The wire is built up into a 3D wireframe using the wire and this describes the contours and outline of the gryphon. The wire is joined to itself by tight wrapping of wire around wire using pliers, there is no hot process involved. Then a the fine paper (sized first with glue) is put on wet. This paper skin then dries taut. The individual creatures are usually kept in an antique glass dome or perpex box for protection and display.