Hi Everyone, I hope this is okay to do... 

I wanted to give a shout out to Na from Puppets in Melbourne/School of Puppetry! Since joining this site, everyone has been so supportive of my new found love for puppetry to which I am very grateful. I have really enjoyed getting to know each of you and Na has been particularly helpful in supporting my puppet developments and assisting me to understand the terminology and resources available locally in Australia. Last week, I purchased 'The Foam Book' from Na. It arrived today complete with a very thoughtful Antron Fleece sample (super kind!). I suppose I wanted to acknowledge firstly how appreciative I am of everyone's support but also give a shout out for Na and her business. I know you all already realise how awesome she is but if you're looking for resources, she's provides an extremely professional and super friendly service! Thanks Na! 

Lizzie

Yes, Na and Billy are the heart and soul of this site...

First off...    

Thanks so much for the kind words. I do my best, and it's nice to know that I'm appreciated, even if I often feel it's undeserved. A lot of what I do is simply 'paying it forward'. The other members here have been incredibly supportive, along with many Aussie puppeteers, and it's just great to be able to help others who are in the same situation. It's particularly gratifying to receive such kind words as most visitors to my site/s won't see just how much work and effort goes into it. Even though I'm 'on holiday' from School of Puppetry, I'm busy updating things behind the scenes, improving posts, working on new tutorials... and it all ends up being worth it if I can help make the craft enjoyable for someone else.

I'm glad the book arrived (along with the antron!) and hope you enjoy it. ... And now I know why I saved an offcut      

PS. This couldn't have come at a timelier point. I'd just been out to dinner with my family and got a generous early birthday gift which means I'll be able to pay the registration for the summit after all. Came home in a good mood and logged on to see this

Thank you so much Lizzie! As much as I'm thankful for the birthday gift, recognition and appreciation goes a little further, especially when you're self-employed and have no partners in the business and rarely if ever meet face-to-face with the people who use your products/services. This really perked me up

Yes, Na and Billy are the heart and soul of this site...

Oh no, I evidently am posting here too much

Actually, I think Billy and Shawn are the heart and soul of the site. Especially Shawn, since he's our host.

That's awesome Na! What an a brilliant birthday gift! I was really blown away by your thoughtfulness in including the Antron. Such a lovely thing to do and more than most would do, thank you! Although I admit it makes me want more!  I must hatch a plan!

I'm pleased you're on a high. There have been countless times your encouragement has had that effect on me! 

I did try to leave a comment on your site but wasn't able. Not sure if that was due to my technological handicap or the site. But I shall return to leave you awesome feedback that prospective customers can view. Thanks again. And the book is fab! 

And Rikka, you're right. I didn't intend to single Na out and forgo the hard work and endless support of others. I think I'm recognising that thanks to Shawn's initiative and commitment, a whole community has been built here enabling people to tap in to others and their knowledge that they potentially may never otherwise managed to do. Such a brilliant site!

Great to have people like you around! I mean all of you.

That's awesome Na! What an a brilliant birthday gift! I was really blown away by your thoughtfulness in including the Antron. Such a lovely thing to do and more than most would do, thank you! Although I admit it makes me want more!   I must hatch a plan!

I have to admit that the inclusion of the fleece a bit of 'paying it forward' too. On occasion when I buy from Etsy people or a local clay supplier, I often get little random acts of kindness in the form of freebies. In the case of the clay supplier, it's lollies! So I try to think up little random acts for my customers when I can. I was thinking of what to send you when I remembered that I had the antron fleece and knew you'd appreciate an offcut.

I do understand about wanting more. If I was more into muppet-type puppets, I'd be trying to find a way to get more into the country. It would be so much easier if the shipping costs weren't so high.

I'm pleased you're on a high. There have been countless times your encouragement has had that effect on me!  

Have to say many times I've had *really* bad days and then someone here will post something nice and cheer me right up. This site's been a lifesaver more than once - and I am happy that it's done that for you too!

I did try to leave a comment on your site but wasn't able. Not sure if that was due to my technological handicap or the site. But I shall return to leave you awesome feedback that prospective customers can view. Thanks again. And the book is fab!  

No, it's most definitely my site. I've been working on some design upgrades and noticed the commenting wasn't working. I've turned the function off temporarily while I solve it. I'll let you know when it's been fixed, although it may not be for a while as I'm dependent on assistance from someone else.

Glad you like the book! You got a newer edition than I originally bought, but I don't expect it will be all that different. I'm sure you'll find it useful, I know I did. I never made a foam puppet before getting that book, and within a read or two made four. It was a real eye-opener to see how flexible the instructions were; and so much better than a paint-by-numbers pattern for those of us who like to experiment.

And Rikka, you're right. I didn't intend to single Na out and forgo the hard work and endless support of others. I think I'm recognising that thanks to Shawn's initiative and commitment, a whole community has been built here enabling people to tap in to others and their knowledge that they potentially may never otherwise managed to do. Such a brilliant site!

This goes quadruple for me, especially as Shawn is one of the ones that often posts something that cheers me up and encourages me to keep trying.

Thanks to Shawn, and to everyone else for making this community fun, engaging and educational

I know some might think we get a bit sappy around here at times but I think it is great!  It is all of you that keep this site going.  With out you I am just some crazy old man talking to himself.

Old???

I know some might think we get a bit sappy around here at times but I think it is great!  It is all of you that keep this site going.  With out you I am just some crazy old man talking to himself.

There was a time way back in the beginning of Puppets and Stuff that I would agree with that. It has grown over the years to be quite a outstanding place to be. I agree that each and every member has there own unique personality and add to the contribution of what makes this such a great community..... and yes I have learned much from all of you :'( Now let me go blow my nose