Welcome Juliann to Puppets and Stuff.  I try real hard to make sure that everyone is comfortable and here and love that we have so many members from around the world who have different views of things.

It is interesting that both you and Na started in theater then moved to puppetry.  Although I was always involved in theater I've moved more from puppetry into theater.  In Kansas City it is easier to pay the bills working in general theater and not narrow it down to just puppetry. My puppet projects are much further and far between now. I still get to work in puppetry at least a couple times a year in some fashion. Actually this fall I'll be working on "Lion King" when the tour comes to KC.... don't get too excited folks I am just working wardrobe backstage, I'm not performing.

Juliann, welcome to P&S.  You're observation that Puppets and Stuff is welcoming is right on the mark. Sometimes it amazes me just how inclusive this group is.  We have an extremely wide variety of types nationalities, beliefs and reasons for being in puppets.  I think that we can give a lot of the credit for this to Shawn and after him to Billy.  These two are by their comments and presence make sure that everyone is appreciated and welcomed.  And their example sets the tone for the rest of us.  I quess we all enjoy puppets and we want others to have a enjoyable a time with puppets as we can help them have.

It is interesting that both you and Na started in theater then moved to puppetry.  Although I was always involved in theater I've moved more from puppetry into theater.  In Kansas City it is easier to pay the bills working in general theater and not narrow it down to just puppetry.

Also here in Australia. Actually, I've turned to puppetry more because I can't seem to get any fulltime crew work here. ... Or arts admin work... (or come to think of it, any work at all ;P  )

But puppetry is something that I can do without having to rely on a company hiring me

thanks everybody!

making puppets is sort of something that just HAPPENED to me. it wasn't planned at all; coming from a fashion/theatre background it initially came as a surprise to everyone, myself included. the characters just appeared in my head as puppets, not as cartoons or drawings or anything like that.

but the more i got into it, the more i realised that the clues were always there; it wasn't such a drastic transgression at all.

doing commissions is sort of important at this point in my development, but i'm looking forward to working on my own projects again. having a deadline certainly helps though!

Juliann:
I too had an interest in fashion early on.  Between interest in garment making and design and various home improvement ventures like reupholstering unique furniture finds and small household repairs, I aquired a lot of the tools and skills that are used in puppet making. 
Unlike you, I have no artistic friends and zero experience in theatre except costuming so it's nice to have people her on P&S as soundboards for techniques and ideas.

I'd love to see photos of your various projects.  My last big garment making kick was learning how to sew Indian churidars (or salwar kameez) without a paper pattern.  I love Indian clothing- so feminine!  I developed this interest while living in England of all places.  They have a growing Indian population. 
Now my focus is puppets more than fashion.
Pam

Welcome as well to P&P...Canada, has it all, comedy, puppets, RUSH...I need to move up there...Can't wait to see that werewolf!

:Welcome

Sincerely,


Spoon

Welcome Juliann!  Glad you are experiencing so much success in your endeavor!!  Keep us posted!!  My son is hoping to do exactly what you are describing once he graduates with his degree in children's theatre and puppetry. 

sorry it's been so long you guys! i'm working a tonne and doing a million things at once [including diving into the world of real estate, ie: putting offers down on buildings!]  but i will post photos very soon and give you some werewolf puppet updates!

x.x o.o be well

Welcome Juliann..  I would love to see some of your puppet musical. I'm a huge fan of musicals in general and ones with puppets is even better. =)