setting shapes using source libraries

I had a simple question about using the JmolViewer as a
development tool kit that can be integrated into other
Java applications.

I am using the examples from CVS to integrate into my
viewer application. I was wondering what methods I can
call to set shapes? to ribbon or meshed ribbon for
example.

I have the source and am using the Viewer object in my
Viewer JmolPanel window. Making the setShapeSize(int,
int) public and calling that does not work as Frame in
modelManager == null.

How would I use custom shapes?

Thank you and sorry for the dumb question.