File puptcrit/puptcrit.0607, message 292


From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?Mathieu_Ren=E9?= <creaturiste-AT-magma.ca>
To: <puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org>
Date: Sat, 29 Jul 2006 03:43:16 -0400
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Shadow puppet sticks



Hi DMCG.

I'm no shadow puppet maker (yet), but maybe these leads might help start a 
brainstorm:

I've read about some shadows where the central rod is nearly invisible (even 
away from the shadow, being attached behind the figure at an angle, 
depending on the light source(s). Even for tanslucent shadows, it might 
work, if you include an opaque area in your original design (a figure's 
pouch, a belt, a shield...) and attach the rod or rods there.


Lots of plastics are rather easy to bend into shape, using heat (I used a 
heat gun to shape my oversize bathroom towel poles out of PVC pipes). I know 
some hobby shops sell plastic rods. much like brass or copper rods are sold 
for model making.

The trouble would  be to find the right stiffness for what you need, but 
then, a simple test will tell you if that specific plastic can be shaped 
enough for your needs.

Otherwise, why not make a wire outline on each of your puppets (I know, lots 
of intricate work), and then prop that over the bent end of your vcentral 
rod, ans twist them together with a finer wire, and/or solder...



Another wacky idea would be to try using use feather quills as parts of some 
of your frames . Some are very strong and lots are translucent. Cool effect 
maybe if translucent enough for shadows. Could be used for birds, fish and 
the likes.  Maybe even vould be pushed to make skeletons...
Remove the feather part and use only the "fin".
I've seena amzing results when some paper mache contact of mine made a 
realistic fish fin using a chciken quill pressed between two sheets of 
strong rice paper. TRanslucent, and almost identical to a picture he took of 
a real fish fin at a history museum.





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

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