Question about making puppets

[staceyrebecca]

Hey Onath,

For storage, I use a plastic bag around the puppet and then, if you can hang them, that's the best (i've found) but when you can't (I can't..) I shove them into a sterilite container. Like an adorable little coffin. I use the 18 quart ones so it ensures that I won't be putting too many puppets into the same box. (they fit one-two of my puppets comfortably...)

When I used big rubbermaid boxes, I'd shove so many puppets in there that the ones on the bottom got squished.

Never, ever shove them in a backpack that you plan on bringing onto an airplane. When you arrive to do your show, they'll be lop-sided.

I speak from experience.

 

[Onath]

Awesome advice thanks.

Now what is the best way to show off your work for a craft fair? I am thinking about constucting rows of dowels with different heights for stacking puppets behind each other. I am wondering if I could possibly attach some clips to some have the puppets mouth partially closed or be stuck in a smile position to attract buyers.

 

[staceyrebecca]

When I do it, I stea--I mean...I borrow a stand from the puppet theater. It has two rows of dowels on a board, however they're not spaced far enough apart to make it worth it. (well, I guess its worth it because it was free and meant I had to build nothing...)

By far the best stands Ive used are Dowels stuck in a board with a little knobby ball on the end of it to give the head some girth.

Also, wine bottles & other bottles of varying sizes (depending upon the size of the puppet) seem to work well

I'd be concerned about adding clips. If I want to sell puppets, I want people to play with them and develop a relationship. I think a clip would discourage that.

I think somewhere I heard to use varying heights in your display. Although I question the necessity of that.

 

[Kevin the Frog]

I'll have to find the link to the cool metal stands I recently found. They are cheap and hip looking. Regarding the clips for the mouth, you could stick a piece of foam on top of the rod that is smaller but similar in shape to the mouth / puppet face. That way the face is "full' with foam and doesn't look weird, at least that's what I've been thinking about doing.

 

[Onath]

Thanks those are great tips. I would appreciate the link if you can find it to the stands. Stacy good call on no clips I definately want people to pick them up and play.

 

[Onath]

Anyone have spoons that they recommend for eyes?

 

[SesameKermie]

I don't have a particular brand. I just get the plain ol' white plastic picnic spoons you see at Wally World or elsewhere for approx $1.00 for 100. Just cut off the handles, sand the cut spot, add a pupil, lid, lashes, etc. and Voila!

 

[staceyrebecca]

There's this Chinese take-out place here in Phoenix that sends along great spoons. Autumn Court. mmm delicious.

 

[Onath]

I have two quick questions

1. I made a cookie monster body type. Is there foam inside to give the chest some shape?

2. I have been trying to build a robot puppet. But, all the silver cloth I get is awful to sew. Any ideas for making a robot puppet with silver fabric? Another technique would be great too thanks.

The very appreciative Onath

 

[pepperwink]

Sewing "Antron Fleece"

It's a combination of the stitch used and the pile (or "fuzz") on the fabric hiding the seams. See the "antron fleece" link above for more details.

I have just started making puppets and find it is lots of fun. The only drag is the sewing part. I have tried to sew regular fleece on a sewing machine but was unable to keep my pattern lined up because of stretching. I can only imagine trying to sew the antron fleece sence it stretches as well. Sewing everything by hand is getting old. Any advice?