My marionettes are created with a literal sum of parts. The progression shown below is just one example of the many types of marionettes I am capable of constructing.
Clay sculpted feet
The clay sculpted feet which are used to create a plaster mold. That mold is cast in neoprene which then can be used in building or sealed and used to master several soft latex molds which can be used to make alumilite or castings of similar products. It is the very start of the process.
Casting
The alumilite casting in this demonstration of the chicken head does not come out perfect so those imperfections are corrected with putty wood or similar products to smooth and reinforce those areas that will be animated.
Corrections
After the imperfections are corrected the openings where animations will be created are cut out saving the cut away section for use in the animation eyes will be made from wood however the mouth jaw cut out will be reattached on a hinge point for that animation. The pieces are also primed (Gesso) at this point to make it easier to see any further imperfections and further fills are made if needed.
The feet
The feet on this piece also have been cast in a solid alumilite to add weight to them. They will be covered in a soft felt in this project.
Arms and Legs
Arms and Legs made out of wood covered in the same Felt attached to the body with denim sleeves (Top). Feet covered as previously mentioned, hands will be articulated (Cut and re-assembled to give better character or create a certain aspect clutching etc.
Hands
Hands complete middle fingers articulated down she will be a singer so I want a lot of hand expression that she can play off from.
The body
Assembly of the body attaching the arms legs etc. The body for this piece is a product called “Vacuform”. It allows me to create several permanent die type molds. It is a thin heated plastic that I then extrude against the die to take the shape. It makes for a very light body that is reinforced with a wood understructure and joined with heavy felt and CA products to ensure strong bonding and maximum life. You can also see on the head some additional fill that was done after the Gesso was applied.
Animations
Animations of the eyes and mouth are done prior to the heads finish painting. The only exception to this would be eyes which sometimes are painted prior only if a good fit can be made without permanently installing them. Often however to ensure the best focus look this work is the final step not during assembly.
Eyes, eyebrows, and eyelids
Eyes, eyebrows, eyelids, Beak are complete and she starts taking on her personality at this point. This is my favorite part of the process.
The hair
The hair on this piece is comprised of pin curls out of yarn. She is an old school farm girl so she has to be tidy no dangling hair on this little lady it just wouldn’t be proper.
The hat
Not often but sometimes like in the case of this hat I couldn’t make one better. However I just can’t leave it stock.
All fixed up
Hat fixed up into her best spring bonnet with scarf lace to match her dress all of our costumes are hand made for each individual piece. Per the movement of the character often, you need to create a piece of clothing that will look good but allow for the mechanics or just to fit like it should. We don’t believe that this can be done with a rack doll clothing or other products. And with Puppets, especially marionettes, movement is everything. We will also subscribe to this philosophy and standard.
