Snake 3D Segmented Form

Build shaped head, pointy tail, and multiple body segments, 

all based on an octagonal tube, with reinforcement tube-end inserts. 

Connect with overlapping top and bottom hole-punched 

tabs and join with pairs of brads to allow 

this imitation reptile to swivel and slither. 

Decoration details include ring eyes, 

lower jaw liner and optional tongue, double layered head, 

body and tail markings to simulate a corn snake coloration 

(or any other combination that you wish to customize). 

Additional variation possible by using the two-part body 

tube optional shapes to change belly color. 

Tube size is approx. 1.625” diameter. 

Head segment is approx. 2.25” long, body segment 1.75” long, 

tail segment 3.75” long (all excluding tab connectors). 

Ten-segment model shown with head and tail is approx. 27”. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A head tube with eye rings and l/r fangs

B mouth interior liner, optional tongue shape

C head accent overlays

D, F & I tube end insert/reinforcement (1 each

for head and tail, 2 per each body segment;

NOTE that the final cut file shape includes a probe hole)

E body tube (sample includes 10; shown as optional

two-part belly contrast version, pre-joined)

G body tube accent overlays (1 set per segment)

H tail cone   J tail cone tip pyramid

K tail tube end accent overlays and cone overlays

2. Prepare each body tube shape by bending back

at each long perforation line to define eight segments

plus end flange tab.

3. Form the shape into to tube to join [final] side seam

by overlapping the straight side edge over flange to

align at perforation line, and glue in place.

4. Prepare the tube end inserts (ALL) by bending

the edge tabs forward.

5. Apply adhesive to the underside of each flange

and also the hole-punched connector tabs, then

carefully insert into the end of the octagon tube . . . 

. . . adjusting the tube to match the octagon panel,

and sliding into the end of tube (this is a tight fit)

until tab outer edges align precisely with tube end edges . . .

. . . and hole punches and connector tab edges align

as precisely as possible. Apply pressure all around

until joinings are secure.

6. Repeat step 5 for second tube end, using the probe

center opening to insert a rod-like tool such as a dowel,

skewer, or pencil shaft to help retract reinforcement if

it gets pushed in too far, as adjustments are made

toward "perfect" alignment.

7. Repeat steps 5-6 until all body segments are formed.

8. Prepare body tube accent overlays by bending

back along perforation edges.

9. Position center panel over top body panel,

wrap side segments around tube segments and

attach in place, first placing the outer darker accent  . . .

. . . and then the upper lighter accent, centered

within the larger accent. Perforation lines are positioned

to allow the wrap; paper thickness may affect this.

10. Prepare the head shape by bending back on

all perforation lines for structure, side tabs and wedge tabs;

also prepare the tube end reinforcement.

Position and glue the eye rings over the eye cut holes.

11. Begin to shape the top front of head by bending

and overlapping the side front head straight edge over

the adjacent wedge tab to align at perforation marks,

and glue in place. Repeat for same seam on opposite side.

12. Align and glue the angle seams at jaw in similar manner,

on both left and right sides.

13. Position each fang under the corresponding front

"nose" section so that perf guide marks align approx.

at head edge, with nostril cut hole aligned, and glue in place.

14. Form the head shape into a tube to bring together

the straight upper side edge segments to overlap

at the two-part tab segments opposite to align

at perforation lines, and glue the seams.

Here is the completed head tube.

15. Prepare the optional mouth lower contrast insert

by bending forward slightly on each of the perf lines.

16. Apply adhesive to the underside, then insert

the liner through tube back . . .

. . . until the edge nearly aligned with jaw cut edges,

and perforation lines match up, and glue in place.

Apply finger pressure until secure.

17. Apply back curl to the top half or third of tongue,

then apply glue to the underside of the back

end half, and . . . 

. . . insert the blunt end through mouth opening

to desired exposure length, centered, and glue in place.

18. Position, insert and attach the tube end

reinforcement as done in for body tube in step 5.

19. Prepare the head accent overlays by bending

back slightly at perforation lines, then positioning

over the top segment of head tube with perf lines

aligning over segment lines, and glue in place.

Repeat for smaller contrast overlay.

20. Prepare the tail cone tube shape by bending

back on all segment cone wall, side flange tabs

and wedge tabs. Pay particular attention to creasing . . .

. . . along the wedge tab seam perforations

to complete the fold ALL the way to end of seam.

21. Bend the sections together to overlap a straight

edge over the adjacent flange tab to perforation line,

and glue seam.

Continue to bend, adjust and complete each of the

wedge seams across the tail shape until all are joined.

21. Form the tube/cone to bring the final two-part

seam edge to overlap across tab flanges and glue

to complete the tail cone assembly.

22. Prepare the tip cone by bending back on

all the narrow wedge perforation lines, and also

bending back very slightly on end tabs.

23. Form the shape into a narrow cone to overlap

straight side edge over the long narrow wedge tab

opposite. Note that a pointed tool such as a knitting needle

or skewer tip may be inserted behind seam

to help provide a "press against" surface to secure seam.

24. Apply glue to the outside surface of the end tabs

of the tip cone, then . . . 

. . . insert the tip cone through the tail's wide end . . .

. . . until it can slide into place through

the bottom opening . . . 

. . . until it extends out to complete the pointed tail 

profile. Use a rod tool to help slowly and carefully

push the tip outward until end tab perforations

align under/at main tail tube edges; apply pressure to

attach tabs to inside of main tail tube.

26. Position and attach the wider and . . .

. . . narrow overlay for tube end, and . . .

. . . and for approx. midway down the cone portion,

where the perforations allow it to wrap to match.

27. Assemble the head and body units by bringing

together the connector tabs (select which overlaps

to top layer, then follow that choice consistently) . . .

. . . and insert a decorative mid small size brad

through both tabs and bend prongs back underneath . . .

(hide prongs behind connector tabs if possible).

Repeat for the bottom tabs.

28. Continue to add body units in the same manner.

29. Position, align and attach the tail unit

in the same manner . . .

. . with decorative brads through top and bottom.

Here is the completed snake.