From: =?Windows-1252?Q?Mathieu_Ren=E9?= <creaturiste-AT-magma.ca>
To: <PaperMacheArt-AT-yahoogroups.com>, <PuppetCafe-AT-yahoogroups.com>,
Date: Thu, 4 Aug 2005 22:38:32 -0400
Cc: 
Subject: [Puptcrit] Walkin' puppet



I made a movement experiment today, and I like the result.

I needed:
- a walking puppet that can be manipulated by one person.
-Good as a toy AND a performing puppet.
-Lightweight
-Small
-head holds itself up, but can be moved when needed.
-Independant head movements while walking would be an extra.


Well, I did it.
I made a pair of feet and legs that go just under the knee (no femur). (hard foam + wooden dowel, covered with paper pulp) I made a test head from a piece of hard foam.
I made the upper legs(femur) with two pieces of open-cell polyurethane foam(airfoam).
I hot glued the legs to the foam, and the foam to the hard foam.

Result: a puppet that walks when you hold the legs, and the hip movement is surprisingly satisfactory. The head tilts from side to side, following the walk.

What really makes it work is the weight of the feet compared to the lightness of the rest.
The puppet stands on its own.

Great as a biped creature. I'mt hinking bird or Upright Dinosaur. Could be made to work with a variety of creatures, including humanoid.
Airfoam holds it shape well, providing there is not too much weight squishing it.

I will post pictures when I have a finished puppet.
Next modifications on the principle: a little dowel behind the head. Perhaps at the heels. Maybe a a body and a neck for a future model.



Mathieu René Créaturiste
Marionnettes, Masques, Etcetera...
Puppets, Masks, Etcetera...
creaturiste-AT-magma.ca
www.creaturiste.com
(514) 274-8027
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