"Titten Tei" vs. "Hepatitten Tei"

Now the puppet is made, and can begin his "life journey".

But I thought I'd show you some reference pictures of the puppet my character is based on.



A generation of Norwegians have grown up with "Titten Tei" on tv.
He was a very kind and sweet character, and we all loved him.



Now it's time for his unknown half-brother to appear from the dark... ;)
A vicious and hateful puppet, that only thinks of bad things to do.
Drinking, smoking and with an awful temper.



So now it's off to conquer the world!

Moooo-haaaa-haaaa-haaaa-haaaa!

Highly recommended!

And for those of you who haven't checked out the excellent puppet website yet:
http://www.puppetsinprague.eu/

I highly recommend the course if you want to learn more about puppetry and the art of carving.

And if you haven't checked out my work ;)

http://effektmakeren.no/

Peace.

Summary day

Today we gathered and Mirek had a recap on every detail of designing, drawing, construction etc.
All the small details, tools, materials and so on.





I filmed yesterday's performance, and are now trying to create a DVD film of it.

Performance

The day of performance.
We rehearsed the show a couple of times on the place.
A local cafe.








And at 18.30 we performed for an audience of about 25 people.

I think we did ok.
And after the show we were all received a diploma and the "puppet Oscar" ;)
For our outstanding work and performance. ;)





I managed to tangle all the strings on the puppet so much, I had to take it apart :S

I'll restring it tomorrow.

Day 11

Practice and show rehearsals today.




The show will be on Friday afternoon, not Saturday.




One of the legs on my puppet got slightly broken. Glued it and put a leatherpiece over it - like a
"bandaid".







More rehearsals.




Now off to relax and grab a few... ;)

Day 10

Today we all had to finish our puppets.
So we could started practicing and figuring out what to perform on Saturday's puppet show/event.







We stared to improvise different themes, and from this we created a storyline.
I think we have come up with some pretty good stories
;) - now we need to refine them and practice.
And find "the red line" for the show.





Also "learned" two children songs, to be performed at the show.

Wired and stringed the small puppets too, and finished the details.
I'm happy with how they turned out.













Tomorrow more puppet practice and to create the show.

Dinnertime

Day 9 - part 2

Mirek is looking over my shoulder now, slightly annoyed it seems - since I focus a bit too much on the turtle and bunny puppets. ;)







So I got started on the painting of Hepatitten Tei .
Made a large batch of pinkish color and gave him a base coat.







And then using a few washes of darker reds and brown.
Started to glue loops of hair/yarn into the holes in the head by poking them inside with a rod.




Finished the controller.





Then a bit of costuming. I have weathered alot since this picture. Torn and filthy. ;)
Need to attach the turtleneck on the sweater tomorrow.




Mirek stayed late today, so around 20 o'clock we started to string the puppet to the controller.




But to hungry to do more work today, so i left him hanging there... ;)









Tomorrow - finish line...

Late dinner now. :)

Day 9

Ok. Tomorrow will be the last day of puppetmaking, so we all need to finish soon.

Started the day with an hour lecture in manipulation.





So we continued on painting and costuming.



I had a discussion with Mirek on how I could string my tiny puppets.
He suggested wire through the body, instead if head.
I was planning only strings, but as they are made for my boys - wire is better.

After lunch we had lecture on how to string a puppet. ;)














Starting with the 2 strings on the head, then 2 on the shoulders. Then the 1 on the back - then the legs, and last the hands.










A puppet is "born" ;)
Now it needs testing and maybe slight adjustments.

Lunch

Day 8 - part 2

Back from lunch I eagerly got started on painting my small puppets. :D



The teacher showed us how to use the watered down acrylics, and then wipe it of with a cloth.



I love this :)

Next up - turtle.





Ready set ... Go ;)


Tomorrow it's time to paint and finish the costume on the large puppet.

Now off for dinner at Mirek's place.

Day 8

Today we are to paint and dress our puppets.
First a lecture on painting.






Before we can paint the wood, we paint on a layer wooden glue, diluted with water.
This both seals the surface and gives it a even surface to paint on. But we have to keep it away from all the joints and moving parts.
Then let it dry and sand it slightly before ready for paint.






We are using acrylic paint, and are told to use washes of color. Lots of water in it.

Then a small talk about costumes, what to think about regarding size, colors and fabric.





I have managed to carve the turtle and bunny ready, and gave them the same treatment.





Went out to get ahold of some "hair" yarn, and are now drilling holes in the head so I can glue yarn into head.





Then right before lunch, we had a quick walkthrough on the string puppet controller.





Lunch

Day 7 - part 2

Carving anyone? ;)

Then we had lecture about wirepuppet, and the rod in the head. Using propane torch to heat, and bend the metal.


A bit later we had a lecture on how to attach the head with a piece if leather on the string type of puppet.

We have now fixed all the joints with copper wires. In a way that they may be undone if in need of repair.


Got started on the hands and feet for the turtle and bunny too.



Using a small piece of leather string to connect the legs/arms. Also making individual fingers with it.

More pics later.

Tomorrow lectures in costume and painting.