Hi All!

I started blogging my newest puppet build.

It will be a 2-hand operated worm puppet. (One hand in the head, the other in the "tail".) This will enable the ventriloquist to make the worm dance and move around.
Come join me on this fun build!!

http://joyfilledpuppets.weebly.com/blog.html

-Kimberly

I'm super excited to see how it turns out! How's the tubing? Is it too noisy? Is it flexible enough?

Looking good! I give you full props for casting resin eyes. Something I've thought about getting into but haven't tried yet. The biggest factor may be my impatience. It's hard for me to add something to the process that will add more time to the build as I'm so antsy to get it done already. I will usually try at least one new thing with every build though so it's just a matter of time before I get to trying out that cool casting thing!

Hi!

Megan, the tubing is almost completely silent. I think when the fabric skin is on, it won't make a sound. I'll see. The tubing moves very fluidly. This is one of those projects where I know I'm going to want to keep the puppet, because it's so cool. (But I won't!!) Lisa will be using this in her performances next summer, so if this tubing doesn't work out, I still have time to order something different to change it. (Although, I want to have it done by April 24 for my clown teaching class!)

Marc, I encourage you to try the resin casting. The way I do it, I am able to make 8 sets of eyes at once. The blanks are just sitting there waiting for me to paint them when I need them. Can I just say- it is soooooooper easy to pour the resin and...voila... you have eye blanks.  I am planning to do this soon with my fox/dog noses and a few other parts.

-Kimberly


That peace on earth fills up your time
That brotherhood surrounds you
That you may know the warmth of love
And wrap it all around you
It's just a wish, a dream I'm told
From days when I was young
Happy Easter little Zakary
Happy Easter, everyone

So where did you get the plastic tubing?  Inquiring minds want to know. I have a hard time finding the plastic stuff now and I kind of like the fact that it is clear.

Looking good!

Thanks, guys!
The tubing I ordered from http://www.mcmaster.com/,
thanks to a tip from the good doctors at http://www.facebook.com/TIFRS
you won't believe all the incredible stuff they have there!!

-Kimberly

Kimberly, in your blog post from yesterday, I have to say that I am really digging your eyes!  Are they heavy?

Thanks, Joel! The eyes are very, very light. It is a plastic casting resin- if you hold 2 eyes in your hand you can't really feel any weight.

Ah yes... McMaster Carr! Great source!  Another good one is Grainger. If you are ever looking for universal joints, hydraulics, odd fasteners, tubing or a multitude of other industrial tools or bits these are the places to look. Grainger will even sell you coffee for your workshop. Grainger also has the industrial brown paper towels I like to use for papermache'. Of course you have to buy a case of them but it would last you a life time.  

Which tubing on the MvMaster's site?

Kimberly, it looks like it going to be a fun project.

Julie

Oh my!! He is looking fantastic!! BTW his name will be Cornelius. Kim his eyes are amazing!!! I know it will help him come to life!! I can't wait to watch more of his development! Like I said on facebook - it is sort of like a peek into the womb!!

Good morning! Thanks guys for the tips and kind comments.

Julie, the tubing is a clear duct hose for dust- I ordered 5 feet when it is fully expanded, but I won't be using quite all of it. I ordered more than I thought I would need- because it's easier to cut off some than not have enough.
Shawn, I totally forgot about Grainger- that's a good one to keep in mind, too.
Lisa,thank you- I can't wait to see you performing with him! I'm excited to see him coming together well. I couldn't get the teal green ostrich feathers for his hair poof at H.L., so I'm going to be ordering them. (I did stock up though- they had 50% off, so I got purple, red, pink and lime green!)

-Kimberly

My computer is not totally functionable now, I will have to watch some stuff later..

I haven't used the Glorified Sock Pattern but I did use one of the Project Puppet patterns - I think it was the Pinhead Pattern. The patterns they sell are very user friendly so I doubt you will have too many problems.

Welcome Malikinam!