Hi, I'm about to embark on creating my first puppet. I was just wondering what foam do people use in the uk? I've searched for poly foam and haven't found much.

Kelly x

Most craft stores have what they call sheet foam for use in making your own pillows and such. Do you have any craft stores around you?  We do have quite a few UK members so hopefully one well be along with a specific store name. I know I've heard them mention some of the local names over there but can't remember at the moment. I do know that in the past they have given this as an on-line source. http://www.thefoamshop.co.uk/

In the market near where I work, is a fabric stall that sells polar fleece, felt and upholstery foam - you may have something similar nearby.

Many puppet patterns and how-to guides recommend 1/2 inch foam, so here in the uk, that's the same as 12mm foam (better eBay search!).

I've used the yellow (soft) upholstery foam, and its ok for small puppets, but the denser light-blue upholstery foam is a better choice, aside from the more expensive reticulated foam (tho a search for 12mm camera case foam brings up a few options for that ).

Good luck!
C.

efoam

Looks like there are both US and UK sites. Don't think they are the same company though.

UK: http://www.efoam.co.uk/indexm.html

US: http://www.efoamstore.com/

Pentonville rubber in london are very good for both foam of various kinds and gasket rubber for mouthplates. I have a little in stock if you've not found any yet!

Wyoh