A Wired Cyrano

The opening night celebration for Two River Theater's production of Cyrano was last Friday, Sept 27. When it came to the inspiration for the décor, I guess you could say I fell in line with the production artwork. Drawing from the show art, I sculpted wire portraits for my centerpieces. 

Are the puns too on the nose? It is always a fine line. Ok, I'll stop.  

...its just hard to keep a straight face. 

Creating a wire sculpture centerpiece can be a delightful addition to your crafting repertoire. Whether you're a novice or an experienced artist, these instructions will guide you through the process of making your own unique, eye-catching piece.

Materials Needed

• Wire: Choose a flexible but sturdy wire. The gauge will depend on your design's complexity. A thinner wire will give more flexibility but will be less sturdy.

• Wire Cutters: Essential for cutting the wire to your desired lengths.

• Pliers: To help bend and twist the wire into shape.

• Base: A sturdy foundation to anchor your sculpture.

• Tape or Adhesive: To secure the wire to the base.

  • For Cyrano, I used a cardboard box top as the base, poked it through and taped underneath. 

Instructions

1. Design Your Sculpture
   Begin by printing or sketching your design on paper. This could be anything from abstract shapes to more recognizable forms like faces or flowers.

2. Shape the Wire
   Using your hands and pliers, start bending the wire according to your sketch. Remember, it's like tracing. Take your time and adjust as needed. Tape the wire in place as you go.

3. Secure the Wire
   Once you’re happy with the shape, cut the wire. Then use tape or adhesive to anchor your sculpture onto a base. For carboard, I poked a hole through and taped underneath. For a wood base, I drilled a tiny hole, adding hot glue and place the end of the wire inside.

4. Finish and Display
   Check your sculpture from all angles, making any final adjustments. Once satisfied, place it as a centerpiece on your table and enjoy the compliments!

Tips for Success

• Experiment with Different Wire Gauges: Thinner wire is easier to manipulate for intricate details, while thicker wire provides sturdiness.

• Practice Patience: Sculpting with wire can be challenging at first, but practice will improve your skills.

• Seek Inspiration: Look at existing sculptures for ideas, or draw inspiration from the theme of your event or home decor.

To see more crafty opening night decorations, check my previous TRT Opening Night posts.