Ok so I'm nervous about making my first puppet....I don't have a lot of foam or money so I'm wondering what can I use that's cheap/inexpensive to test out a few patterns to make sure I like the shape? Anyone wanting to chat real time (which would be greatly appreciated) Please msg me at...

aim - chicobano
yahoo - richvstone

Hey there I would suggest trying stuff out with paper and tape....this will give you a pretty good idea on whether you like the shape of the pattern......I have been live periodically through out the summer live on blog tv and I can show you anything that you want on the spot since I am in my studio when I am live.......Here is the link I will be on later today.......it takes like 3 minutes and it is free to sign up then you can chat with me....and.....if you have a cam you can come on and show us what you are doing and get feedback if you need it......the room is pretty full of puppet makers and such......when You sign up you can subscribe to the show and it will let you know through email when I am on live as well as reminders when a schedule show is about to start.....as well as become a friend......it also has many video's on how to's of puppet making......hope to see you today?

Everyone is welcome to sign up as well........we will be starting our weekly show in September which features how to do's on professional puppet making including shadow, marionettes, hand in mouth, ect......

http://www.blogtv.com/People/StiqpuppetsLive

Daryl H

My best advice to you would be to buy foam and fleece at Jo-anns. But first, sign up for their mailing list. They send out TONS of coupons practically every week. I NEVER pay full retail price for foam thanks to that, I usually always get it at half price.
Then from there, check out the Free Pattern links in this forum and experiment a bit!
You can also visit Project Puppet and start with one of their Simple Series patterns, they work great for beginners!

Then, if you get stuck or have any questions or doubts, ask us here at P&S and we'll be happy to help! =D

Where are the puppet patterns linked at here?

Where are the puppet patterns linked at here?

They are in my gallery

http://puppetsandstuff.com/community/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=5992

http://puppetsandstuff.com/community/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=4471


Billy D.

stiqman, you are the best.  Thank you for sharing all of your know how.  I am just now getting to check out your videos and they are really useful.

Sorry for butting in...

Meg

Like Daryl said, paper prototypes work well. Alternatively, at the dollar store I got a big pack of thin foam sheets, about 4" x 6" in size, and I like to make prototypes out of that stuff. It's cheap, it bends like foam, and it doesn't crush when I accidentally sit on my prototype.

The only challenge is when I hit upon a good model, I then need to pull it apart, lay it flat, scan it into the computer, and then blow it up bigger to the size I eventually want (which can take some guessing and testing to get the larger size just right). But if you're short on money, this method only costs a dollar (plus tax, time and patience).

J.

Thanks guys for so much info! I downloaded a bunch of the patterns you gave me and took them to kinkos to increase I got a lot of practice to do now >

Hey. I didn't realize you were on here and Blogtv. I hope that Stiq's show today was of use to you. If you haven't already checked out Creaturiste's show there (I can't keep track of everyone who goes to it) then you should. He's very free with information.

it doesn't crush when I accidentally sit on my prototype.

Oh, no!  I thought that was just me.  I never ever sit things in chairs anymore.  I sit on everything.  Even sat in paint once.

And, hello, I'll get on topic.  If you ever have any questions, this is the place to be.  I know you'll get all the help you need.  This is the best group of people anywhere.

Meg