I'm pleased "Calvin" has found a home. He ships out to Arkansas tomorrow. He's actually one of the few figures I've sold to a U.S. buyer. Some others are entertaining audiences in the United Arab Emirates, the Phillipines, Belguim, France and Germany to name a few.
I'm getting close to finishing another conversion figure, but I haven't made progress on my mold projects. This weekend I'll move it along. Thought I'd better check in with you, though, before you kick me off your blog-check list.
Welcome to the DummyStore.net blog, chronicling the adventures (and misadventures) of building professional ventriloquist dummies. It features tips, tricks and utter failures. Please feel free to submit comments, critiques and helpful suggestions.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Reality
Once again, reality is interloping on my figure-building efforts. (Job, community involvement, visitors, family, you name it). Not complaining, just explaining.
I completed the silicone rubber layers on the jaw pieces of my two original character heads. The silicone rubber hardened into a solid mold. Next step is to build a clay wall atop and around each rubber mold to begin the process of building the mothermold. I will use Smooth-On Plasti-Paste for that. You may remember that I didn't like plaster bandages as a mothermold because the dry plaster in the bandages tends to flake off. Plenty solid, but they make a mess.
I'm still spending some time building my conversion figures. Every figure is a little better than the last. But the most satisfying aspect is that I have projects that can be finished in a few weeks time. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I really missed finishing figures during the initial processes of creating my own original character molds. Being able to complete figures, even conversion figures, helps to maintain my forward momentum toward the completion of my first two original character molds. And as I mentioned before, I learn and perfect stuff.
I like that.
I completed the silicone rubber layers on the jaw pieces of my two original character heads. The silicone rubber hardened into a solid mold. Next step is to build a clay wall atop and around each rubber mold to begin the process of building the mothermold. I will use Smooth-On Plasti-Paste for that. You may remember that I didn't like plaster bandages as a mothermold because the dry plaster in the bandages tends to flake off. Plenty solid, but they make a mess.
I'm still spending some time building my conversion figures. Every figure is a little better than the last. But the most satisfying aspect is that I have projects that can be finished in a few weeks time. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I really missed finishing figures during the initial processes of creating my own original character molds. Being able to complete figures, even conversion figures, helps to maintain my forward momentum toward the completion of my first two original character molds. And as I mentioned before, I learn and perfect stuff.
I like that.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Messy stuff
I've finally started the molds for my first two original characters. One is a cheeky boy, the other an old coot. The first step is to make molds of the jaw pieces. That's my job today.The Smooth-On 10-to-1 silicone rubber mixture I'm using is messy stuff. The Part A substance is white, thick and gooey. It's difficult to transfer from it's tub to mixing cup. The best way seems to be with a large popsicle stick. The Part B stuff is a purple liquid in a container that doesn't pour very well. It tends to run down the side. Not a very good container design, I'm afraid.
I'm weighing the ingredients on an electronic gram scale. It seems like it's mixed properly, but I won't know until the mold is finished.Smooth-On has a video that I'm reviewing as I make these molds. I sure hope this works because it's a lot of work and not much fun.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Andy
Meet Andy, my newest "performer" looking for a stage. He'll go up for auction on Ebay real soon.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
No TV?
The YouTube site seems to be down tonight, so I can't do a video blog. So I'll blog the old fashioned way... with text. (My oh my, the world sure does change fast).
I'm nearing completion of my newest conversion figure. I've made a few improvements as I experiment with new techniques. Instead of pulleys, I've taken to using rods and spinning tubes. However, when mounting the rods and tubes horizontally, it was difficult keeping the Magic-Sculp (which is used to attach the rod to each side of the head) from affecting the free spinning of the tubes. Awhile back, I picked up some tiny rubber washers, This time, I put a washer on each end of the rod, then pressed the rubber washer into the Magic-Sculp which acted as a flat barrier protecting the tube from the Magic-Sculp. Worked like a charm.
My point is, as I build these little fellas, I pick up more and more little tricks that make the next time a little easier.
I'm nearing completion of my newest conversion figure. I've made a few improvements as I experiment with new techniques. Instead of pulleys, I've taken to using rods and spinning tubes. However, when mounting the rods and tubes horizontally, it was difficult keeping the Magic-Sculp (which is used to attach the rod to each side of the head) from affecting the free spinning of the tubes. Awhile back, I picked up some tiny rubber washers, This time, I put a washer on each end of the rod, then pressed the rubber washer into the Magic-Sculp which acted as a flat barrier protecting the tube from the Magic-Sculp. Worked like a charm.
My point is, as I build these little fellas, I pick up more and more little tricks that make the next time a little easier.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Wally world
My conversion figure is completed. I've dubbed him "Wally". I'm very pleased with how well he turned out. His mechanics are smooth and I made most of his components myself. Thanks to Buzz James of Braylu Creations for the wood body and stuffed arms and legs.
Wally will be looking for a permanent home starting tomorrow on Ebay.
Wally will be looking for a permanent home starting tomorrow on Ebay.
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