Question about making puppets

[Buck-Beaver]

I thought this was interesting too, because there are a couple puppets I have had for over 10 years that are stored in plastic bags and I have never noticed it having any detrimental effect on the puppets (I do change the plastic bags every few years though).

Does anybody have an understanding of what sort of chemical reaction would be caused by the plastic that would make a puppet deteriorate faster?

 

[staceyrebecca]

The Great Arizona Puppet Theater hangs all of their marionettes protected in muslin bags. Their puppets for other shows (mostly glove puppets or rod puppets) are stored in wooden crates or trunks. They've lasted them 30 years so far. Some of the marionettes are older. When we have our puppets travel temporarily outside of the show's box, we put them in plastic bags...


PERSONALLY I shove mine in plastic boxes & throw them up on the shelf, but I don't expect my puppets to last 30 years.

 

[Buck-Beaver]

Here is some advice re: storing puppets in plastic from Puptcrit:

The problem with plastic is that it can keep moisture and water in as well as keep it out. One really has to be careful that all seals are tight. It is a good idea to get some humidity control product to go in your container. Silaca packets are the usual choice but you can find other options at www.gaylordmart.com (as well as other archival
materials).

Some plastics do give off fumes which can hasten deterioration or cause fume fading in textiles. Usually, this is not a problem if the plastic item is over one year old; so, you may want to use a bin for travel at first and then use it for long term storage.

Do not use mothballs in plastic bins. The camphor fumes can soften the plastic enough so that the item fuses to the container. Use a clove or lavender product.

Washed muslin (obviously without fabric softeners, etc) is a good wrapping and fairly cheap. Cheaper than acid free tissue...if you have not had a problem so far. I would not worry to much.

 

[Buck-Beaver]

This is exactly what I am lookinf for. Just the HEAD would help me GREATLY! But the links no longer work, can someone post the actual www... Please!

The link to the round head pattern was working when I checked, but in case it isn't try downloading it from http://www.flickr.com/photos/41111968@N00/sets/72157602722672544/

I will try to put a copy of the Kermit head pattern online tonight when I have time, but it's virtually the same as the head from the Project Puppet "Sock Puppet" pattern (if you already have that).

 

[Toasty]

Andrew,
Excellent find at Pupcrit... thanks very much for posting.

 

[Patience]

Blink,

Sorry, I missed commenting on the PVC pipe idea! I'm sure it was kind of confusing to hear me say "avoid plastics" and then go on to say use PVC.

You are absolutely right, the PVC should also be avoided for long term use. However, if you stick a sponge ball on the end of your PVC and only use it for display purposes, I don't think it would cause any problems. It's long term use of plastics and chemicals that need to be avoided.

Hope I didn't confuse too many.

Patience