Looks good so far AK.  You are correct that overlapping templates are needed for complex curved or boxed joints.  When I've spliced tissue I've used full strength dope (no thinner).  I tape the pieces down over waxed paper, adjusting to get the edges flat with a consistent overlap.  Once I'm happy with alignment I'll apply dope along the seam using a fine brush, working from the center out to the edges of the joint line to reduce the chances of getting a pucker between the two pieces of tissue.  Let that dry, then flip the tissue over and paint another thin line of full-strength dope along the reverse side of the splice.

Haven't encountered any problems with spliced joints coming apart during tissue application, shrinking or doping.

Mike

In the cook-up section, we had a discussion about how to get a camouflage pattern by splicing pieces of tissue together. Rather than clog up that discussion, I'll start it again here.

I began last night by joining two pieces of domestic tissue using dope. Here are some particulars.

1. I cut the tissue using the Xacto swivel blade designed to cut curved patterns. A sharp blade is important!

2. I placed the two pieces of tissue on top of each other and then put a piece of bond paper on top of that.

3. Hold the stack securely when cutting. I pinned the stack to the cutting board.

4. Then I painted a thin bead of dope along the curved edge. Waxed paper might help in avoiding stuck tissue.

5. You should be able to overlap the edges of the two pieces using an approx 1/16" overlap. Darker color on top. Pin this down securely.

6. Now apply a thin line of thinner along the doped edge. Avoid excess thinner as this may stain the tissue a little.

7. Let dry thoroughly.

8. Take care to note tissue grain direction before joining pieces. Also note if the tissue has a shiny and dull side.

Pictures show the slight dope overlap stains. Please disregard pin holes!! Pieces were about 3" square.