Date: Thu, 25 May 2006 18:23:27 -0400
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] composition casting




danvie-AT-lightspeed.ca wrote:
> Interesting article, Mathieu!  The composition I'm familiar with is a 
> liquid latex slip with some kind of filler added.  


Yes... I'm glad that you mentioned that, Dan. Not all composition 
recipes resulted in a thermoplastic material, like the one listed in 
Mathieu's link. There were many different proprietary formulas used, 
from what I've been able to pick up over the years - though I was mainly 
interested in learning about the type of composition used in doll and 
puppet making, and not architectural ornaments.

Here's a link to the same information that Mathieu presented, but this 
site has better navigation, photos, and a shorter URL...

http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/TPS/briefs/brief34.htm


I've heard good things about paperclay. (The ceramic/paper-fiber blend - 
not the Creative brand paperclay sold in craft stores.) I still haven't 
tried using it myself, but I remember that it was discussed on this list 
a few years back - mainly by Dave Riley in 2001 or 2002. I can't recall 
if it can be used as a slip in a slush mold, (is that the right term?), 
but it might be worth checking out. Commercially prepared paperclay can 
be purchased in a dry, powdered form or as a regular, moist clay. From 
what I recall, the Australian Graham Hay was an early proponent of the 
medium...

http://www.grahamhay.com.au/


I would love to hear more on the subject of composition used in the 
fabrication of puppet parts - whatever the ingredients used, if anyone 
has more information. However, I worked for six years in the electronics 
industry using solvents similar to acetone and MEK on a daily basis, in 
a shop that didn't provide proper education, protection, or ventilation 
for their use, and would appreciate learning about puppet building 
materials and techniques that wouldn't subject my body to further 
exposure to harmful chemicals.

Thanks,

Ron Glasgow
Cumming GA
USA
_______________________________________________
List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Admin interface: http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
Archives: http://www.driftline.org