1 - Create the base to hold the armature
2 - Add sticks or rods for extra support
3 - Create the base to hold the armature
Q4.
Match the part of the armature to what it does:
Correct Answer:Base,Helps keep the figure standing

Helps keep the figure standing

Correct Answer:Wire,Holds up the sculpture’s structure

Holds up the sculpture’s structure

Correct Answer:Sticks or rods,Supports the figure’s shape

Supports the figure’s shape