Mr. Summer Salt is a last minute addition to my 2026 puppets, and as such I really don't have time scheduled to build him.
Mr. Summer Salt
The success of this Tumbling Monkey in my 2025 show made me want to build a dedicated Clown puppet to do the same thing in 2026
as such I really don't have time scheduled to build him.
Mr. Summer Salt is a last minute addition to my 2026 puppets, and
So if he is going to happen at all, he has to be built simple and fast.
It's all Lady Janes fault !
I blame my good friend Jane from Heights.
We were having Lunch and a wander round the shops, when I spotted these two dresses in a charity shop.
I'd promised myself I wasn't going to spend any money on puppet fabrics.
But Jane said they would make a nice puppet ...and I am easily tempted !
The Bunny Bouncer
Designs often change during a build. Never more so than with this puppet.
Especially as there has to be TWO versions of the same character.
Armed only with a rough design based on the fabrics, I decided to make a fast start. Strike while the iron was hot.
Some polystyrene Easter decorations from The Range made a good base to build on.
Cardboard, tin foil and electrical tape did the rest.
Two versions : the 'Puppet' on a long stick, and the shorter 'Stunt' version.
All ready to cover with PVA wood glue anchor cottton fabric.
Nice outdoor work on the first sunny day of Spring.
Only needs a second coat on some parts.
The front of the face will be pulp.
I had the thought that he was jumpy and bouncy because he liked bunnies.
Ideas change, and so must the design of a character.
For speed of getting him built, the bunnies were bought from Amazon.
Yes, I could have made them myself. But I don't have time to make six
The change of plan meant the insides of the hats needed to be ripped out.
Fabric and PVA glue and sewing cotton used to strengthen the cut hats.
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Internal 'body' of the stick puppet with D-Ring for hanging him up in the theatre.
Time to crochet wig bases and knot wool hair into wigs.
Just have to try on on for size !
Stick is painted then varnished. Alongside another puppet at exactly the same stage.
A nice dry, sunny Spring day. Just perfect for painting outdoors.
LOTS MORE PICTURES AND INFO WILL BE ADDED TO THIS PAGE IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE
CHECK BACK AGAIN SOON Cheers Richard.
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