Ok, I've made a QUICK 8 meg video tutorial on ONE way to do this, and you can download it here:

http://www.ragecgi.com/public/SM/FREEFunkySphere.zip


Remember, yo must have the DIVX codec installed, and if you are running WindowsXP, (like me), you will want to grab the Camtasia player available here:
http://www.simplymaya.com/vip_movie_...player/cam.zip

Hope this brings you closer to what you wanted:)

FREE SCRIPT FOR YOU ALL!
 

I just quickly made this script for you all that automates this effect on ANY polygon object:)

The history REMAINS intact, so you can adjust the global and local scale attributes of your "spikes".

WARNING:
Currently this script only works on one object at a time.
In order to run this effectivly on another object in your scene, you must delete the history on the first object!

Have fun!

Open the mel with your fav text editor for installation instructions, and a few tips as well:)

Post any errors, or whatever here.

Here is the script:

Here is the source:



/* (C) 2002 Izzy of Ragecgi.com izzy@rageci.com http://www.ragecgi.com
TITLE: "ragepufferfish.mel"
What it does: Creates an abstract "Puffer Fish" style effect to the selected faces of any polygon object.
The HISTORY REMAINS with your object, so that you can adjust the "spiky" look to suit your scene better.
Simply access your objects channel box, and click on the "polyExtrudeFace1" history item to adjust the global and local scale attributes!
NOTE: Works best on spheres!

INSTALLATION:
1. Source the script from the script editor.
2. Type: ragepufferfish into the command line.
3. Select that text, and MiddleMouseDrag it to your favorite shelf.

HOW TO USE IT: Select the faces of any polygon object, and click the mel button you created.
TIP: 1. Try running a smooth command after you run the script for an interesting effect.
*/

global proc ragepufferfish()
{
//extrude selected faces
polyExtrudeFacet -ch 1 -kft 0 -pvx 0 -pvy 0 -pvz 0 -tx 0 -ty 0 -tz 0 -rx 0 -ry 0 -rz 0 -sx 1 -sy 1 -sz 1 -ran 0 -divisions 1 -off 0 -ltz 0 -ws 0 -ltx 0 -lty 0 -lrx 0 -lry 0 -lrz 0 -lsx 1 -lsy 1 -lsz 1 -ldx 1 -ldy 0 -ldz 0 -w 0 -gx 0 -gy -1 -gz 0 -att 0 -mx 0 -my 0 -mz 0;
// Result:polyExtrudeFace1 //
setAttr "polyExtrudeFace1.localScale" -type double3 0.0666667 0.0666667 0.0666667 ;
setAttr "polyExtrudeFace1.scale" -type double3 3.75 3.75 3.75 ;
setAttr "polyExtrudeFace1.localScale" -type double3 -0.963333 -0.963333 -0.963333 ;
setAttr "polyExtrudeFace1.localScale" -type double3 -2.617056 -2.617056 -2.617056 ;
}
//end of script.

Example image....
 

Here is an example of what you can do with this script with MINOR tweaks to the global and local scale attribute values:

Fascinating... :)

Thanks!

i felt left out...... I never had so much fun!

Oooooo... pretty.....

Thanks for taking the time to provide this info, Rage.

Cool stuff!

No problem:)

That's what I'm here for:)

That green one is awesome!