In this tutorial you will learn how to use the alpha channel of your projected image to “stencil” your image over/under other images on your geometry with the use of a layered shader. first off build your self a nurbs sphere, make it look some thing like this:
(You don’t have to but it will look better!)
Open up your MultiLister and create a BlinnSG (Make sure Shading group is ticked).

Now map the “color” of your first layer to a “file” push the “interactive Placement” button Use “cylindrical” as the projection type turn off “wrap” in the Effects dropdown Use the supplied “Flames.iff” file turn the default color to black Turn off “wrap U” and “wrap V” in the place2dTexture node. After you have got your “placeFlames3D” box in the right position, change the texture Quality to High….

Download pdf Maya Tutorials - Wrap Skinning for Bone/Muscle Driven Skin Deformation