I'm wondering if anyone knows of a "library" for constructing shapes out of foam or fabric -- what I should be cutting out in 2-D material to achieve specific 3-D shapes once it's all glued together. For instance, if I want a sphere, I should cut x pieces like this, or if I want a pyramid I need y pieces shaped like this and z pieces like that. I suspect there exists something in another field, like engineering or manufacturing. I've hunted the internet to no avail. Anyone know of something like this?

Muchas gracias,

J

That is the weirdest thing.....I was just thinking that someone should create such a guide for puppet builders especially beginners who may struggle with how to make shapes from 2D material.  I think there is some sort of book with some pages that will help you with this but I can't for the life of me remember what the book was about or if it was on this forum or if I dreamt it.

.....seriously weird that I was thinking about it just yesterday......must be the Canadian air. LOL

Hopefully someone will hold the answer or someone needs to create such an idea.....

Daryl H

I have a book titled..."The Complete Book of Stuffedwork", by Toni Scott. ISBN o-395-25775-1, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 1978

The book is about soft sculpture, but has a chapter on Geometric Forms which has patterns that could be easily converted to foam.

I don't know if the book is still in print, but you might try the nationwide library system, to borrow a copy from any library in the country. I did this with a rare puppet book.

Hope this helps.

Cruppetman

Available for purchase at http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Stuffedwork-Toni-Scott/dp/0395257697.

Thanks Chris and Cruppetman I got my copy 
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0395257697?tag=puppetsandstu-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0395257697&adid=09G79APC2GJ88JFH4XMX&

Link no longer available.


Billy D.

Me too. From the description this has to help me eliminate my current trial and error process for creating foam shapes, or at least cut out a couple of errors.

Thanks Chris and Cruppetman I got my copy 

Link no longer available.


Billy D.

Me, too. I was selfish. I didn't post it until I had completed the sale.

Can you believe this I paid $9.98 for my book and they have them as low as $3.78 at the moment.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0395257751/ref=ed_oe_h_olp

Billy D.

OOOOOO I just bought mine!

I have two great books that have helped me a lot .  They are Design Your Own Stuffed Toys by Anne dyer.  A little rough around the edges. Black and white photos, hand drawn line drawings but great to learn how to think from 3D to 2D for pattern drafting of small animals.  The other book is my FAVORITE book ever and I need to buy a hardcover because my poor coffee stained paperback is falling apart from use.  This is an absolutely AWESOME book!!!!!!!It is called The Art of Manipulating Fabric by Colette Wolf.  Did I say it is only the best book ever written !!!!

Got mine too!  Looks like a great book to have. Thanks!