File spoon-archives/puptcrit.archive/puptcrit_2003/puptcrit.0312, message 72


Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2003 11:00:14 -0500
From: Liz Evans <liz-AT-etherboy.com>
Subject: Re: PUPT: Scott Foam, latex foam, etc...


Mathieu,

I think you may have gotten some specials mixed up.  Only because I have
worked with Latex Foam on occasions, and if you heated it to the 3000
degrees
it would probably melt an burn.

It is rather partial to temps in the 200's sometime higher if the mold
being used is very thick.  It is crap for durability.  Great for that 
special effect, but if you're filming or performing live, you better
have
lots of replicas. For the same reason they look so life like, they also
rip very easily.  

All foams will break down over time, and all latex products will break
down. Your life expectancy is in your storage habits.  If you are kind
to your pieces, they will be kind to you.  In general, all the products
that we use to make our puppets with enjoy the dark and do not
appreciate Oxygen the way we do, and they aren't real crazy about
extreme temperatures.

So if you want a long life for your puppet, no matter what you make it
with,
Some good rules to follow are:

Don't just toss them in a trunk or bag when you are not using them. 
Have
holders for characters like Table Top Rods that can support under the
arm 
pits or if they are built free standing give them a nice black bag to
wear
and a nice shelf to sit on (Black bags are all the rage in the puppet 
garment industry).

Puppets that can hang, should, but don't forget that fashionable ship
cover.
I know we all like to see our friends when we walk into our shops, but
if
you are going to display, don't forget to rotate, or be prepared to
replace.

If you have to trunk you puppets, make sure each has it's own bag, so
it's
arms rods, hair, etc. don't get tangled up with other puppets.

And don't leave your puppets where they are exposed to extreme temps,
cold
or heat.  Both are very damaging to most glues, foams, and latex
products.

Well, just my two cents.

Hope all are happy and well during this holiday season.  Hey good
news for the economy, we hope. Hussane captured.  Perhaps a bit more
celebrating with live entertainment.


Best,

Liz
K. Elizabeth Evans, Artistic Director
Renaissance Artist Puppet Company

Puppeteers of America
Mid Atlantic Regional Director 2001/03

http://www.RenArtPuppetCo.com
We provide Puppet Theatre performances and Art Residency programs.
We can build your Puppets, Props, and Mascots.


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