Thanks Miguel :D  I guess there is no one from the uk here then that can recommend a foam supplier or a particularly beginner friendly foam?

I would suggest contacting a puppet maker in your area or city or province and see where they get there's.....as well do you have the Yellow pages (business pages) look up "foam shops" you will sometimes be surprised at what you find.

Hope this helps......

Daryl H

Thanks

I have been in contact with a number of puppet makers that I have found in the UK, but not much luck in getting replies unfortunately.

I have looked for foam suppliers in the UK but i'm a bit overwhelmed with the choice and not sure what I should be going for as a beginner?

call them and see if any deal with puppet makers and see what they usually buy from them....this might help you with the details.  Trust me it is never easy to find resources for the making materials it is a job in itself.

Daryl  H

Might I suggest that you check your phone directory, or do an internet search for upholsterers or upholstery supplies. Even if they don't carry what you need, they might be able to send you in the right direction.

Buy the cheap kind at the foam stores you have found.    Ok I know that some may be very picky about the grade, weight and composition of their foam (even I have my favorites) but heck it is all foam!  Don't let that bog you down or stop you.  If you have craft or fabric stores see if they have some.  Hear in the US craft and fabric stores carry foam that is fine for puppet making. Could be the same in the UK.  Like I said I have my favorite foams but I use all kinds to make puppets. 

I live in the south of England and I have found the cheapest place to buy good quality foam is right int he heart of London - pentonville foam on pentonville lane!  There are also tons of foam outlets in High Wycombe which is in the South East. 

xxx

I get my foam at an auto Fabric shop here in Rialto California. He has a fairly wide variety ar reasonable prices.(J&J auto Fabrics, on the off chance that someone might live in the area)

I brought some foam from here really cheap! It's also good as you can decide on your exact size of foam you need!
http://www.thefoamshop.co.uk/product/254-35/BUDGET-FOAM-CUT-TO-SIZE

It worked well for my puppets i have been making with the roly pattern!

I bought my upholetery foam from the 'online fabric store'
http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/
it ships everywhere in the U.S. but its cheapest to ship to New England