Puppet Builder

Project Puppets 2011 contest winner

2011-11-16T11:01:00.003-05:00

And the winner is Emerson Bartholamew Toppit!

This amazing puppet is the creation of Larry Merrill. Larry used the Pinhead pattern from Project Puppet. His dummy's name is Pete. Pete's mouth is controlled by trigger on the rod arm. Very impressive design.

Be sure to checkout all the other contest entries. All of them are very creative.

Boxcar Fair Project

2011-10-25T16:42:00.003-04:00

Here's a music video project for the group Little Tybee. The Artist behind the video will be Tom Haney. Check out his site, his work is amazing! The blog for this project is here.

This is going to be a fun project to follow!

Umbilical Brothers

2011-07-09T23:25:00.004-04:00

Having a 5 year old I have watched the upside down show on NickJr. The Umbilical Brothers are very physical comedians. Their level of creativity/craziness is impressive to me. They can get very far out side the box. Check out the two examples of their Adult material below. The upside down show is very clean.

Taxi race driver

Somethin' Special for the Children?? (Language Warning)

Spock!

2011-03-21T01:16:00.001-04:00

Wow does he rock or what! Check out Spock here…

Mike Chiechi's Blog

Super nice work! And congrats on the meet!

Puppet Contest 2010

2010-08-09T19:33:00.000-04:00

Project Puppet has announced this years Puppet Contest. The theme this year is Heroes and Villains. Great theme, I am looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with.

Click here to go check out the patterns.

I am thinking of entering myself if I can fit it into my schedule. But, I am torn on which I'd like to do, hero or villain. Too bad they didn't go with Heroes this year then next year go with Villains that oppose the heroes that were submitted this year. Anyway you look at it, Puppet Project's Contests are always fun.

via project puppet

Exit Row

2010-07-19T12:07:00.001-04:00

Here's a new series from PUPPETHEAP. It's called Exit Row. I love the simplicity.

Visit their YouTube Channel.

RIP Ray Allen

2010-05-25T09:33:00.004-04:00

The world of Puppetry has lost a great Ventriloquist, Ray Allen has passed away suddenly at age 79.

I was only able to find 2 videos of him and Lord Charles.

via BBC News

Kooky teaser

2010-04-08T15:04:00.001-04:00

The kooky teaser with English subtitles is out.

And here is the official web site www.kookymovie.com

Mermaid and clown

2010-04-07T10:56:00.004-04:00

Here are two more videos showing Andras Lenart's puppets. The first one shows his mermaid and dolphins, plus some other things. The second is a nice video of his clown and also the ballerina again. You can see his hands well in this video. They are so fun to watch! Enjoy!

Ballerina

2010-04-05T01:14:00.004-04:00

This video is super cool! The ballerina is awesome and controlled by Hungarian puppeteer Andres Lenart. Interesting controls! The movement is so fitting for dance!

Enjoy!

Puppet Stand

2010-04-01T23:18:00.005-04:00

We have added a puppet stand to our Etsy store. Of course anyone can build one of these but we thought we would add it for anyone who may not have the means to make their own. You will notice a puppet that is almost finished in the pictures. It should show up in the next few weeks on Etsy as well.

Here is a link...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/puppetbuilder

Kooky’s Return

2010-03-26T15:53:00.004-04:00

There's a new Czech hybrid live action and puppet film coming in May, it's called Kuky se vrací (Kooky's Return). The imagined journey home of a teddy bear belonging to a seven year old child, after the bear somehow gets thrown away. Below is the trailer. It's not in English. Another trailer is to follow with English sub-titles.

I love how organic the puppets are and the over look and feel of this film. I am looking forward to seeing this film. Anyone know where there is a Czech theater?

The the production designer of the film is Jakub Dvorský, the founder of Amanita Design. Amanita have created some very cool games. Check them out Samorost, Samorost 2 and Machinarium.

via www.bytejacker.com

Geoffry Sports some hair!

2010-02-24T22:31:00.001-05:00

Quick update! Geoffry gets a dew! His hair is made like a toupee and can come off. I am going to try a few different hair styles and colors. I am pleased with my first attempt.

I made a paper pattern of half his hair area then transferred it to thin poster board. I then cut two pieces of the fur and hand stitched them together. First sewing I have done in a very long time. Not to bad. And it was fun to see Geoffry develop a look.

Next, more hair and cloths.

Geoffry gets some specs!

2010-02-22T00:11:00.001-05:00

Geoffry has gained some specs! They are not the greatest but they are not to bad either. Will work on better ones down the road.

Now I am looking for shorts and a hawaiian shirt! I think he might be an old stoner surfer dude!

If you have any suggestions please post a comment!

Geoffry - Tabletop Puppet

2010-02-21T09:47:00.011-05:00

Rick here, first time posting to the blog. And as you can see, first post to the blog in quite awhile. Life seems to take us down different roads than what we expect.

Anyway, here is Geoffry. He is a tabletop puppet that I have been working on for a month or two(my time is usually limited). He has turned out better than I expected. And with anything like this, I learned some things that I will change next time around.

Special thanks goes to my wife Martha for helping me out in the painting department and with some design/sculpting. She is a full time artist and I tend to take her advice when she gives it in areas like this. :) Oh and thanks to her for Geoffry's feet! She wants to make him a pair of Teva's!

Here are some images of the different stages of building. This was the first time I have used Sculpey clay to this extent. It was fun to work with but my skills sculpting need some work!

Next is to get him some clothing and some hair! I am also working on a drum for him to play. Stay tuned! Will post more soon!

You can checkout Martha's blog at http://wakingbearstudio.blogspot.com/

You Must See Furry Puppet Studio

2009-08-17T22:04:00.004-04:00

These guys do really cool puppet builds and as a bonus their website is a lot of fun.

When exploring this site be sure to click around the border of the site for some clever surprises. A website and a work of art.

make sure you don't miss the blog.

Sarah Palin's Resignation Speech

2009-07-07T10:07:00.009-04:00

I love Hoggworks Studios, Brian is so creative. Check out his latest.

We are looking forward to seeing Brian's finished Battlestar Galactica Puppets.

Giant Pink Monster

2009-07-06T09:37:00.003-04:00

Gaston Morineau of Gaston's Puppet Show! has posted some pretty cool photos of the eye mechanism for the puppet above, check them out here. The puppet was created by Tony Urbano.

via Gaston's Puppet Show!

That's easy for you to say.

2009-06-06T18:38:00.007-04:00

I love Littlecreatures, they put a smile on my face. And I would loved to see the out takes for this one. C'mon guys... Give us a blooper reel.

Keep'em coming.

Live Puppet Building

2009-05-31T14:11:00.004-04:00

In the last month or so there had been a surge in streaming broadcasts or streamcasts is probably a better word for it. It is so cool we are at a point where anyone can streamcast a show about anything. And fellow puppet builders are not passing this media up, thanks to sites like USTREAM and BlogTV.

Here are the puppet builders and puppeteers that I know of that are taking advantage of this "Live" form of media to entertain and educate us.

StiqPuppet Productions' BlogTV Site

Daryl has done quite a few "Live" Streamcasts, demonstrating different techniques of puppet building. You can find Daryl hanging out at the Puppet and Stuff forums. He is a very talented and creative builder. One time I tuned in to watch Daryl, Naomi Guss of Puppets in Melbourne was also Streamcasting in a window with Daryl. That's what makes this media so cool, Daryl is from British Columbia, Canada and Naomi is from Melbourne, Australia. But they can work together to teach and entertain us. Daryl has also done this with Shawn from Puppets and Stuff, who is in Missouri, USA.

Stacey Gordon's BlogTV Site

Stacey creates finger puppets and hand puppets. Along with streamcasting the creating of her puppets, she also does Puppet Inprov. Stacey is very creative and creates some unique, unusual and fun puppets. You can follow Stacey on twitter(@staceyrebecca).

Puppets and Stuff''s BlogTV Site

Shawn of Puppets and Stuff forums also has done some "Live" puppet building. Shawn walks us through the process of building a marionette, starting with the head. Shawn is streamcasting with Daryl of SiqPuppet Productions, see links above for Daryl's BlogTV Site.

Hoggworks Studios USTREAM Site

Brian Hogg of Hoggworks Studio is also giving "live" streamcasting a go using USTREAM. Brian is currently in the process of creating Battlestar Galactica puppets. Brian is the creator of Dotboom, an excellent web series about web developers who hate themselves. If you haven't seen it, do it now. Brian is also trying his hand at "Live" Puppetry, with his Ask Palpatine character.

This media of streaming from anywhere at anytime is exciting. It opens the doors to so many who before would not have or could not have shared their talents and creativity with such a large audience. I only wonder how we will keep all these new and exciting streamcasts straight and organized.

If I have missed anyone who is streaming "Live" Puppet Building or Puppet Shows, please let me know so I can add them.

Ship sailing through the streets

2009-04-25T18:43:00.003-04:00

There is a very cool piece of puppet preformed with a ship on the streets.

Via Alexander Winfield: puptcrit Digest, Vol 54, Issue 25

Flexitoon has a new puppet short out

2009-04-19T18:30:00.006-04:00

A SPLASH OF THE HAMPTOONS is now up on the Flexitoon Blog, check it out here.I really like Flexitoon because they use different types of puppets in one production. Hand puppets, Marionettes and rod puppets. Very talented puppeteers and builders.

They are also responsible for one my favorite TV commercials the Tide Talking Stain.

It was voted the Funniest Office Commercial in the World on TBS World's Funniest Office Commercials. To see more of their commercial work go here.

Enjoy

We're on etsy!

2009-04-17T08:36:00.005-04:00

We are very excited to announce that we're on etsy and have our first puppets for sale.

Look for more puppets to be added in the coming weeks.

Welcome Rick to the blog

2009-04-12T21:46:00.005-04:00

My brother Rick has joined the blog. Rick also has an interest in building puppets. He is the builder, voice and personality behind Ned.

So everyone Welcome Rick and watch for some posts from him coming soon.

New Potter Puppet Pals

2009-04-11T18:47:00.003-04:00

Neil Cicierega has posted a new Episode of the Potter Puppet Pals, Ron's Disease, over at hollywoodeastv.com.

Be sure to check out Neil's many other works here.

There's a new blog in town.

2009-04-08T23:36:00.005-04:00

Check out the NEW Puppets Magic Blog from the UK!

They have a nice hand carved Punch & Judy policeman puppet head out of pine wood. I am going to enjoy following this site.

Be sure to bookmark it.

I want to make one of these puppets

2009-04-06T21:43:00.003-04:00

My brother sent me a link to his youtube video. It was found on psiagarik's Channel.

My favorite part is the bit about the man's feet, the character seems so alive. I want to learn how to bring a puppet like this to life. From design to performance.

I have a few resources for the construction of this type of puppet but, if anyone out there has any good links to information on the construction of table top puppets, please leave a comment. I'll post it here on Puppet Builder.

BIGFOOT & GRAY sets shooting date.

2009-03-28T22:20:00.009-04:00

Chris Savino of BIGFOOT & GRAY has sets shooting date of October 10th, 2009 for his live action cartoon.

Follow BigfootandGray on twitter.

This project sounds so cool. I am looking forward to follow the progress of Chris and his production.

Check out the BIGFOOT & GRAY: on the run. blog too.

Steam Trek

2009-03-12T18:19:00.004-04:00

This is pretty neat. I include it because of Mr. Sootie (Scotty), You'll have to watch and see. Enjoy.

And here is a making of blog. The full version of this film can be found on this site under the films section (~~warning this is a flash site. so there is a load time).

Nice Marionette, Woody... Huh?

2009-03-03T16:53:00.006-05:00

Check out this marionette, George Liquor. Visit John K Stuff blog for more images. Pretty cool, wood and hinges.

And here is even more info from Nicolas Martinez.

The road to Hollywood is getting shorter

2009-03-02T16:26:00.006-05:00

Hollywood East is taking the first step in their build. Construction planning for the main road into the Totally GREEN Hollywood East being developed by Plymouth Rock Studios is underway.

Find more videos like this on Hollywood East TV

And I like toy food too. But not this much. Such amazing creativity.

Jigsaw season Pi

2009-03-01T12:59:00.003-05:00

The Final Jigsaw Season Pi is online.

If you have never seen Jigsaw, it is a sort of variety comedy show thing where Dr. Kranium, a mad scientist, and Milton the Robot, a robot, have rapid conversations about utterly random topics.

John Brodrick Jones is the creator of the show. Check out how the show got started here. John is also an illustrator, here is some of his work.

Meet Matt and Sam

2009-02-23T10:06:00.008-05:00

Just found another puppet series. It's called "Meet Matt and Sam".

Check out their website here and their YouTube site here. These guys are funny! And who ever made the puppets did a good job at making them look like Matt and Sam.

The making of BIGFOOT & GRAY

2009-02-19T06:54:00.013-05:00

BIGFOOT & GRAY: on the run is a live action cartoon being worked on by Chris Savino. Check out these shoes. Size 17!

Check out his Making of blog.

Puppets in Melbourne - Toy Theatre Tutorial

2009-02-15T18:56:00.000-05:00

Naomi Guss of Puppets in Melbourne has created a very cool Toy Theatre Tutorial. The finished theatre is quite nice. She put in a lot of work into this tutorial. Be sure to check out her other puppet information. She has something for just about every type of puppetry.

Visit Puppets in Melbourne today!

Toby the Zombie Baby is born

2009-02-12T20:35:00.000-05:00

Hey check out Fisticuff Puppet Productions Blog and David Corris' building of Toby the Zombie Baby. This is a very cool build. Great job David!

While your at it, visit their website too. Make sure you follow their blog!

Lucy Knisley

2009-02-06T23:04:00.000-05:00

I came across this today and had to share. Lucy is a very talent artist. Below our a few of her puppet works. I love JEEVES, he has lot's of character.

To see more visit Lucy's website, www.lucyknisley.com.

Tally Hall

2009-02-04T17:22:00.000-05:00

Check this out.

Go here to see the full episode or visit tallyhall.com

It's been a while

2009-02-02T07:38:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, life caught up with me again.

I found this on the Spirits Dancing Blog. It's a 22-foot Tall Marionette at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Also join Twitter over the weekend.

John McCain: "100 Years To Win"

2008-10-11T19:14:00.000-04:00

Found this and wanted to share.

This was found here.

99 Acre Woods

2007-06-19T07:53:00.000-04:00

Just released today, 99 Acre Woods newest video: Darth Dumass.

Be sure to check them all out. Subscribe to the podcast by clicking below.

Fluff & Such

2007-06-07T08:58:00.001-04:00

You have to vist Fluff & Such! These guys really know how to lip sync.

Here is a sample of their work...

Check out the rest of their videos here.

The MuppetCast

2007-06-05T10:05:00.000-04:00

Check this out...

Hosted by Steve Swanson (a hardcore muppet fan), this is a podcast dedicated to the work of Jim henson and the Muppets. Cool muppet audio clips and interesting facts.

Sorry!

2007-06-05T09:56:00.000-04:00

Long time no post... Sorry, life caught up with me and I've slacked off a bit on the blog.

I will try to do better... Thanks to everyone who keeps stopping by.

The Wippets

2007-02-20T11:36:00.000-05:00

Have you seen The Wippets yet?

Check out the adventures of Barff and Spafford here.

Make your own Dancing Cartoon

2007-01-15T09:33:00.000-05:00

You have to check this out!!

Go here to make your own dancing cartoon!

Vote for Jeff

2007-01-14T08:39:00.000-05:00

Comedy Central is running the Stand-Up Showdown 2007. Ventriloquest Jeff Dunham is in second place. Help take Jeff over the top!

Give Jeff your support!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T07:22:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

Keep checking back... We are currently in development of a puppet web series. More on that soon!

Mystery! Intrigue! Footwear! Huh?

2006-10-08T12:59:00.000-04:00

It's out! The Lady from Sockholm is now out on DVD. I got my copy and I must say I loved it!

With the feeling of an old Bogart movie, this movie is very well done. I hope they do more! Run time is 71 minutes.

It's here! It's here!!

2006-10-03T07:34:00.000-04:00

It's here! Episode 5 of the Heather and Ben show is finally here... It's called "wegman is god" and you can get it here.

Doggy dating toward the end is pretty funny.

Episode 1.1 Huh??

2006-09-19T07:16:00.000-04:00

Brian Hogg over at dotBoom.ca has added a short in between episodes 1 & 2. Check it out here.

Be sure to take a look at Brian's Paperdoll Puppets. Keep'em coming Brian!

Super Adventure Team...

2006-09-05T15:01:00.000-04:00

I found this on Google Video.

Parody of British marionette action-adventure series Thunderbirds. Co-created by comedian and Simpsons writer Dana Gould. Pre-dates Team America.

Stargate SG1 strung up...

2006-09-04T09:51:00.000-04:00

On their 200th episode Stargate SG1 did a parody of their 1st episode with marionettes.

Very Gerry Anderson (thunderbirds) looking. There's a video of it here.

Strings attached...

2006-09-01T08:18:00.000-04:00

Here is a cool marionette video. Check it out here.

The Classical Guitar Marionette is great!

Little diving puppet...

2006-08-29T12:14:00.000-04:00

Check this out. This is very well done.

Boo two..

2006-08-24T10:28:00.000-04:00

Here's another Halloween Flyer...

Many more hallows things can be found at www.phantasmechanics.com.

Enjoy!

Boo... Things that make you go... AHHHHH!!!!

2006-08-17T09:43:00.000-04:00

Halloween is quickly approaching... Check out this project.

I've seen some good Ghost Marionettes out there but this Skeleton Marionette is the best that I've come across. Great step by step instructions.

More scary projects can be found at Vile Things.

Show 004 is online...

2006-08-11T08:10:00.000-04:00

The Heather and Ben Show 004 entitled "Pizza!" is online!

Get the other 3 shows too.

show 003 'of course squirrels can fly!'
show 002 'banana!'
show 001 'we look like tires?'

In the neighborhood? Drop by and say hi...

2006-08-10T11:22:00.000-04:00

There's a new Puppet Forum in town, The Puppet Zone. Stop in and say "Hi" to TPZ and help get this site moving.

While you are out and about, drop by the Rotten Puppets web site too.

Quick...

2006-08-08T08:29:00.000-04:00

Be sure to check out The Melonpool Quickcast a new weekly feature scheduled to appear every Friday on Kevin Smith’s new Web site, Quick Stop Entertainment. There are 7 Episodes online.

My favorite episode #6: Meeting “Johnny Depp”. Make sure you check out the Melonpool Comic website. Melonpool is the brain child of Steve Troop.

BOOM... Did you feel that?Something just slammed into the Internet...

2006-08-07T09:17:00.000-04:00

Oh it's the first episode of DotBoom!

congratulations to Brian Hogg and his crew for a great first episode! A lot of work went into this production. Brian also created an audio commentary track for this episode.

And the wiener is...

2006-08-01T14:05:00.000-04:00

1st place goes to...

Kaal Haarloos by Michael Harding

2nd place goes to:

Mr. Fuzzy Face (Radar) by Spencer Lott

Congradulations to both puppet builders!

Time is running out...

2006-07-26T07:10:00.000-04:00

Time is almost up! Please drop over to Puppet Project and vote for my entry, Snoop Otter Otter.

The winner will be announced on August 1st.

Snoop says, "Thanks Dog.."

Puppet Television Episode 2...

2006-07-25T09:02:00.000-04:00

Follow the adventures of Chino , Toodloo & Chinchilla on Puppet Television. The long awaited episode 2 is online. Be sure to check out Chino's blog too.

Give it up for Mike...

2006-07-24T07:14:00.000-04:00

Check out The Rag! A weekly video Blog with puppets featuring the talents of master puppeteers Tim Lagasse and Jim Napolitano.

Outstanding Instruction...

2006-07-14T07:55:00.000-04:00

I am not going to be able to say enough about this instructional video. It's outstanding. Dave walks the viewer through every step. Sections on the DVD include:

Tools You'll Need
Start With The Art
Creating The Sculpt
How To Cut Foam
Back To The Sculpt
Making & Cutting Seams
What Size Puppet?
Transferring The Pattern To Paper
Scaling Up The Patterns
Prototyping The Puppet
How To Glue Foam
Back To The Puppet

Dave covers it all, and then some. The section on the proper way to glue foam is something everyone should see. I can't wait to create my own puppet pattern from my own design.

This video is worth every penny. Go here to get your copy.

My marionettes like to hang around...In style...

2006-07-11T10:08:00.000-04:00

I wanted to show off my Marionette Hanger. My Brother made it for me. It 24 inches across and holds 5 Marionettes.

Notice that the Marionettes are staggered. The end and center posts stick out about 5 inches. The 2nd and 4th posts are about 8 inches.

It's made from 14 gauge steel. Cut with a plasma cutter. The posts are welded on. And it has a hammered copper finish. Plus rubber glued to the back to protect the wall.

The staggered posts give a crowd look to the marionettes. You can visit my brother and sister-inlaw's web site at www.wakingbearstudio.com.

America's got Talent??Well at least Kevin Johnson does...

2006-07-10T07:30:00.000-04:00

America's got Talent is a new show on NBC. The first episode included a ventriloquist named Kevin Johnson. At first Kevin seemed like he might not make it though the first round. But when he did his Godzilla Theater routine, the audience went nuts. You can see this routine by visiting his mySpace site.

Good luck Kevin!! You've got talent!

Turn it up...

2006-07-03T07:20:00.000-04:00

Here's a very cool video from Supergrass, it's called Pumping Up Your Stereo.
This video is very well done. I found this link here on Muppet Central.

Poof! Henry appears...

2006-07-01T12:37:00.000-04:00

Here's Henry Ringmaster. Puppet magician Henry Ringmaster has some very cool magic videos online.

This is the first time I've seen a puppet do magic. He's pretty good too! Be sure to check out the "Say It Again" link for more of Henry's videos.

Ping Pong anyone?

2006-06-28T08:18:00.000-04:00

Here's a Construction Diary from puppetmuseum.com.

There's a lot of pages to explore on this site. Very cool photos, information and techniques. Happy surfing.

I'd like to thank the judges...

2006-06-23T21:02:00.000-04:00

The top 10 finalists are finally in!! My entry Snoop Otter Otter made the top 10!!!!

No matter if I win or lose, I'd like to thank the judges for including Snoop in the top 10. To me that honor itself means I won. Snoop is the third puppet that I've built. I have 8 more started. I am so hooked on puppet building... This would be a good place to thank my wife for putting up with me. :) Thanks Cyn!

Good luck everyone! May the best puppet win!!

Road Trip... Anyone calling shotgun??

2006-06-20T09:39:00.000-04:00

The Bunraku Bay Puppet Troupe - Bringing the Beauty and Drama of Traditional Japanese Bunraku Puppetry to the United States.

Check out the link for Summer 2006 Program. Anyone up for a road trip? To Japan? Wish I could afford this.

One mans trash is another mans puppet...

2006-06-18T07:47:00.000-04:00

Here is an interesting puppet company called Lunatique Fantastique. All of their puppets are made from trash or discarded items of one form or another.

Be sure to check out their media section for some great videos. My faviorite is The Wrapping Paper Caper.

He's dead jim...

2006-06-17T10:00:00.000-04:00

We morn the death of Boo Boo the Chicken...

Sorry, this is kind of goofy but it made me laugh.

LaBeata...

2006-06-16T08:31:00.000-04:00

Visit www.labeata.com. This is the site of a young polish artist that makes beautiful marionettes.

Wish I could afford to buy one. She creates portrait marionettes that are stunning. Be sure to explore all of her site. She is very talented.

Bunraku... Huh?

2006-06-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

I've been searching for information on the Bunraku style of puppetry and I have found a good website that I wanted to share.

The Puppet Theater of Japan: An Introduction to Bunraku

Stringing it up...

2006-06-02T15:02:00.000-04:00

Here is a cool Flash animation on how to string a marionette.

By Eric Hagstrom

I am not dead yet...

2006-05-29T11:58:00.000-04:00

Project Puppet's Glorified Sock Puppet Contest has extended it's deadline to June 4, 2006!!

That's great news for me! I has unable to finish my entry due to my littlest one's baptism.

Thanks for the extension Project Puppet!

Hot off the press...

2006-05-22T21:57:00.000-04:00

My copy of Puppet Planet has finally arrived! If you like Puppet Mania you'll love this book. John has added some nice features to this book, like "Insider's Guides" to tools, materials and techniques.

With 12 new puppets John provides us with come unique new characters. My favorite is the Stuffed Strongman, a soft sculptured Bunaku style puppet.

John also adds a "field guide" to each of the puppets, suggesting ways to perform them. Another favorite is the Monkey Mitten. This is a hand puppet with a latex face and hands. He shows a pretty simple way to make a pretty effective latex puppet. With each puppet John also shows us other example puppets he has made using the same technique.

Thank you John, for another great puppet building resource. Click on the image to order your copy.

Where'd I put my socks???

2006-05-20T11:34:00.000-04:00

I started making my puppets today to enter into Project Puppets' Sock Search Contest. Wish me luck.

Post vacation blues...

2006-05-11T07:47:00.000-04:00

I am back home and back to work. Vacations never last long enough. I am spending the week paying catch up at work. At home I need to setup my puppet building space. I hope to do that over the coming weekend. Once that is setup I'll start posting more puppet building entries. I have a request to show more on how I get the foam in the fleece hands. I'll get something posted ASAP.

Kinka Doo and Chee-Chee Doo are done.Now what are you going to do next?

2006-05-02T00:26:00.000-04:00

I am going to Disney World!

Introducing Kinka Doo

Hmmm...

La La La

Seriously, we spend the last week on Sanibel Island and tomorrow we head north to Disney area for 3 nights. One day at the Magic Kingdom and then maybe a day at Sea World or Blizzard Beach.

In my hands...

2006-05-02T00:23:00.000-04:00

Here's what's in my posable hands.

Chee-Chee Doo where are you...

2006-04-27T09:41:00.000-04:00

Sewing the arms onto Chee-Chee Doo was harder than making them. I am very happy with the final result though.

A drum roll please...

Chee-Chee Doo!

Ah... Give me a hug!

Chee-Chee Doo loves playing in the trees!

Two arms! Two arms...

2006-04-27T09:23:00.000-04:00

I was very apprehensive about making the arms and hands. I wanted the fingers to be posable.

I started by cutting 4 foam hands and hot glued a wire armature between 2 of the foam hands. I then trimmed the foam hands, rounding the fingers and edges. At the wrist of each hand I hot glued a metal tube for the rod arms. I sewed the hand and arm pattern as the instructions stated. I turned the sewn hand and arm right side out over the foam hand. I thought this was going to be a lot hard than it was.

All in all I am very happy with how the hands and arms turned out.

Introducing Kinka Doo and Chee-chee Doo...

2006-04-26T10:24:00.000-04:00

My 4 year old son put on his puppet and announced that it's name was Chee-chee Doo. The name works. My wife named the normal size puppet Kinka Doo.

Now it's onto the arms...

Mouths...

2006-04-25T21:38:00.000-04:00

The mouths.

Doing some body work...

2006-04-25T21:28:00.000-04:00

I've started the bodies. Here is the small one sewn and the front and back of the normal sized one.

And here is the test fit of the small one.

Let the puppet building begin...

2006-04-24T18:00:00.000-04:00

For my first attempt at building a sock puppet I am going to work on my own version of Boober.

I am making two at once. One at normal size, for myself and one at 75% for my 4 year old. Here are the head and mouth pieces cut out.

My Blog was found by Andrew

2006-04-16T09:19:00.000-04:00

Wow I was very suprised to find my blog listed on Puppet Vision Blog this morning!

Thanks for listing me Andrew!

Going on Vacation!

2006-04-16T08:56:00.000-04:00

I've been getting ready for a family vacation so I have not had the time to work on any puppets. I will be working on a few sock puppets while on vacation, in Florida. I will be using the with The Glorified Sock Puppet Pattern. I wonder how seashells would work for eyes.

I hope to enter the upcoming Glorified Sock Puppet Contest that Project Puppet is going to have.

Midlife crisis, hobby or career opportunity?

2006-04-05T09:53:00.000-04:00

As a kid growing up I was fascinated with magic and marionettes. I pursued magic but never made any marionettes or puppets as a kid. Since I've turned 40 my passion for puppetry is growing. I can't get enough books on marionettes or puppetry in general.

My interest in puppets appeared again, I believe in part because of my in-laws. They have a puppet theater and a number of shows they used to perform. They are both in their 70s now and no long perform. They have a very nice traveling theater. I'll have to see if I can get photos.

I have recently purchased the Rotondo Puppet Pattern from Project Puppet. I have started my first rod puppet and find it a blast to build. Photos of my progress to come.

So I am asking myself: Midlife crisis, hobby or career opportunity?

Blog goes online...

2006-04-04T14:55:00.000-04:00

Well, I am starting my puppet building blog today. am going to be working on the look of this site for a while