Thursday, June 12, 2014

Discovering Handmade Full Body Puppets For Sale

By Kenya Campos


It is often easy to find traditional puppets for sale. There are many shops and toy stores which not only carry but often specialize in a variety of puppets. Locating handmade full body puppets for sale may be more difficult. The internet can provide a great deal of insight on where to find these and other hard to find costumes, puppets and other objects.

While often based on specific characters or themes, custom orders are also available. These can be especially helpful for those wanting a unique design. Custom orders are also essential when needing more than one design of the same character or a set of related ones as often no two are exactly alike.

Often seen at circuses, festivals, schools and part of theater productions, many are related to well known characters, movies and television shows. While others are based on animals, and fairy tale creatures such as dragons and unicorns. Those whom create these designs often say the sky is the limit when it comes to creativity.

When unable to find the type of character one is looking for, making the costume or life sized puppet is another option. Those interested in creating and designing life sized puppets can often find a list of items needed along with instructions on many craft oriented websites. After which, the individual can obtain the different pieces and fabrics from local craft oriented retailers, or online.

The more colorful the life sized character costume or puppet, the better. Audiences are often left in shock and awe when seeing a colorful character in action. Whether walking on stilts, or wearing a costume moved by the individuals' own body parts, color and add-ons such as beads, gems and moving parts often excite the crowd whether at a festival, in a parade or as part of a theater production.

Whether buying or making a full sized body puppet, there are some things which are important to consider. The individual wearing a costume design has to be able to see, breathe and walk without tripping oneself or others. Creating air holes in the nose area and eyes are of great importance as to provide a safe experiencing while dressed in any costume. It is highly recommended that those walking on stilts attached to a giant puppet be trained by a professional stilt walker to avoid injury.

Being able to breathe easily is another reason to select and use light weight fabrics. Many park employees of the past have often complained about the heat while wearing costumes made of leather, velvet or other thick and heavy fabrics. Two great options for designing lighter weight costumes and puppets are that of cotton and hemp both of which are generally available at fabric stores and online.

It is important that when using a character or other trademarked image to obtain permission before creating and wearing the design. This is because when using a copyright or trademark without permission, the owner of the costume or the event promoter may find oneself in legal trouble. There are a number of copyrights and trademarks which have expired as well as a number of characters now available in the public domain individuals can use to avoid any legal issues.

Liability insurance is also a good idea whether wearing a life sized puppet costume, carrying a tall puppet, or walking on stilts. Most festivals and theatrical productions who encourage individuals to participate in using such items often carry their own insurance. It is always good to inquire though because if not, and there is an injury, the individual and event organizers may be held responsible.




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