Date: Tue, 07 Nov 2006 08:20:43 -0500
From: Liz Evans <liz-AT-etherboy.com>
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Paper Mache: the vermin problem again


Mathieu,
> 
> I don't know, but I hate the idea of having to use rodent poison to get rid 
> of them.
> I used to work as a janitor in a theatre, and I found a cute brown mouse 
> suffering from the poison. It was being dehydrated from within, as if 
> digested by itself. Can you imagine the pain? I could feel part of it, I 
> guess anybody would. I was forced to do my first mercy killing. How can 
> anyone use this kind of critter-control method when knowing full-well the 
> painful effects? There are humane traps available, darnit!
Where did this come from.  I don't think I said anything about poison.
I am one of those people who brakes for squirrels even if it pisses 
other people off behind me.  I too have never used that viscous stuff.

> Your puppets must cost a lot of money on Model Magic, the stuff is not so 
> cheap, even in bulk. Plus it dries fast!

Actually they do not, and if you learn how to work with the model magic, 
you can increase your working time significantly.  My whole head is not
model magic, I start with a styrofoam ball or egg and do initial carving 
in that, then I do add on and detail work with model magic.  Our really
big guys, like our Whales, those are carved out of insulation foam and
structured with Steal boning and such ( really a combination of a lot of
materials.  But to give you an idea about cost.  Alice's head and sub 
structure was probably about $20-$25 dollars, Wig $15, Costume maybe $5.
So at the outside $45 dollars,  Not including Man hours of course.  She
stands 24" and weighs in at around 1.25 lbs.

I can work on a face with the Model Magic for as long as 20 minutes in a 
section before I have to damp towel and bag it.  But since most of the
big carving is done in the styrofoam, this is usually plenty of time.
You can also add to the Model magic as it sticks to itself very nicely.


Best,

K. Elizabeth Evans, President & Artistic Director
Renaissance Artist Puppet Company
http://www.RenArtPuppetCo.com
610-630-4259
Company performing -AT-
The Montgomery County Cultural Center
208 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA

Renaissance Artist Puppet Company's
mission is to promote excellence in puppetry as a
Theatrical art form and as an Educational tool by incorporating
historical and cultural diversity along with quality performance
techniques to tell our stories.
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