Wire word sculpture craft for 12-year-olds

Who this list is for

This list is for a 12-year-old making a tabletop wire sculpture from one short word of up to eight letters. It relies on soft aluminum craft wire and a wooden block base, not heavy wire or a drilled base.

How to use this list

Choose the word first, then use the alphabet lettering template to plan each letter. Shape the three meters of aluminum craft wire with needle-nose pliers and wire cutters, leaving enough wire at the bottom to stand in the drill-free floral foam block. Fit the foam into the unfinished wooden block base. Paint the base with acrylic paint and a small paintbrush, then wrap sections of the sculpture with embroidery floss if wanted.

Common mistakes

Do not choose a word longer than eight letters; crowded letters are hard to read and may not stand securely. Use only soft craft wire, and sand any rough wood edges with fine-grit sandpaper before painting. Keep wire ends tucked into the floral foam rather than pointing out from the sculpture.

What is on this list

You need aluminum craft wire, a wooden block base, a drill-free floral foam block, embroidery floss in three colors, lettering templates, pliers, wire cutters, sandpaper, two acrylic paint colors, and a small paintbrush. Cross off tools and supplies you already have.

When you are done

Check that the word stands upright on the tabletop and that the wire ends are fully seated in the foam. Let the painted block dry before moving the sculpture to a desk, shelf, or study space.