From: Elizabeth Luce <ealuce-AT-earthlink.net>
Date: Sat, 15 Sep 2007 09:29:52 -0700
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Creating shadow puppets using polycarbonate


Lexan, which is a polycarbonate material, is excellent for making  
shadow puppets. It looks like acrylic, but isn't brittle, and in the  
right thickness, can be cut with scissors. I can't remember the  
thickness I buy ( .03 ml maybe?) -it's similar to the that of a  
credit card. I use heavy-duty scissors to cut it, the kind that can  
cut through a penny, or are used for cutting chicken bones.

Use the Lexan in combination with black contact paper (vinyl really)  
made by Rubbermaid. You can cover the Lexan, draw your designs in  
white pencil and then cut away the parts you want clear, such as eyes  
and decorations. Although the contact paper is sold everywhere, the  
black is a little harder to find. If nothing else, it can be ordered  
in 50 yard lengths from Rubbermaid.

It's more expensive than cardboard or heavy paper, but your puppets  
will last forever, so if you are creating a show that will perform  
many times, it's worth it.

If you email me off-line with your address, I would be happy to send  
you a sample of the Lexan I use. Then you can see the thickness and  
test it out a bit.

-Elizabeth


On Sep 15, 2007, at 9:00 AM, puptcrit-request-AT-puptcrit.org wrote:

> Message: 3
> Date: Sat, 15 Sep 2007 10:25:13 EDT
> From: Springgoddess-AT-aol.com
> Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Creating shadow puppets using polycarbonate
> To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
> Message-ID: <bf9.212fb57a.341d4549-AT-aol.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
>
> Greetings all,
>
> Okay, once again I am on a puppet journey.  I am trying to create   
> shadow
> puppets and have researched on the internet for the best materials  
> to use  for
> creation.  I've tried black card stock and office folders, but  
> find  both too
> floppy in the end.  I need a material that doesn't require a   
> commercial piece
> of machinery to cut.  Does anyone have any  suggestions?  Thanks to  
> all.
>
> Michele

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