Homemade Manikins

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Here's a little tool I use constantly in laying out and planning figures. I have had the regular 3d manikins but it's hard to get a pattern off of them. With a manikin like those shown you can decide on a pose and then lay the thing right on your block of wood. I have several of different sizes. I borrowed my wife's grommet (sp?) tool from her sewing box to put the pieces together. While I've used rivits in the past the grommets are the best by far. The figures pieces are cut from file folders.

You will notice that on the larger figure there is a joint between the chest and the stomach. This is a real important spot as it allows a more realistic and relaxed pose. Without it the figures become stiff.

Have fun cutting paper dolls!!!

[Tom-H]

SUPER idea, from a SUPER carver! Thanks, TOM H

[Mitchell]

Those are nice looking tools Lynn. I made a figure out of popcicle sticks a few years ago, but it didn't work so well. At the time I didn't think to cut out a silhouette for the head, hands and feet. Instead I used portions of popcicle stick for those body parts also. It worked out well for starting the pattern work and getting the proportions right.

Thanks for sharing these.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Originally Posted by Mitchell

Those are nice looking tools Lynn. I made a figure out of popcicle sticks a few years ago, but it didn't work so well. At the time I didn't think to cut out a silhouette for the head, hands and feet. Instead I used portions of popcicle stick for those body parts also. It worked out well for starting the pattern work and getting the proportions right.

Thanks for sharing these.

Thats a terrific idea Lynn!Cowboy