Listen, any dream worth following will come with trials and pain. That is why there are so many starving artists out there. You are good at what you do. Now in this moment you are frustrated and full of pain. You are not yourself at the moment. Please don't give up and do something you will regret. I have been through times where I wanted to give it all up and I thank God that I didn't. Keep the dream alive and remember why you started it and who you started for. It is part of you. Don't cut off your dream. You are good. I am praying for you and all of us are rooting for you. There is always another way. If you do sell things keep the minimum that will allow you to continue to do that which you are so good at. YOU ARE TO GOOD TO GIVE UP! Just pack everything up for a while until this passes. The storm will blow over the sun will shine!

I am trying to co-ordinate and collect items that might be helpful for Jay to use to complete the orders he has at the moment. If any of you have extra poly foam,sewing notions such as zippers, trims and things that could be used to complete outfits to complete puppet costuming please PM me or Jay. Perhaps Jay could be more specific in items he could use.
There is nothing wrong with asking for help when needed. That is what this extended family is all about. Every time I have given or donated to those that have needed it......... Trust me I was Blessed ten times more than the cost of what was given or donated.

Guys thank you I'm sorry to be so Dark I guess sometime when everything mounts on you its hard to see a way out. I really don't want to sell my puppets I don't have that many personal ones left. Most of what I build is for clients and what I do build for my own projects I sell once I'm done so there's on about 15 puppets here with me now.

I really don't want to give it up but its hard. I work a regular full time job so my puppet time is already limited. With missing so much of that taking care of Becki or being out of town for surgeries and what not I guess I'm feeling overwhelmed right now. We live in a small rural area so all the big cities are a day trip for us even just for a consultation...doctors love consultations. A 6 hour drive round trip just to talk about what we will do next trip. Ive wanted to post on here more this year but you guys mean so much I didn't want to bring anyone down with this.

On the plus side I did find out walmart carries rolled foam...weird I know. By the amount it was pricier but since I didn't need to much it was more manageable. So in a pinch that could be a resource for you. I just cut out a billion hands and feet a little while ago. I'm so close to being done I just want to get it over with. I think maybe what i need is a break. A good friend suggested I not take anymore orders for the rest of the summer. Maybe he's right.

Oh for those who emailed me with interest in my puppets thank you. If I do decide to sell I will let you know which ones.

Love you all..

Jay (drpuppet)

Jay

Just bought 200 assorted zippers on Ebay for a good price. I will have them shipped to you. I'll look in my building and get a box together also.

So sorry for what you are going through. Been there and after awhile it gets you down. Don't feel bad about being human.  Bills and health worries are real downers.   Not trying to be nosey, but since we've traveled this road(and helped others who've done the same (hubby is a pastor),  have you looked into getting he with the expenses ? Besides the government help (take advantage of that if u can)), social service agencies,  research groups etc, are all possibilities. I even checked on clinical trials for a surgery. The last two surgeries I  told them upfront "no insurance I have to have some help."  Two doctors donated their services. Hospital cut the cost to pennies on the dollar. The surgical oncologist cut her bill from $4,500. To.  $300.   I'll be praying for u n your wife.    BTW patterns sell well and people are always looking for them. Selling copies or variations of yours might be a source of income.

thinking of you Dr. Puppet and prayers for your wife

I'm praying for you too!  I know that overwhelming feeling when someone you love is ill.

Dear Jay, I was saddened to hear of what you're experiencing.  I'm a street vendor in Berkeley, California and during a slow period today, I read your post.  It was not a downer.  It was real and honest.  Thank you for sharing with us. Despite what it looks like, God is a healer and I pray that He heals every cell, membrane, tissue and organ of your wife in the name of Jesus. Praying for a complete and full recovery and that you would receive joy again.
Now that the puppet community knows the need, we can help.  If there is anything I can do, please let me know.  In the past, I have purchased your videos online and they have been very helpful.  I've enjoyed them tremendously and thank God for your talent.  Your work is AMAZING!   I have found that in hard times, puppet making can be therapeutic.   I know you will make the best decision for you and your family but if you can, sell the patterns but retain the copyrights for them.  Things can change in the future and you may need the copyrights to rebuild your business.

What can I say Jay? As so many others here have already said you and your wife are in my prayers. I don't think your puppets have let you down my friend. Through puppetry you've gained this huge international family who all want to help you in any way they can.

Through your art you've shared so much with so many already. I've only bought one of your videos so far but I'm very impressed with your work and your generosity in sharing it. As to whether to sell your puppets and all the rest the decision of course is yours. The most important part of your art is inside you so whatever you decide to sell you will never lose that. But I wouldn't rush into selling everything off. As several others have said your art can provide a much needed escape in difficult times. But if you're not feeling relief from your art right now, but only more pressure then I agree with the idea of putting it away for a while. Take a break from it if you need to and return when it feels right.

Lastly I really don't think you need to apologize to anyone here for being "dark". In times of trouble we turn to our family and loved ones. One of the things I've learned over the last several years as I've begun to live and learn in the world of puppetry is that it really is a close-knit family group. We all have so much in common as human beings and still more in common as artists and more yet because of our chosen art of puppetry. Brother Jay we're here for you.

Hey Jay, i know you are probably sick and tired of people saying they are sorry for you, but this is a group of people who do not give up, we are all here for you in one way or another, you are one of the most talented builders i have ever had the pleasure to make contact with and talent comes from within, so the decision is all yours, but my advice is to chill out on puppet building for a while and come back to it in the future, you do not need the extra stress and frustration that building puppets brings at times, and i dont think that you need to sell anything, we ARE here for you and your family, so when you are ready to pick up the puppet baton again, then it'll be waiting for you and your skills in making puppets will be stronger than before.

Maybe we as a community can help you out financially some.  I would be more then happy to send a bit of money your way. Do you have a PayPal account?  I would also like to offer putting a donation button on the site here that would lead to your PayPal account.  What do the rest of you folks here at Puppets and Stuff think?  If you need some supplies to finish out some puppets maybe some would be in a better position to send you off a care package of puppet supplies you might need.

i completely agree with shawn, if he puts up a button so that we can donate, then im there, and im positive that everyone else is too, and you will see the blue sky through your cloudy situation. i dont know if you beleive in miracles, but one is on its way, we cannot help others with these sorts of situations unless we know what they are going through, and boy do you know what they are going through, so take a deep breath and know that all will be fine, as in other peoples posts, we are all praying for you and your family, it says in the bible that where two or more AGREE on something in Jesus' name, then it is done, so just think how many people read these posts on puppets and stuff all over the world and you will start to see just how many people are standing with you through this, and i am agreeing with my christian brothers and sisters that there is going to be a healing!!!

this is not the end, this is where you find a strength that you didnt know you had and a peace that passes all understanding.

much love and puppet hugs,

Ben.