I used twist ties, from various packaging over the years, as the ‘frame’ or main structure; feel free to use whatever works, you can even use paperclips as long as it’s flexible.
I then applied different layers of hot glue; first to thicken the piece and then afterwards sculpt and texture the flame parts. It works better if you use a glue gun on low heat, I just unplug mine and work from there since it only has a single setting (improvise!)
So thicken > base sculpt > add texture to cover up any shoddy work :P
(of course give enough time to dry between each step, but it’s hot glue so it works fast)
The sculpting part is where you got to think, especially when making those individual flame spikes. I use a mixture of gravity and cold air to get the glue to my desired shape (i usually have a fan but in this case I used my own breath). Hot glue tends to do that thing where it gets all stringy as you pull away so be mindful.
For the texture, I especially have the glue gun unplugged/on a lower heat. I add a dab of glue, then use the gun to sculpt lines or wave work throughout the piece (like i said, it helps cover up shoddy work)
As for the paint I used tamiya clear orange and yellow. I would suggest these or something similar since they bring out the translucent look for energy effects the best; they have a very watered/thinned down consistency so it’s a matter of having paint that compliments the sculpt rather than cover it up.
The steps I go about it is by first coating each piece thoroughly with clear yellow and after that dries, apply the orange to your own discretion. It just depends on how you want it to look.
