Unit 5 · Project 2
3D Letter Armature
The armature is the skeleton of your letter — the internal structure that holds everything in shape and allows it to stand. You'll build it from cardboard, foam board, or wire depending on your design. The armature doesn't need to look good; it needs to be strong. Think about where the stress points are (the base, any overhanging parts, thin connections) and reinforce those areas. A well-built armature is invisible in the final piece but makes everything possible.
Objectives
- 1Armature must support the letter's weight without collapsing
- 2Must be able to stand freestanding on a flat surface for at least 30 seconds
- 3All joints must be secured with hot glue, tape, or wire
- 4Armature must match the dimensions of your stencils
Materials
- Cardboard or foam board
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Wire (optional for reinforcement)
- Scissors and craft knife
- Your paper stencils as templates
Tips & Techniques
1Corrugated cardboard is surprisingly strong when oriented correctly — the flutes run vertically for maximum strength
2Hot glue sets fast — hold joints for 30 seconds before releasing
3Build a base plate wider than the letter's footprint for stability
4Test stability before adding surface materials — easier to fix now than later
Lesson Videos
3D Letter Armature Construction
12 minBuilding the internal support structure for your standing 3D letter.