Hello everyone! I'm Knew to the forum.I'm a children's pastor and have been doing puppets for over 20 years. My main character is named Cheeto.



Being almost 20 years old himself, he's in great shape for how much he's been used. Unfortunately he was made by Puppet Productions back in the 90's and now Puppets Inc, makes a similar one but the nose & hair are very different.

My question to this community is does anyone have this identical puppet who'd be willing to sell it to me? I know this inquiry is a long shot, but I thought it was worth a try. 

I look forward to learning from all you more about the art of puppetry.

Blessings

-Brett

I sold one of these not long ago (we make puppets and also buy/sell used puppets).  I'll check inventory to see what we have.  You can email me - puppetshoppe1@aol.com

Maybe one of the builders could re-produce him for you.  While as a rule most builders wont copy a character, it seems like in this case when it has been a puppet that has been used in performance for some time and needs replaced and the original builder is not available that there is really no harm in it.

I assume you meant this one over at Puppets Inc. http://www.puppetsinc.com/mop_puppet_p/11124.htm  Your other option might be to buy that one and replace the hair with red yarn hair.  I don't see the difference in the nose really.

Maybe one of the builders could re-produce him for you.  While as a rule most builders wont copy a character, it seems like in this case when it has been a puppet that has been used in performance for some time and needs replaced and the original builder is not available that there is really no harm in it.

I assume you meant this one over at Puppets Inc. http://www.puppetsinc.com/mop_puppet_p/11124.htm  Your other option might be to buy that one and replace the hair with red yarn hair.  I don't see the difference in the nose really.

I know I get a bee in my bonnet... but technically that isn't true. The copyrights can be sold or passed on to someone else, even if the originators are not producing the puppets anymore. For instance, The Beatles don't own the copyrights to their own songs (and in fact, the person who bought them is now dead - Michael Jackson), and conveniently for my example, The Muppets are owned by Disney even though Jim Henson is dead. And it wouldn't be long enough for the copyrights to be in public domain (I think for the US it's the life of the creator + 70 years, but don't quote me on that). So you should never assume it's ok to be used even if they're not in business anymore.

Just to nitpick

Brett,  try contacting Puppets Inc.  since they still make the same shape, it might just be a matter of asking about the older hair style. They also make custom  requests. Also, kids are very forgiving when it come to make overs.  You can just play it up.  I prefer playing the changes up, instead of ignoring them. I know during my sons's younger years Barney went through several color changes.  The same for Miss Piggy, Kermit etc...

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful replies. I'm still hoping to purchase a used one as an extra because I'm starting to travel more and it would be helpful to have 2.

Does anyone by chance know where to find that thick orange/red yarn? I actually contacted Puppets Inc. and they do not carry it anymore and said its an old yarn even dating back to what was used 70s.

Re: yarn. It was a craft item, also used for tying packages(like ribbon).  I still see it occasionally, usually with  gift wrap.   Haven't been to check inventory yet to see if we have one.

Check Hancock fabrics, Joann fabrics or anywhere they carry knitting supplies...Hobby Lobby, Michaels...Lowes...oops not that one.

Wow, I thought all of those places were just local to my area. Nice to know they are all around. I use every one of them, including Lowes!

Having two is a great idea, we used two for our main character and that way he could do really quick costume changes that amazed the audience.  You can reflock those noses, that flock rubs off after a lot of use. That thick yarn was every where back in the 70's, used to tie my hair with it.