Amaco Wireform Aluminum Gallery Expandable Metal Mesh, 1/2 Inch X 10 Foot Roll

I'm using this stuff to create armatures for paper sculptures, and it works pretty well. There's a tradeoff, no question. It's easy to cut, and lightweight, but that means that it doesn't hold its shape as well as other more sturdy products do. The size of the mesh means that you don't have big gaping unsupported spots like you would with, say, chicken wire, but it also means that the cut edges don't have tags that are long enough to wrap around each other to help create the shape. I find that what I need to do is cut narrow-gauge armature wire into small lengths and use them as a kind of twist-tie to attach one piece of this mesh to another. The tradeoff is that it's easier to cover the resulting armature with some other substance like clay or paper. TANSTAAFL, and if you want something that doesn't require specialized tools or a lot of strength to work, and you're willing to sacrifice some performance in exchange for that ease, this is a good product.

I wanted a rustic look for some kitchen cabinet doors I was making. I tried sandwiching chicken wire between two panes of glass, but it was too thick. When I found this mesh, I posted a question concerning it's thickness. Raymond B measured it with his calipers so I knew it would work. The mesh is lightweight and is easily cut with scissors. The only complaint I have is with the seller who apparently pulled the roll off the rack and didn't bother to see if it was damaged. The roll was bent and dented and as the shipping carton it arrived in showed no damage so I can only conclude the seller didn't bother to check it. None the less, I was able to work around the damaged areas and am pleased with the overall result.

Pattern is considerably smaller than half inch. Glad I did not go with the smaller version. Worked fine though.

Easy to handle, but wear gloves