Hello Denyse
I just found a book that may help you out with converting 2D objects to 3D models. The book I found is called Modeling a Character in 3Ds Max By Paul Steed. I just recently found this book reference while attending my school. I hope you find this useful, it has an excellent step by step and how to section, Illustrating how to make 2D images into 3D models.

Link to the online book Modeling a Character in 3Ds Max By Paul