I'm putting together a series of puppet kits, but I need a little input. What I would like to know is ?
(1) What type kits you would like to see available.
(2) What type materials would you like to see in the kits.
(3) What type price range would you consider a fair price.
(4) Would you be interested in antron already dyed.
(5) Would you be interested in custom fabric dyeing
(6) Would you like to see a basic beginners kit using the " blue boy pattern"
(7) Would you like to see different mouth assembly kits if so what would you want them to consist of.Would you want the mouth boards cut or uncut.
(8  Would you like custom made eyes and noses.
(9) What type supplies would you like to see available
(10) Would some kits with patterns made available by meg, and Nice braga's brazillian pattern.......... with there blessings of course.

Can you make any suggestions that would help me help you. My goal here is to not get rich. I would like to service the puppet community with affordable puppet supplies and make enough to be able to restock. I am not not a wholesaler for others to buy from and resale............. This will be strictly for begginers and those can not find supples readily available in there area.
If you have any suggestions please let me know.

These kits are primarily geared toward the beginner and those interested in hopes to help them get started in puppetry. I realize that many supplies and patterns out there are pricey and my goal is to put together affordable kits that will help those budding puppeteers get started. I use to give stuff away but just can't afford to do that anymore. I have to at least charge my cost and S/H.

I just remember how hard it was when I first started and I reached out to many in the puppet community for help. I did not know where to start, where to look, or who to talk to. Some helped, some turned a deaf ear. I then found Puppets and Stuff and people excepted me with open arms. Shawn was a big help in getting me started. He was patient and always willing to answer any question I had....... and still does.

My goal as always is to help others learn about puppetry and make there beginning transition into the puppet world as easy as possible. If you have any suggestions please let me know. As you know I'm trying to launch this new website come January. My funding is not coming in as quick as I expected so some product my not be available........... but I will keep trying.

Billy D.

Hi Mr. Fuller, This is Miguel!

Thanks again for your advise. I checked your blog, and has a value info (I will use it for good). Good to persons here like you that love what you doing (An excellent job you guys do, I want to learn like that, and have the ability to create like you guys).
Well, like you know I'm a beginner in this field (No only having puppets, but creating them, like 2 months). But I've been reading, checking, watching (Different puppets sites, 3 book that I bough, videos in the internet, your posting of course “This site has been great) and is the last 3 weeks I've learn a lot (Without making a puppet), but having a new perception of art, design, creation (Most because I love to draw). And I want to give you my answer on what you asking as a beginner I am, wanting a good instruction service to help me to advance in this field.


(1)   What type kits you would like to see available. : Easy instructions to follow, but not a simple puppet finish
(2) What type materials would you like to see in the kits. The right ones (With specifications) to do this kind of job
(3) What type price range would you consider a fair price.: As long is a quality work (I know would be, because I've read some of your post and seen (One actually, the blue one”looks awesome”) and I could figure out the great artist you are). But please, don't go to high like those web that make all those patterns and instructions to difficult to get. As a beginners we don't expect that much money to build a puppet.
(4) Would you be interested in antron already dyed.: Yes, Is a good option
(5) Would you be interested in custom fabric dyeing: Secondary option (I guess for beginners like me, that want to have a good quality job, is better the first option
(6) Would you like to see a basic beginners kit using the " blue boy pattern": Is good (I checked from you) But like the way I saw it, is to simple
(7) Would you like to see different mouth assembly kits if so what would you want them to consist of.Would you want the mouth boards cut or uncut.: If the board is to difficult to cut (Cut), but if is not, just live it, so, we (The beginners could feel that we making it and getting to our goal. Is excite it)
(8  Would you like custom made eyes and noses. Just live it for the imagination of the person (But give examples)
(9) What type supplies would you like to see available: As long they are the necessary to make the puppet well done.

PS: For beginner (Mostly for men), everything is visual. No just read, read and read, we like to see, watch, etc.

Again, thanks for your help!

This is based on both what I would buy, and what I know others are interested in based on my own survey:

(1) Marionettes. They are probably the biggest thing that people are looking for, because there are no available decent online tutorials and are the hardest puppet to find in terms of patterns. Muppets are second to that, but I think there's also plenty of room for other types, like glove, sock and finger puppets.
(2) Obviously, anything needed that goes with the above. Generally people are looking for the base materials, decorations they could purchase extra.
(3) For kits? I think it would be hard to give a range given that a finger puppet kit would be a lot cheaper than a marionette. I think anything under $50 is good.
(4) For a beginners kit, you could offer a choice in pre-dyed colours (say a minimum of three colours or whatever you choose), that way there's some variety. I think people wouldn't mind getting pre-dyed items because they wouldn't know how to do it themselves. Perhaps if you don't, you could add instructions on how people could do it themselves.
(5) As an extension, not me personally, but I think others might find it useful.
(6) Yes
(7) I think it is good to start with one version of a mouth kit. I've found that the more options you offer, the more likely you'll confuse beginner puppet makers. Maybe, once you've determined the popularity of them, you could extend outwards. I'd prefer the mouth uncut.
(8  Yes. Puppet eyes are very popular; noses not so much, but it's still a good idea.
(9) Hmmm... anything that's not already listed on your site isn't worth having
(10) That sounds great!

Thanks Miguel................ This is just what I'm wanting to hear. My reason for using the blueboy puppet in a beginners kit is that first it is a free non-copyrighted pattern. It would be simple but I would raise it up a notch by adding upgraded features such as mouth plates lining and such along with instructions.
I agree I'm a visual type person to, so I will keep that in mind when putting together instructions. Keeping these kits affordable is what I'm hoping to do.

(One actually, the blue one”looks awesome”)

Are you refering to " blue " in my avatar?

Thanks again for your input.

Billy D.

Thanks Na.............. Again input will only help me design better and help others. For beginners information Na has a very immpressive website with all type of free information. She also offers custom made supplies. We both don't expect to conquer the world just make it a better place for puppets to live. Na, your input is always appreciated.

Billy D.

You're welcome! That's what it's all about, as you said above

"I just remember how hard it was when I first started and I reached out to many in the puppet community for help. I did not know where to start, where to look, or who to talk to. Some helped, some turned a deaf ear...
My goal as always is to help others learn about puppetry and make there beginning transition into the puppet world as easy as possible."

I always believe in sharing

Yes, the one that is in your avatar!

I will be working on a series of puppet kits in the next month. I'm waiting for some supplies to come in before I can put them together. I will let those of you know what they are.

Billy D.

I like this idea Billy you just might have found a unique place in the puppet world by helping new comers with all the materials and patterns in a kit style at a reasonable price.

Can't wait to see that store come to life. 

Daryl H

Wow we have never made our own puppets but a kit would be really sweet. 

Please keep me informned about your kits.

My goal has always been to make a puppet!

Thanks, Niome