Well I did it.  I sold my 48" floor loom and warping wheel to buy puppet building materials.  My husband couldn't believe it.  He said "this is serious!".  So I am looking to stretch the money.  Has anyone used the following items from oriental trading company ?

1.Fabulous foam marshmallows(they appear to be made of foamie material and are the size and shape of a marshmallow.  They are solid as in not hollow.  48 for 4.99) I thought I could carve them for eyes or teeth.

2.Balsa foam. a foam that is easy to carve (eyes, teeth,for making molds ?)

3.2 1/2 " antenna topper kits. foam ball kits. (look like foamie type foam)

4.egg shaped 2 1/4" ans 2 1/2" relaxable foam balls (noses?)
 
5. wooden

All are pretty cheap but I don't want to go too cheap and end up not using the items at all.

Thanks guys!!!!

Are all of these poly foam, or are some of them styro foam?  To me it sounds like maybe thy are all styro foam or similiar.  Styro is like what you get in packing materials.. the peanuts.  Poly foam is what you see in chair cushions or pillows.

All the items sound interesting and I am sure that they could be used for puppets.

When it comes to supplies the sky is the limit................... it is how creative you are with them that determines whether they will work or not. People on this forum have used building materials I would have never thought of. I have samples of everything you have mentioned. The balsa foam comes in different density and is used for carving. It would work but is quite expensive. Antenna toppers can be soft foam but I have seen them made from a light weight dense foam much like the practice golf balls.
You will have to experiment around..... Keep in mind that oriental Trading products may not be as they appear in the pictures and many of there items can be found in the $$$ stores.

Billy D.

As Billy said it is more of the process of collecting as you see possibilities as you learn the skills to make a puppet.  I would suggest that if you are really seriouse then go for more of the professional materials and start building that up.  I know Billy is to humble to say anything but he has a store that sells many professional materials at cost all in once place and he is super nice and quick with his service.  I would strongly suggest to go over and check out his cyber store and see the materials that he has gathered for making puppets with. 

When I started I focused more on the professional materials since that was the direction I was wanting to go.  They cost more but they are handy (and hard to get at times) so to have them readily available would make the puppet making experience much more enjoyable. 

I hope this gives you some thought and help.....

Daryl H 

Thanks guys.  I think I will lean more toward higher quality stuff as you suggest.  I gave away my dining room set and have converted the room for puppet making.  I feel a little crazy but have not had this much fun or energy since I was a kid!  Hopefully I will get good enough to sell. Thanks again all!

Thanks guys.  I think I will lean more toward higher quality stuff as you suggest.  I gave away my dining room set and have converted the room for puppet making.  I feel a little crazy but have not had this much fun or energy since I was a kid!  Hopefully I will get good enough to sell. Thanks again all!

I hate to be the one to break it to you but you have puppet fever snydrome. Unfortunately there is no cure for it at this time however you can relieve the symptoms with foam,fabric,sewing machines, and other puppet building materials.
First signs of this is selling everything in your house but the kitchen sink and tub and the only reasons for keeping these is to dye fabric. I'm afraid you have the bug................. Welcome to the group.

Billy D.

Puppet fever syndrome  PFS for short.  Soooo much better than PMS Too true and I've got it baaaaad.  I just got back from Joannes with foam, Fabritac and 6mm foamies.  I wanted to buy soooooo much more. 
You all probably know this but I started using fabritac like contact cement; applying to both surfaces, letting dry and then sticking the foam together and it works!  You have a short amount of time so you can only do a little at a time. You let the glue dry just until it doesn't feel cold.  So that's cool when I want to work inside  Also I made the coolest eyes with the clay recipe I found on the forum.  Just waiting for the right puppet.  Oh and the coolest teeth I made by painting foam ear plugs with oil enamel. They are AWESOME! Oh yea...do any of you talk to your puppets while you make them or shall I seek out counseling ?

Just wait till you have so much stuff in the room and one of your puppets plays hide and seek with you. Oh and keep a note pad by the bed for when you dream about ideas. A friend of mine does that 

Billy D.

Sounds like you have got a good start on things.

My experience with Oriental trading company has not been good. Thier materials are of a low quality, meant for one-time party use. As has been stated I have had better luck searhing the dollar stores.- Steve

i got PFS too im going to buy a workshop shed its 12 foot by 6 foot i cant wait mind you that all depends if i dont get the residency up at my local school