[Azimov]

The paper clips will work, but takes some skill to pull off. The model trees is a good idea too and easier to work with. If it was me, I'd go with styrene tubing from a hobby shop. You can get it in very small diameters, but if you need to go small use the solid rods. Think of the scale you're working with here. Model trees may be a tad to thick. The plastic would allow you to cut, bend, and glue very easily. And painting is a snap. It would also make it easier to attach to the body and be much lighter than metal. You could even use small pieces of wire insulation to slip over the rods before you glue to simulate padded areas. If you need something from around the house, the Q-tip idea would work very well. Coat hangers won't work as it takes extreme heat to solder them. Much more than paper clips. And the weight would be prohibative.