Hello,

My name is Steve Miller, and my wife is Heather.  I was laid off last year from my toy design job so I've been doing a lot of free lance design work.  As a couple we wanted a part time business we both could take part in.  I design, my wife sews so we came up with some cool ideas for puppets we haven't seen done before.  Rather than trying to sell the idea to a toy company we decided to take a shot at it ourselves.  So I'm learning to sew with a machine and my wife is learning how to turn my drawings into patterns.  We've done three puppets so far, all are more learning experiences rather than actual prototypes.  So far I'm having tons of fun.  It is exciting to look at everyday objects and envision puppet making possibilities.

Thanks to everyone for their help so far in the puppet making thread.

Steve
www.torchbearerstudios.com
(no puppet work up yet, just my design stuff)

What a great idea! I think you are off to a great start................... and I see a promising future for the both of you. It may start off slow but eventually will get off the ground. We are here to support you both.

Billy D.

I really like the look of your characters.  Very cute!   Keep up the great work! 

those look great! i really like the style you use for their eyes!

those look great! i really like the style you use for their eyes!

Thanks!  I really wanted to develop a look which would be immediately identifiable as part of our own house "brand."

I'm really having a blast and everyone on these boards have been incredibly helpful.  A lot of creative communities  I've been a part of tend to horde their secrets, here so far people are ready and willing to share anything that will help a newbie out.

It is exciting to look at everyday objects and envision puppet making possibilities.

That is what I love the most about puppetry!!

The eyes are different and unique, the puppet shape is very similar to a cone head (OWS or maybe a Puppets Inc design). One Way Streets also has the Cositas which use that shape. 
Best of luck to you.

The eyes are different and unique, the puppet shape is very similar to a cone head (OWS or maybe a Puppets Inc design). One Way Streets also has the Cositas which use that shape. 
Best of luck to you.

Thanks!  Obviously just about every humanoid head shape has already been done so we are playing around with modifying existing shapes. We mainly are looking really for a way to add more color and design features to the face. 

Nice work and yes the general rule out there is at least 3 or more colours on a face makes it more appealing.....I don't know how scientifically that "rule" (hate rules) is but that is what is said. 

Good work on the puppets....I like the simplicity of it....keep it up and keep sharing with us.

Daryl H