Shrink-wrap without flattening?

[Parmenides]

Hello, I am trying to wrap objects around a larger object. Somewhat like wrapping a starfish to a lumpy potato. If you use Shrink-wrap it flattens the object to the surface of the larger object, all thickness is gone.

I have tried drawing a curve on the larger surface as a Live Object and using Curve Warp but that only warps in the direction of the line. 

Shrink-wrap don't work with bones or grouped curves unfortunately. 

Is there a better way to wrap an object to another? 

[hamsterHamster]

For a brief testing, it works somehow on unspecific objects.

(TargetSmoothLevel makes it slow)

In any case, we are talking about Planet X - need more specific data, as just mentioning bones or grouped curves won't be enough.

I had achieved some sort of joints/curves/rig sticking to a surface by using follicles, but it was hell of a setup, would reconsider if worth time spent if it is just for a single minor thing.

Besides, you can use GeometryConstrain for the locators that drive SplineIK for your skinned joints.

[Parmenides]

This is for 30-50 unique objects to be applied so a complex setup for each one is out of the question. Looks like I will have to just get them close and use the sculpting push/pull tool to get them in place, a massive amount of work. It's unfortunate since the technology is already there, it just isn't completely developed. Many of the deformation tools seem to be character animation driven.  What is Planet X? I googled it and didn't find anything. 

[_sebastian_f · Accepted solution]

one solution could be using 2 deformer in tandem:

(and yes it´s not even close to any kind of potato;) )

[Parmenides]

Thanks Sebastian, that works great! I figured it had to be a combination of tools and had looked at the wrap tool but didn't see the possibility.