Tricksy Puppets

Yah Gotta Take Them Out and Walk Them

2011-03-03T09:42:00.001-08:00

This is too awesome for words.

How Bad Do You Need to Win?

2011-02-18T18:29:00.000-08:00

Another puppet maker whose name I won't mention came to Etsy chat to announce her felt finger puppet was entered into a blog contest. She asked people in the room to come vote her up, since someone was beating her by a hair. I guess I don't have issues with that.

Then she went on to say she'd hopped onto every computer she could find to vote for herself. Now that's just sad.

So I went to look at the entries, and there was another puppet maker in the contest. She had entered two marionettes which take way more work than one tiny finger puppet. So I voted for her, even though she's way behind the leaders. So I went to her blog and found this adorable witch puppet. I just had to share it.

http://bybido.blogspot.com/2010/09/little-witch-doll-puppet.html?showComment=1298075422965#c3331672184334002621

The other puppet maker from Etsy will probably win the contest, but the way she's doing it is suspect. Just doesn't seem right.

Puppet Vendor at SCA event yesterday.

2010-02-22T18:31:00.000-08:00

At an SCA event we were vending at there was a puppet booth. I saw the same booth at the Irvine Lake Ren. Faire. Here are some photos I got with permission of the vendor.

Penguin and Owl Finger Puppets

2009-08-19T23:23:00.001-07:00

I made 2 new finger puppets today. One is a penguin and one is an owl. They are both made from acrylic felt, which is made from recycled soda bottles. Glad to know all those empties I returned turned into something useful.

Puppets at World Ren. Faire

2009-08-09T20:06:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I went to the World Renaissance Faire by Irvine Lake and found a puppet booth. So I took a few photos of her amazing puppets. It's a shame the event didn't have more customers. She said business had been slow. It really takes an optomist to start a new faire in this economy. I hope the event had more visitors on Sunday.

Car Fox

2009-07-26T00:34:00.000-07:00

Car Fax has a new commercial mascot which is a car Fox puppet. Always nice to spot a puppet in a TV commercial. When the customer asks for a Car Fax, the slippery salesman pulls out the Car Fox puppet instead.

Spoon Monster?

2009-07-23T13:11:00.001-07:00

This isn't quite a puppet yet, but I think I can turn it into a rod puppet. I just need to figure out how to fasten a dowel to it, or maybe tuck a wooden spoon inside and crochet around the handle to secure it. Has potential.

Paper Bag Puppets

2009-07-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

There sure are a lot of puppets on Flickr. So if you need some inspiration or just want to have some fun, go to http://www.flickr.com and type in puppet or puppetry or finger puppets into their search engine.

Or go to google and click on images and look at all the puppets. Try looking for handpuppet, marionette, fingerpuppet, and so on. Remember paper bag puppets? Those are still good fun for a rainy day. I like old school stuff anyway. I grew up in a family with five kids so we made a lot of paper bag puppets. Our hallway became an impromptu puppet theater and no cardboard box was safe from being turned into a television with puppets dancing inside.

Found Art Puppets

2009-06-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

Before you run to the store to buy even more parts for making puppets, check your home stash first. Here is a list of things that can be converted to use as a puppet or puppet theater.

1. Margarine and yogurt containers.
2. Coffee can lids.
3. Egg cartons.
4. Foam trays from veggies.
5. Pipe cleaners
6. Bits of ribbon, lace and trim left from other projects
7. Quilt scraps that are too small for quilts
8. Hair bows, ties, bobby pins
9. Zip ties
10. Wire twist ties from trash bag cartons.
11. Gourds
12. Balls
13. Feathers
14. Thread, yarn, artificial sinew scraps
15. Old spools
16. Telephone wire leftovers
17. Any wire
18. Paints
19. Beeswax
20. Hot melt glue
21. Gesso
22. Flour, salt, water (bread dough art)
23. Dried flowers, herbs, leaves
24. Tiddly winks, dice, random game pieces
25. Driftwood
26. Onion skins, tea, coffee (for dyeing)
27. Lids off of bottles
28. Socks
29. T-shirts
30. Rags
31. Hankerchiefs
32. Old screens
33. Dryer vent hose scraps
34. Buttons
35. Sleeves from sweaters, long sleeved t-shirts
36. Drapes
37. Bamboo (chopsticks, skewers, placemats)
38. Barettes
39. Rubber bands or elastic hair ties
40. Seeds
41. Tights
42. Rubber stamps
43. Wool roving
44. Stain or shoe polish
45. Shoe parts
46. Eyelets or snaps
47. Leather scraps
48. Broken toys
49. Unwanted holiday ornaments
50. Dryer lint
51. Paper scraps
52. Dowels, broom handles, broom bristles.
53. Soda bottles

And this is just the beginning. Most of us throw away tons of stuff that can be put to use in the world of puppets. Young children will need to be supervised. Remember, temporary puppets for a few days of fun can be made of things that might fall apart over time, like moss and sticks. For more permanent puppets use plastic, metal washers, and so on to give it more durability.

Mouse Archer Fingerpuppet

2009-06-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm working on mouse finger puppets. The first one is an archer mouse that's gotten rave reviews so far and I'm not even done with it yet. Think Robin Hood only with a tail and a beady nose.

I still want to make some big mouth puppets this year. I went to Walmart to look for the thin foam to put inside the head, and to my surprise they have all but removed their craft dept. So I'll have to get it at Joann's after all.

New Follow Button and Counter

2009-06-25T17:39:00.001-07:00

I just added a FOLLOW button to the right and an apple counter at the very bottom. Wish I'd thought of it before but there is no time like the present.

I just got a bunch of new yarn because Walmart is closing out their craft department at the store in Buena Park at the Red Heart yarn was marked down to $2.00 a skein. It doesn't take much yarn to make a finger puppet. But I use yarn for everything from lap blankets to hats. I'm in no danger of running out of yarn anytime soon.

I want to come up with a handmade way to make puppet eyes so I'm no longer enslaved by the plastic eyes. I've tried felt, embroidery thread, and buttons. But I want something even more unique than that. I'll have to put on my thinking cap.

Best Puppetmakers on Etsy

2009-06-24T20:08:00.001-07:00

Yay I got a treasury. I called it Best Puppetmakers on Etsy. So hop on over there to see it. BEST

It will be up until Friday at 9 PM. It's a fun and colorful group of hand puppets, finger puppets, marionettes and big mouthed puppets.

Two New Finger Puppets by Pigglewiggins

2009-06-24T18:39:00.001-07:00

I just listed two new finger puppets in my Etsy shop. One is a rainbow butterfly with purple sequined wings and the other is a funky froggie. They should show up there in my Etsy Mini over on the side.

In honor of my new puppets I'm trying to snag an Etsy treasury called the Best Puppetmakers on Etsy. If I get one I'll let you know. Plenty of inspiration out there in puppetland to keep me busy for years.

Octopus Finger Puppets

2009-03-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

Show my new guys some love. I hope to make some different sea creatures soon. Though I do love cephalopods.

Bike Chain Bracelet

2009-03-18T16:34:00.001-07:00

If puppets can make a bike chain bracelet, so can you.

New Octopus Finger Puppet

2009-03-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

This yellow guy is the first of I hope many octopuses. He is crocheted in yellow yarn with funny wiggly eyes for you cephalopod lovers out there. I already have a rainbow octupus and a aquarmarine one finished but haven't had time to take good photos. It feels good to have a new puppet around.

Hollywood Walk of Fame Shari Lewis

2009-03-03T22:28:00.000-08:00

Today when I was walking down Hollywood Blvd. I saw a star on the sidewalk for Shari Lewis (ventriloquist for Lambchop). Other than her many TV appearances, I saw her live once at the L.A. County Fair in Pomona. So I was just tickled when I saw she had a star. Hopefully I'll remember to add the photo here when I'm not too tired.It's been a very long day.

Puppets Rule

2009-02-16T21:43:00.000-08:00

I have puppets on my mind today. I have a puppet Twitter here: http://twitter.com/TippythePuppet I want to make some new puppets for my Etsy Shop now that that stupid law has been put on hold for a year for further study. You know the one that wants every single toy checked for lead even if it's made out of yarn and could easily put starving artists out of business.

So, what kind of puppets should I make? Now that I've done some wood carving I'd love to carve a puppet head. And I really haven't explored gourd puppets all that much. And big mouth puppets might be fun. Do you have a puppet opinion?

2008-09-08T11:55:00.001-07:00

I just signed up for Tagfoot. http://ping.fm/lfV6m Come see all my links and comments and my wishlist.

2008-08-31T22:35:00.001-07:00

Want to join ping.fm too? Go to http://www.ping.fm.Use the code 'legendofping' and you could have the luxury of posting to all your blogs in one fell swoop like I do. Way more efficient than doing it one by one.

2008-08-31T22:33:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure what 'ping my default' means but I guess I'll find out when I hit send.

2008-08-28T13:39:00.001-07:00

The week sure went by quick. I had a lot more planned but didn't have the energy to do it. My hands are still sore from woodcarving, and so I've had to lay off the knitting and crocheting. I'm looking forward to the weekend. My daughter may visit. We'll see.

2008-08-27T10:07:00.001-07:00

Come view my Flickr photo stream. Over 3000 photos I've taken are waiting there for your pleasure. http://ping.fm/3TTAi

2008-08-27T09:53:00.001-07:00

I just signed up for Ping.fm to make social networking more effiecient.

Pocket Monster Finger Puppet

2008-08-08T23:46:00.001-07:00

On the bus I crocheted a cool monster finger puppet. I love his shock of red hair. I wanted to make another one in self striping yarn and as luck would have it I found a skein of my favorite self striping yarn at Michael's in the clearance bin for $2.00. So I got my wish. Then I found some great ribbon yarn and some Fun Fur at the dollar store next door, which probably came from some Walmart craft dept. that got the axe. I also got some tiny black buttons that will make great eyes. Now the buttons in the bead dept. were $2.99 but nearly identical buttons on the button aisle were $2.50, so it pays to look in various departments.
Looking forward to making more puppets soon. But it's bedtime now.

Puppet Theater Collage

2008-07-12T15:48:00.001-07:00

Suzi Blu's puppet theater.

Just finished the Owl

2008-07-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

Crocheted owl finger puppet. I think it's the first owl finger puppet I've ever made.

Elephant, Butterfly, Frog & other new finger puppets

2008-07-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

I spent a few hours today finishing up some finger puppets and listing them in my Etsy shop. I have about 6 more nearly finished. I don't know why I let them sit so long before finishing them. They are a lot of fun to make.

Elephant wants to play.

2008-03-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

It turns out that making finger puppets is a very portable craft. I made this elephant while hanging out at an archery event.

Two new puppets

2008-03-13T23:53:00.000-07:00

I finished up the mousie and the second butterfly.

Little Mousie Puppet Video

2008-03-13T17:20:00.000-07:00

Keep in mind the complications of doing the puppet in the left hand while filming with the right hand. Plus I have no editing software, so this is without any editing whatsoever.

I just found out there is a review process that takes a few hours. I don't know if they are just reviewing it to make sure it is family friendly or if they judge by quality, but hopefully it will pass review even though it is my first attempt ever at submitting a video to metacafe.

Update: Well, the good news is it's working. The bad news is somehow in the uploading it lost the ending. At the ending it says "Little mousie signing off." Drat. Oh well, I guess I should enjoy it for what it is.

One Eyed Jack

2008-03-13T00:21:00.000-07:00

I find him endearing.

Puppet Making

2008-03-11T00:16:00.001-07:00

All the finger puppets I've been randomly working on are finally coming together. It's so nice to see all their personalities pop out.

Fashionistas

2008-03-09T23:14:00.001-07:00

I'm making 2 new fashionista finger puppets. All dolled up in their bright pink hair and neon lipstick, they are going out clubbing.

All I have to do is glue the lips and noses on. By the way, has anyone seen my glue? I just used it the day before yesterday.

Flickr Puppetry Goodness

2008-03-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

If you are on Flickr, you can visit my Tricksy Puppets. I list new things there all the time. I finally gave my puppets their very own "SET".

Four friends

2008-03-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

I just listed 4 new finger puppets in my Etsy Shop this morning. Work before pleasure eh? I hope someone likes them as much as I do. I think I like the frog the best. I wonder why I made 3 birds instead of 3 frogs. Maybe I think of birds being in flocks and frogs being alone. Who can figure out the artistic mind?

Finger Puppets

2008-03-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

Not a puppet but...

2008-03-04T16:45:00.000-08:00

I was taking photos of my newest finger puppets and the neighbor's car had a Jack in the Box antenna ball on it, so I thought, "Wouldn't it be neat to make my own antenna ball." I named him Bob, and I think I can use that idea to make a puppet head soon. So I figure Bob will get stolen or maybe blow off sooner or later (probably sooner) so I will have to enjoy him while he's around.

Crocheted Birdy Finger Puppet

2008-03-04T10:11:00.001-08:00

I just finished this little birdy.

Knitted Bunny Puppet

2008-03-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

Here is the start of the knitting bunny rabbit puppet. I have a long ways to go. But I worked on it some today.

Books about Puppets

2008-02-29T23:25:00.001-08:00

My puppet books came in to the library today. They both have interesting ideas in them.

Hug a Puppet

2008-02-27T19:18:00.000-08:00

I made a puppet treasury on Etsy just now because I'm in such a puppety mood. It expires in a few days, but the photo will stay on my blog. Or come see it live on Etsy while it's still up: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=30929

Puppet Making Books

2008-02-27T12:50:00.000-08:00

Last night I saw two puppetry books on Amazon that looked good; Puppet Planet and Puppet Mania. So today I looked for them at the library, and though that branch didn't have them they are in the system, so I ordered them. Yay for libraries.

Marina and I

2008-02-26T17:50:00.000-08:00

She's the main puppet I used at the Morro Bay Harbor Festival in CA.

More puppets I've made

2008-02-26T17:40:00.001-08:00

I had to snatch my puppet photos off of my Flickr Account. Sometimes that is easier than finding them on my hard drive.

These represent 3 types of puppets: finger puppets, hand puppets, and big mouth puppets.

I'm still looking.

2008-02-26T17:19:00.000-08:00

I know I have a lot more puppetry photos somewhere. Note to self: Don't just leave photos with only the IMGnumber as the title, actually put PUPPET on them or you can't find them later.

Sounds highly suspiciuos to me.

2008-02-26T16:29:00.000-08:00

Puppets seem to come and go with alarming regularity in my life. Since you never know what they are thinking they are always tricksy. Gotta keep an eye on them or they'll take over your life.

(The two puppets in the photos have both been sold already. Sorry).