Monday, May 4, 2009

Paging captain Hook

Saturday was merrily spent making a custom puppet on the roof. I thought I would share some pictures of the process, as well as an unexpected guest that popped by while I was working.

So, this lovely couple ordered a custom made look alike hand puppet for their daughter (I will not post her photo here, but she is very beautiful and the parents approve of the outcome, so you can imagine a little girl who looks like the puppet, only slimmer and taller). They asked me to let them dress her, so I didn't prepare a wardrobe for her (pity, I love that part).

So I dye the foam, cut it, buy several gallons of glue in assorted formats (tubes and jars) and head on with the work of assembly also known as "giving birth".

A view of the operating table
A view of the operating table

Once the basic body is complete, several hours later, the real fun begins - creating the character. Equipped with the photo of my customer, I start sculpturing her face. It took me half an hour to decide where to place the nose, while my trusty sidekick brushed the would-be hair.

Nose in progress
Waiting for a schnoz

At this point, my assistant started coughing and pointing. Pinky (who was also there to "help" us) realized what he was pointing at quicker than me, and grabbed my camera to save this moment for the ages.



After capturing Pinky, my mom ran to fetch some carrot (she decided this guy would like one) but by the time she returned, it already flew away. Pinky says it has nothing to do with him, but we say "yer, whatever".

Now it was time for finishing touches - hair placed, styled, and trimmed. Nose and ears in place. Deep brown hand painted eyes with golden sparkle accents. Makeup applied, and voila - the little lady was all set.

Custom made hand puppet

Nice flowers

My lovely partner, after learning that most of my custom made puppets are either husband look alikes or kids look alikes , came up with the idea of a custom family therapy hand puppet set. Sit your entire custom made family down with a hand puppet shrink, and let them blame each other for this, that, and the other while you and your real family enjoy a nice day in the country or at the movies. That, my friends, is what I call a startup.

9 comments:

Linda said...

Love the operating table and the chat about the whole process. How did you learn how to do all this?

Sharona R - שרונה ראובני said...

Several years at puppetry school, my dear friend. We learned to make this specific type of muppet on the first year of class, and from that pattern I developed my smaller types.

ayelet(nishale) said...

Ho!!!!!!!! you made a marvelous job, my dear!!!!!!
love all the pics proccess,
I am going to look pinki film!
kisses!

Sharona R - שרונה ראובני said...

Thank you my dear, I love your avatar and the layout of your blog. They look wonderful!

Oh, did you join my blog giveaway? Free gifty poohs!!

http://raisinlike.blogspot.com/2009/05/blog-giveaway-may-2009.html

Anonymous said...

She's fantastic and your little visitor is too cute!

Ooty said...

=0)

Valerie's Essentials said...

Yes that's my favorite part too! The operating table! You are so funny Sharona!!! LOVED IT!

Sharona R - שרונה ראובני said...

Thanks :o)

Did you guys join the blog giveaway? I'm giving it another shot here.

Junie said...

I JUST ADORE this PUPPET !! As ever my friend you are soooooo talented !!!