Ravens, part 10: The exoskeleton

4/3/19: Wire supports keep the bird upright and stable and prevent the legs from twisting sideways. Continue reading for instructions.

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4/3/19: Cut a length of 16-gauge wire long enough to extend across the bird's underbelly and a couple of inches down each leg. Bend the wire at the top of each leg, and then stitch it in place with upholstery thread.

Wrap another piece of wire over the bird's back and a couple of inches down the outside of each leg. Stitch in place. with upholstery thread.
For added stability, use a long doll needle to sew completely through the body from top to bottom, and from side to side, wrapping the thread around the wire with each pass.

Here are all five ravens with their exoskeletons stitched in place.

Now I cover the wires by gluing bits of black fabric over them. I wrapped strips of fabric around the tops of the legs and across the back, and placed oval-shaped fabric bits on the underside.
It was difficult to take photos of this part of the process because I have only two hands, and both were covered with glue.

Here are all five birds after their wire supports have been covered with fabric. They are now quite sturdy, and will stand on their own legs without tipping over.
Now it's finally time to paint them and start adding feathers.

Ravens, Part 1: Finding Inspiration
Ravens, Part 2: Feathers
Ravens, Part 3: Making lace for the head and neck
Ravens, Part 4: Starting on the legs
Ravens, Part 5: Claws
Ravens, Part 6: Legs
​Ravens, Part 7: Building the body
Ravens, Part 8: Beaks
​Ravens, Part 9: Attaching the legs
Ravens, Part 10: The exoskeleton
Ravens, Part 11: Feathers and Lace
Ravens, Part 12: Finally finished!

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