Step 1 Before skinning, lay the snake on the foam and adjust the pose. Use pins to hold the curves in position. Carefully trace the outline.

Step 2 Following the guidelines, cut out the snake by hand or with a band saw. After cutting the top view, you can split the foam to make a spare mannikin.

Step 3 With a sharp knife cut away the excess foam to match the shape of the body. Take off small amounts and work from side to side to prevent error.

Step 4 Use sanding screen or a piece of coarse sandpaper to round off the edges and detail the shape of the mannikin.

Step 5 Wood anchor blocks are secured in the bottom of the mannikin with Bondo. These will become attachment points where the snake is screwed to the base. For further information on this procedure, see The Breakthrough Reptile and Amphibian Taxidermy Manual.