I'am going to be doing my first bear life size.I have the skin and it measures 60x34.I would like to do a standing mount but the closest one i found is 47x34.If i try and go bigger like mid 50's for leangh all the mid sections are in the mid 40's.What way do you think i should go with the taller one and cut out the mid section to make skinnier or go smaller and make the form loner.If i go longer were would i add.If i add in the mid section do you think he would look to long.Any help would be great.Thanks.Nick
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In this case, I like to get the length as close a possible, but will go a little large if needed. Then, I can cut the length down and cut out/rasp the girth to the correct measurements. I personally hate having to add length and I definitely hate having to add girth. Just do whatever works for you. There are times when you have no choice, so you will definitely need to know how to alter forms both ways. Good Luck!
The proportions of your skin sound a little long and narrow.Has the tanned skin been hydrated? Did you stretch it good widthwise?Is it a Spring or Fall bear?It just sounds like it is stetched long and narrow,which is very common.If you did hydrate and stretch,I would try to find a form a little shorter and a little fatter,then try your skin and alter from there.In picking a form compare your nose to eye and neck measurements to those of the form you want to by.These may give you a clue as to the right form for your bear.The easiest alteration would be to thin the torso.Lengthening the torso is easy but you don't want to get too small a form to where you have to expand and lengthen all 4 legs and the head also.I would be tempted to try a form 56"x40"(if the head is not too small for your skin).If you are sure your head is considerably bigger,go with a little bigger form.I would be conservative though,I suspect that your bear wasn't quite 60" on the carcass.