[Bmissen]

Mitchino,

I have run into the same trouble as you have. I solved it the same way you are attempting to, by flat mapping sides onto selections.

I have been succesful by selection mapping on a sharp edged cube and then using the nurb weighting on the edges to make it nice and rounded. I start with a 6 sided box map in photoshop to get the overlap right, it looks like a cross. I then cut it down into individual sides (this is so I can take advantage of the fit to region command). I set my selections, flat map each side onto the box. I then switch the map mode to UVW to get it to deform when I soften the edges. I then use the edge selection tool to grab the edges that I want to soften. Once the edges are selected I set the NURBS weight by holding the period key (.) and dragging left or right in the viewport. I’m not sure this is going to work for you, but it’s worth a try because it’s quick.

I have also tried using bodypaint, but I get too frustrated and impatient. I try to avoid it if possible. It works great if you have it and have the time to do the tute to get you up to speed.

I don’t know if any of these options are going to be applicable or useful. Hopefully they will help.

Cheers,
bmissen

none of us is as smart as all of us