CL,
You should have the person you found in Finland stop by and introduce themselves. We would love to know resources in Finland.

It's worth mentioning that the puppets made by Axtell and Noreen Young (both of which are excellent) are latex rubber, which is not the same as the foam latex. Foam latex was used for Spitting Image to give the puppets as much flexibility as possible; latex rubber is much more stiff (not nearly as flexible), but a cheaper material that's easier to work with.

Interesting - for those of us who don't know, what's the difference between latex rubber and foam latex in terms of the chemical processes of how each is made?

I am not sure about the chemical make up of each product but do know that the foam latex "expands" and has air bubbles in it. I think it is a two part product where as regular latex is simply a single liquid.

For the manufacture of polyurethane polymers, two groups of at least bifunctional substances are needed as reactants; compounds with isocyanate groups, and compounds with active hydrogen atoms. The physical and chemical character, structure, and molecular size of these compounds influence the polymerization reaction, as well as ease of processing and final physical properties of the finished polyurethane. In addition, additive such as catalysts, surfactants, blowing agents, cross linkers, flame retardants, light stabilizers, and fillers are used to control and modify the reaction process and performance characteristics of the polymer.

That is a quote from Wikipedia on the subject. For more intense information on the chemical make up you can read the full article here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyurethane

Without going in to the science, it's easier to say that they are really just two different materials.

Latex rubber is often used to make molds (most art stores sell it) and generally cures (solidifies) in the air, although heat can speed the process. This makes it fairly easy to work with. It also tends to be heavier and less flexible than foam latex, but that can vary depending on the chemical composition of the latex rubber.

There is a very good article on foam latex by Tom McLaughlin, who helped perfect it as a material for building puppets in the 1970s and `80s (he worked on Yoda, Miss Piggy, Jabba The Hutt and others) that will answer most questions.

Well i talked with the person who had experience in human sized puppets, she knew to tell me that this puppet seen on tv-program in 90s was most likely made in sweden and making one would be expensive and if selfmade very hard. So that sums it :P

Oh well, i still like the puppet but wont go futher with the mather, about resources in finland we got optionaly :

Unima:
http://www.unima.fi/ (Only bad side its all finnish on site)

and Nukketeatterikeskus(Puppet theather centre)
http://www.nukketeatterikeskus.fi/page9.php with english translations

Their are many other kinds of foams these days that are much tougher than foam latex but have the same result. Foam latex deteriorates very fast that's why the Muppet's keep lost of Piggy heads ready when they are filming. I suggest looking into these guys...http://www.smooth-on.com/ they sell all sorts of foam snd have starter kits for rubber s foam and all sorts of mold making things.

Jay

Thanks for all the answers guys. Looks like I have to do some reading on this before I can properly understand it all.

Without going in to the science, it's easier to say that they are really just two different materials.

Latex rubber is often used to make molds (most art stores sell it) and generally cures (solidifies) in the air, although heat can speed the process. This makes it fairly easy to work with. It also tends to be heavier and less flexible than foam latex, but that can vary depending on the chemical composition of the latex rubber.

There is a very good article on foam latex by Tom McLaughlin, who helped perfect it as a material for building puppets in the 1970s and `80s (he worked on Yoda, Miss Piggy, Jabba The Hutt and others) that will answer most questions.

Thanks - typical that Sagecraft would have all the answers