Scales can be made in many very different shapes, and their form is greatly based on their function and where they are located. One of the best suggestions I've ever received (thank you, Kim Gordon, wherever you are!), was the reminder to study scales in nature. Reptile magazines & books often have wonderful close-ups of scales & the patterns they make, so this is a good place to start.

1) "Plate" scales - Commonly found on Crocodiles, Caimans, Alligators, etc. These work best on areas that flex (but not a lot), like on the face and upper back areas (below the wing attachments).

2) Smaller plates - These have central ridges. Because they are smaller, they have more flexibility, yet retain the strength of Plates. This type of scale is my personal preference for the sides of the dragons. "Bath Time II" shows them off well.

3) (center scales) "Fish" scales - Commonly seen on both snakes and fish. Think "flexible" with these! I use them on both necks and upper "arms." A hint: If you use them on a curved neck, remember the ones on the outside are further apart and the ones on the inside curve are more closely overlapped.

4) (right, lower corner) "Central ridge fish scales" - Commonly found on Armadillo Lizards. Almost as flexible as regular fish scales & I use them in the same places. "Bath Time II" shows them off on his neck and shoulders.

5) Round, or oblong, "ball" scales - Commonly seen on many different lizard types, including the Komodo Dragon and Australian Goanna. I use these on the dragon's face. Again, I suggest looking at reptile magazines, since many of these scales have a linear pattern. Using the natural patterns will help make the dragon more "real." Placing the balls, or oblongs, next to each other, and gently pushing them into place, "fuses" them into a sheet, and leaves the tiny gaps often seen on living creatures.