I was this weekend on a festival (Christianfestival there where more than 50.000 are coming and 18.000 are staying that weekend in caravan en tents).
They were selling puppets there and o my.....I was ashamed. Thin wood as a mouthplate. Upper and under separate and make together with very thin plastic. No fabric on the wood or a sleeve to separate the mouthplate and filling in the head. Not easily workable with, your hand stuck into the filling and not a great feeling the wood to your hand. Under mouth falls down very easily and it won't fit with the upper.There is no support of foam or even a foam insert and the mouthplate have no support of the plastic that holds them together. In the mouth they have put felt but not nice glued into the mouth. To speak by moving only the uppermouth isn't possible. The hands hanging down, no rods. And the nose made with some stitches not very need.
I know they want to give children workers the possibility to have a puppet to use in the sunday-schools but these aren't nice ones. I think if you are selling puppets to make them well and workable.
I really want the give them some tips to make it better but I don't know what to do? Are you giving advice or underestimate them and look wise. What are you thinking?
Here some pics of them...


Are they from a pattern of one way street?

It does not look like the One Way Street pattern to me - now about how to help.  Maybe you could show some of your puppets and strike up a conversation about the things you have found to be helpful and what you find to be easy to work with.  Then you can find out the reasoning behind the way they make theirs without sounding critical.  Maybe show them how to make rods for the arms too.  Just a few ideas - I am sure that others will have some better thoughts on the subject.

Maybe you could bring one of your own puppets and show them how to improve their design and still keep their own style. Positive criticism is the key. Tell them what you think is nice and suggest a few tips and tricks that could make the puppets even better.

I agree variety is the spice of Life  I'm sure they would appreciate the input.

Billy d.

Tell them about P&S

I say if they don't ask for feedback then maybe let it be....many times I look at stuff I think could be better but it is up to the artist what they want to do with there work....I would start making simple puppets and be ready for the show when it comes around next year.....nothing wrong with starting your own business. 

That is my two cents.....

Daryl H

The main problem is that is sold by the biggest Christen childeren organisation here  in Holland. For many people this are the puppets you can buy. I really preciate that there are selling and give people the change to buy a puppet. With a few simple things they can improve it. But I don't know the people who makes them personaly. Some years ago the send me the pattern and I find the pattern awefull. Know I played for a little while with the puppet I am ashamed because mostly this is the first time people see a puppet life. I have to email them or phone.

I agree with Stiqman - but if you feel so strongly about it, why not provide some competition and offer puppets of your own?