Wireframed Figurine Tutorial

Building figurines with a wireframe skeleton allows for more dynamic poses and positioning.

I like to use a thick, flexible aluminium wire which is easily available in craft stores. First, bend the wire into a basic proportioned shape, winding the wire round itself to add strength. Allow a long end of wire at the base to stick the wireframe into a piece of foam.

Pose the wireframe in the desired position.

Wrap aluminium foil around the body to bulk it up as desired. You could just use gumpaste but aluminium foil is lighter.

Wrap gumpaste (or fondant fortified with tylose) around the limbs and torso. Try to place the joints in the paste towards the back or at places where they will be covered by other details later. You can use a little water and/or vegetable shortening to smooth out seams.

Continue adding the feet and the hands.

Add more details to the costume as required.

Shape the head from a ball of gumpaste or tylose fortified fondant, adding detail as required.

Attach the head to the body with water/edible glue.

Paint and add all the small details as required.

Allow the figurine to dry completely before transfering to cake. The extra lengths of wire coming out from the base of the feet can be dipped in coating chocolate and inserted into the cake. Hold in place with royal icing.

The Completed Cake:

Chef Nicky - The White Ombre (Singapore) - http://thewhiteombre.com - http://www.facebook.com/thewhiteombre

35 Comments

Nick, this is brilliant… I will try this out the next time.

Radhika, Singapore, http://sinsationscakes.wordpress.com/

Nicholas! You’re amazing, and so generous to share this with us all. Thanks so much :) xx

Raewyn, Sydney, Australia https://www.facebook.com/cakesbyraewyn

Great instruction, thank you!

Well, it’s harder than I make it look tbh, but I wish everyone lots of luck with this! Hope my instructions have been of some help :)

Chef Nicky - The White Ombre (Singapore) - http://thewhiteombre.com - http://www.facebook.com/thewhiteombre