I just discovered Balsa Foam................ I've heard of Balsa wood but not foam. Is this the same foam used by toy train builders to do landscaping and such? Has anyone used this foam in building puppets. I have requested a sample piece to see what it feels like. It is apparently a sculpting foam.

Billy D.

There is some stuff similar to that green florist's foam that is used for carving. Maybe it's like that product.

 

Ron G.

Thats what I was thinking Ron "oasis" I used it many times doing floral arrangements while doing my catering business. I am however curious to if it is like the eva foam that Shawn talks about. I saw where it was used in boating and model making... but had to be covered with scult a coat or something for durablility.


Billy D.

Thats what I was thinking Ron "oasis" I used it many times doing floral arrangements while doing my catering business.

I figured that you'd be familiar with that floral styrofoam stuff, Billy. It shapes pretty easily, but makes quite a mess. 

I am however curious to if it is like the eva foam that Shawn talks about.

Isn't the EVA foam the same kind of stuff as the flexible colorful craft foam sheets that they have in craft and hobby stores now? I'm pretty sure that we discussed it here before, for the construction of props and puppets, etc.

I saw where it was used in boating and model making... but had to be covered with scult a coat or something for durablility.

Like those foam "billets" that Shawn mentioned before, that is used as flotation material in some boats and floating docks, etc. ? That stuff is kind of expensive, but sounds really cool.


Please let us know when you get your samples, OK? This could be some interesting stuff...

http://www.google.com/search?q=%22balsa+foam%22

 

Ron G.

Found this Pdf description from Rons search. Not sure if I quite understand it all.

Billy D.

Some of the other Google hits gave good descriptions and pictures, too. It sounds like it could be pretty fun stuff.

Nice find, Billy.



Ron G.

It looks like it would be closer to the oasis foam then to the billets that I have used in the past although I bet it would carve more like the billets then oasis.  It looks like it would "hold" together better then oasis and seems to be denser.

Ron, Eva foam is an reticulated polyurethane foam often used in outdoor furniture.  It comes in three different densities and is a good substitute for "scott" foam when building puppets.

Wow....balsa foam does look interesting.  Would be nice to carve something softer than wood for marionettes but then I guess weight would probably be an issue....unless since it is foam you can just insert some weights.  I am very intrigued as well for this kind of medium.  I can't wait to hear what you have to say about it when you get it.  I window shop at Dick Blick quite frequently so I might have to break down and try some as well.

Thanks for the info!
Nikole

unless since it is foam you can just insert some weights.

You hit the nail on the head with that one.   I've used carved foam for both hips and feet and legs.  I normally add wieght to both the hips and the feet (at the heel).  Remember that marionettes do not have to be heavy they just have to be balanced right.