I am really just getting into puppet ministry.  Me and a few friends have done a few shows for a women's group, a few for older people and a couple for kids. Churches,  street fair, ect. I built my own stage out of pvc. I really enjoy it since I am more of a shy quiet person in large groups. I have been buying used puppets from ebay. I am pretty much funding everything on my own and its getting costly.  I thought I would join here to get tips from others with the same passion and interest.  I really like the Innova style puppets, easy on the hands and arms. Do you guys know where I could buy some that aren't super expensive?  I have only found one site and they are $160. Please help! Thanks!!!

Welcome to Puppets and Stuff. In my experience with church ministries I found that they are not very supported by church members financially and usually falls back on the one doing all the work. If your funds are limited which they usually are you may want to build your own puppets. You may have to start with a simple pattern and as your building skills get better you can learn to build puppets to your liking. They are plenty of people here that would be more than happy to help you learn. Do you have a sewing machine? They are plenty of building videos on YouTube to watch. Explore different topic here at P&S and if you have questions feel free to ask.

http://www.puppetsinc.com is the only maker/distributor of these types of puppets. The design and pattern is owned by them.  Your best bet would be to keep your eye open on ebay for individuals selling there used ones.

Welcome to Puppets and Stuff!

Welcome aboard!!

Man, I just gave away 4 of those Innovas.  I like them too.  I bet there are a lot of them stuffed in closets of groups who have given up their puppet ministries, but they would not be looking on this site to see your need. I know two churches that had them and have not been doing puppets, I will give them a call. One of Austin's larger churches with a large puppet group gives support to new start up groups in the area. I started sewing puppets because I could not afford to buy and our puppets were so old they had holes in them, and found I loved it. It was easier than I expected and I liked how I could customize the puppets exactly to what I needed.  You should give it a shot.  This site has all kinds of help on building.  You could do a fund raiser, we made a cookbook and everyone pitched in, it was fun, all the old ladies really enjoyed helping with their favorite recipes.

Great ideas Snail...........There is always the "Adopt a puppet program" You can allow those that are interested donate the price of ordering a puppet and they receive a copy of adoption papers. For the ones that can't afford full adoption can be adoption contributor's and receive a certificate.