Hey guys and gals...
 
            So I have some questions about Block Foam and Carving. I am itching to get into building puppets by carving block foam...
1st of all I can't seem to find it anywhere....where on earth do you buy this?! Only thing I could think was to glue 1.5in foam together until I get a block big enough to carve...but I know there has to be another way.

2nd, what do you use to carve it? Is it easier to cut it out with scissors or a bread knife...motorized turkey knife?!

Like I said I have never done this but I have seen some amazing puppets made from block foam and I want to try my hand at them...any and all information would be greatly appreciated!

Oh, don't glue sheets together! It will make things harder to carve.

I'm sure there are a number of threads already here on what to carve with; some people use a hot blade as I recall. (Personally, I like scissors) Handy tip: keep a spray bottle of water nearby, and every so often spray the foam with it. It prevents static electricity and makes it easier to contain the scrap foam. (But obviously, keep away from electrical equipment!)

You can try and get your block of foam from a local upholster in your area...............Here are a list of where I buy supplies from. I buy from albany foam .
http://sspuppets.com/resources/puppet-supplies/
http://www.ausinc.net/

you can carve your foam with a electrical knife as Na mentioned or you can use a foam hot knife or hot wire cutter.
http://hotwirefoamfactory.com/home.php

Billy D.

You can use an electric knife or even a band saw to cut out the main shape of the head but you do have to get out the scissors and or sharp serrated knife at some point to define the features. I've actually used a dremal to define and details on the face also but it is pretty tricky.  I've actually destroyed pieces before because the foam got caught in the dremal and went flying across the room.

The Albany foam link seems to be broken...................... Here is the contact info if you want to order or inquire on pricing
1-(866) 844-3626 ask for Kevin or Lenny

Here is how to use a Dremel tool to finish up the puppets.......There are three parts I will link the first one and you will see the part 2 and 3 in the side bar......as Shawn said you need to be delicate with this process but I have gotten great results with it.

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https://youtu.be/da5g5APeLxk

Hope this helps.......

Daryl H