Hi P&Sians!

This is probably not at all new to you and probably what most clever puppeteers do! I apologise if I'm rehashing tried and proven techniques. But for the benefit of newbies like me...

I recently discovered that because of a taxation error, I am now required to pay back approx $9000 in HECS debt (University fees) effective immediately. Obviously I am angry, kind of disillusioned with the system and now, flat broke. My dilemma has been how to indulge my love of puppetry when my ability to purchase materials has been significantly impeded. So, I set myself a challenge to make a puppet from totally recycled materials.

The skin was patch worked together from old leather/vinyl jackets I no longer wear. The fur was tiny offcuts from previous projects. The eyes were plastic spoons painted with nail polish. The wires used for structure and dexterity were old florist wire and coat hangers. The only thing I had to buy was foam at a total cost of $3.80!

I have been notorious for purchasing deluxe furs and equally lavish materials for my puppets so to actually finish one this cheaply has been an awesome experience. It just goes to show that all the hoarding we creative types do is totally worthwhile! 

If you have any tips on cheap materials or household items that can be used in the construction process, I would really love to hear them!

Lizzie

I think it looks great. This is very inspirational to a beginner like me.
I'm not in a position to spend much on any sort of hobby, so I understand. I'm currently the only income in a house of 4, since my wife is going to school, and home-schooling our 14 yo son.

Once my initial purchase of stuff is gone, I will also be looking thru the closets and bins for stuff to use.

He looks great!  Just goes to show you don't have to spend an arm and leg to make something wonderful.

I agree, he looks great! Very creative, both economically and artistically.
Chris

Wow looks great............... very inspiring!

Wow - I'm so sorry to hear about your tax issue! That's one big error!

That puppet is pretty awesome for only a few bucks! I recommend some trips to good op shops in your area. A lot of the time you can find clothing or materials to use; hard rubbish days another time to go scrounging (especially for foam).

Recycle as much as you can...

Does this mean no July trip? I hope not!

that has always been my theory... Make it cheap yet beautiful, make it simple yet look complicated... In other words wicked job!!!!


Sincerely,


Spoon

Totally awesome!! An inspiration to all of us!!

Nice work,creativity is free.  Necessity, the mother of invention.  If I had not been to poor to buy a finished puppet, I would not have learned to sew my own.  Hope you recover from the taxes soon.

Thanks for your encouragement (and sympathy) guys! Not my best puppet but certainly a defining moment. Thanks for the tips on materials too - I shall be more vigilant and lateral thinking in hunting down cheap products.

Na, I'm hoping it doesn't rule me out for the Puppet Summit either. I may be 30, but I'm not too old to negotiate a rescue package with my folks!