On surfyak, I have 4 football shaped areas that I am filling w/ long tiny strips (hopefully decorative - but sometimes I wonder). I've backed up these areas betw/ the forms w/ 1/2" ply going from form to form in order to have a good surface to work against. I've used some usual ways of holding and clamping these areas as follows:

-stapling either thru, beside or over the strip(s) in question

-dressmaker pins - usually beside and inserting little wedges for side pressure

-lots of 1" (opening) spring clamps - I bought about 30 real cheap (75cents ea) - these are invaluable

Anyway you get the idea - finicky little time consuming stupidity! (Especially in something that's going to get thrashed.)

So late last night, as I was out for a quick paddle in the beater ( seems I only get out after 11 these days ), and looking at the stars - an idea formed that could have saved me about 25% of the time I spent on these areas. Its too late for me but maybe you can use some form of it.

Firstly back up the decorative area as usual but use a stiff material like 1/2" ply or part. bd. Then drill a million 1/4" holes all over the approx area that the decoration will be - right thru the ply - but don't clean up the hole - or just stop short if you have drill stop. Now cut a 1/4" dowel in 1" lengths - a bunch of them.

Voila - Now basically you have a bunch of little 'dogs' that you can use to define the edges of your pattern (- just push the dowels in the closest holes that define the decorative strip location), to clamp or wedge against. You can place spacers below for when the pattern wants to deflect too low. You can place dowels as you build the pattern and afterwards weave string all around to firmly clamp in place.

Anyway, I've got 1 more place on the surfyak to maybe try it out on.

And maybe I should paddle more and strip less.

-mick