DIY Network

Get Connected with Baling Wire Get wired—the low-tech way. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-132

Baling wire holds the Ruperts' work together with retro charm.

Unlike most found-object sculptors, artists Brad and Sundie Ruppert don't glue, weld or solder their work. Instead, their whimsical and nostalgic sculptures are held together by simple tension and a few pieces of baling wire.

Sundie took Michele Beschen and B. Original viewers behind the scenes at the couple's studio to show how they "get wired" with baling wire. Scroll down for their techniques; you'll want to try them in your own crafting.

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Figure A

Sewing with Wire

Many of Brad and Sundie Ruppert's pieces are made from recovered metal—but you won't find welding torches or soldering irons at their shop.

Instead of welding or soldering pieces together, they often will whip-stitch flat metal panels together with baling wire. Not only does it hold the everything in place, the stitching adds dimension to the piece and gives its own charm (figure A).

Wire Pegs

The Rupperts also have learned that baling wire can work like a nail. For one sculpture Sundie made with Michele Beschen, she threaded a piece of baling wire through an old, wooden printer's block.

She drilled a 1/16" hole where she wanted to insert the wire in the larger piece. The small diameter of the hole hugged the baling wire, which stayed in place (figure B). The other end of the wire went through the block Sundie wanted to attach; she curled that end (figure C), which functioned like a nailhead.

Figure B

Figure C

Note: If you use this technique, be aware that the slender 1/16" drill bits break easily. You may want to stock up on some extras.

Figure D

Spiral Wires

Sundie also showed Michele Beschen the couple's technique for creating wire spirals in which the long end of the wire comes out of the middle. To make the spiral, she twirls baling wire several times around a pair of needle-nose pliers (figure D), then flattens the twirled end to make a clean spiral (figure E).

To use the spiral, they insert the wire through the back of the sculpture (figure F) and curl the free end of the wire around whatever object they want to attach.

Figure E

Figure F

GUESTS :

Brad and Sundie Ruppert
E-mail: vintagesculpture@studiogonline.com
Website: www.vintagesculpture.com