1. Cut plugs from flip flop using a hollow core punch
or piece of tubing of appropriate size for desired body.
2. Shape body by spinning foam plug on dremel and sanding
with emery board. Use the course side first followed by
the smooth side for a neater finish.
3. Insert round toothpick into body for ease of handing
for the remaining steps.
4. Prick half bead eye with Exacto knife and touch
bottom to a small dollop of CA adhesive.
5. Apply quickly to foam body. Blow on the eye while moving
the Exacto knife handle up and down to quickly release the
knife leaving the eye in place. You can use any style eyes
desired. The half beads are available at many craft stores
in various sizes. These are 3mm and were $.59 for 225 eyes.
6. Wrap a piece of sheer curtain fabric over body and hold
with an old pair of needle nose while giving the top of the
body a quick spritz with the flat black enamel. Hold can 18
to 24 inches from body. Do a test spritz first.
7. Add gills with black marker and highlight them with red marker.
8. Mix a small amount of epoxy and brush it on the bodies
with a small brush. Stick toothpick holding body upright
into a piece of Styrofoam to dry. There is no need to spin
as the epoxy will flow smoothly on the body. Take a break
at this point while the epoxy cures. You may even want to
finish up the following day depending upon the curing time
of the epoxy you are using.
9. After the epoxy has cured, you will discover that the
flowing material has seized the body onto the toothpick.
This is quickly resolved by inserting a cut-off wheel in
your dremel and making a shallow cut around the toothpick
at the base of the body. At this point it is a good idea
to run a bodkin through the hole in the body to ensure it
is epoxy free. Your bodies are now completely finished and
it's time to dress your hooks with the desired tailing material.
10. Do a thread wrap on your hook and tie in a grizzly
hackle as shown. Do 4 to 6 wraps of hackle and tie off.
11. Apply a scant drop of CA adhesive to the thread wrappings
and slip the body quickly in place. You only get one chance
so you may wish to do a dry fit first to ensure it fits as you
would like it to.
12. The finished product.
13. Alternate tailing material (artic fox).
