Hi Brad,
Good idea on the paper form. I learned an additional method too: cover the object with talc, then apply shipping(paper) tape over the talc coated object. You can then remove the paper form and have a duplicate. The slickest part is the fact that you can turn the form inside out and have a perfect mirror image. This comes in real handy when doing a fender repair on a restoration or even an original.
Frank

Hi Frank....

What an amazing piece... I love this warrior..I have to reread your technique. I'm continuously impressed by everyone's work.Inspiration...I can't wait to get up to my studio this weekend. Janet R.

Hi Janet,
Thanks for the compliment. Another way to make to make a 3D template is to cover the model with plastic wrap and then apply masking tape over the wrap. The whole thing can be removed and turned inside out too.This method was developed by Jim Bailey, a master custom car builder,metal artist and inventor who shares his knowledge openly.
Peace.eh?
Frank

It might have been an independent discovery of the tape technique but, the same sort of thing was developed about 10 years ago by Jonathan Clowes and Wray Schelin.
Wray was working with Jonathan to make an aluminum core for a veneer clad piece for a cruise ship.
Wray had been bouncing ideas off the Artmetal mail list about flexible patterns, because the standard then was to cut slits and paper and overlap them. We hadn't come up with anything quite that easy.
Jonathan came up with the idea of using transfer tape and killing the adhesive with talcum powder.
Wray took it from there and spread it throughout the automotive restoration community.

My guess is that is where your friend picked up the trick.

The plastic wrap variation was one that came up in discussions on the site that Wray founded, Metalmeet.com.

Gene Olson
Sculptor
Elk River, MN

Hi Gene,
I agree that Johnathan came up with the flexible pattern. I thought Jim came up with the use of plastic wrap.If Wray ,or someone other than Jim came up with that in the Metalmeet group, I apologize. I admire Wray as he is not only fantastic with those Jags and such, he is also generous with sharing his knowledge.Both Jim and Wray encourage making your own tools and have been an inspiration Constant adaptation seems to be a common theme with both of these innovators.I am a member of Metalmeet but admit I concentrate my participation in Metalshapers, so probably missed the plastic wrap thing there. We openly cross reference now which was a big hill to climb since the schism between Terry and Wray.
Peace, eh?
Frank