Since the fall of 1984 I have been involved in doing puppet ministry. It all started when I was a student at Northeastern Bible College. Each student had to do something called "Christian Service" in order to receive credit. It was my hope that semester that I would discover what my talent was. I tried for every other ministry except puppet ministry because I was not a big fan of working with kids. God had other plans. Puppet ministry was the only open door for me that semester and I walked through it! Within a month, I became the director with absolutely no knowledge of puppet ministry whatsoever. I also directed that ministry the following semester as well. When I returned home from college, my church heard that I did puppet ministry and again I directed the puppet ministry for years well into the beginning of my pastorate as a children's pastor. I always had interest in doing ventriloquism but never knew where to begin. I had a few characters I used in front of the stage where my lips moved and it proved to be successful. I used two characters, Barney Bagel, a horrible looking puppet I found at the church along with Denny the Donkey, a character I used who came out of an oats sack who was always enthusiastic. In 2001, I decided I needed a new method of reaching children and families so after attending a Children's Pastors Conference in San Diego, CA that featured some prominent ventriloquists, I knew it was time to "take the plunge." One of the ventriloquists handed me a book on ventriloquism and I watched it till I wore it out. I bought my first figure "Grandpa Lou" and I have to admit I was very nervous using this newfound method. I practiced his voice in my car as I was driving for months and set the date for his debut that summer at Vacation Bible School. Boy, was I nervous when I did Grandpa Lou for the first time. It was a huge hit. So huge that my pastor asked me to do Grandpa Lou for the Sunday morning service the Sunday after Vacation Bible School. For many years I have purchased other characters and have developed them in my outreach programs as well as at my previous church. With all that said, I am trying my hand at something new. Something I have never done before. Making my own puppets!
I have always bought my puppets through companies such as Puppet Productions, One Way Street and Axtell Expressions. They are very costly. That's why you will never ever hear of a store called "Puppets 'R Us" or "Puppet Depot." They are not a high commodity. As I looked at various characters I wanted to develop, I discovered that I was in no position financially to buy them so I had to go with Plan B...building my own puppets. Here is the thing though. I might be creative in my writing and creative in ideas I have developed in my children's ministry. When It comes to being "crafty", let's just say it is not my gift. I even struggle "coloring in the lines!" In the last 36 years, I have made ONE PUPPET! Dennis Ball. I tennis ball I glued eyes and a nose on as well as hair and lips. I cut a hole for his mouth and he is my only claim to fame as a puppet builder. As I'm working on a limited budget, I am now building 3 new characters
Chilly the Snowman - An outdoor Christmas snowman decoration I am making into a puppet character. He is as tall as me and has lights. It's been a lot of fun working on him.
Scotty the Singing Christmas Stocking - A 4 foot tall Christmas stocking I purchased from Oriental Trading company that I plan on putting on a stand and adding eyes, a nose and a mouth. He is going to sing Christmas songs!
Rocky Bambino - A rock puppet that will have similar characteristics as the fictional Rocky Balboa character that will feature a fedora, a band aid on his face and he will help me do rope tricks.
Puppet building has become a new hobby for me. I enjoy thinking of new ideas. have discovered one thing about me. I am happiest when I get to be creative!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!!
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