Monday, June 16, 2014

Uses For Handmade Full Body Puppets For Sale

By Kenya Campos


Festivals and local retail shops often feature a variety of puppets for sale. There are also several venues and uses for handmade full body puppets for sale. Many festivals around the world also feature these colorful and lively costumes and objects in a variety of parades.

The puppets are usually made based on a specific character, movie, television show or theme. There are those which one can wear as clothing and others which can be carried or ridden on stilts. Regardless, these puppets often bring a sense of humor and excitement into many communities.

Popular children oriented television and amusement park entrances were some of the first to use full sized puppets. Art and music festivals, schools, theaters and other similar venues started using them a bit later in education, festivals, plays and other programs. While some are based on well known characters, others are based on fairy tales and creatures like dragons and unicorns.

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.

Whether purchased locally, online, or handmade at home, these giant characters can offer a variety of education, entertainment and fun to all who come in contact with them. From children and teens to adults, almost nothing can bring a smile to a face quicker than a life sized puppet, especially one in action.

It is important when using a costume to create air holes so the individual can breathe. Eye openings are another important feature when wearing a character costume. Both of which are necessary for safety of oneself and others and essential to successful operation.

When creating a life sized character by hand, it is important to use light weight fabric as individuals can often become overheated when wearing costumes made of heavier fabrics like leather and velvet. Cotton or hemp can provide a lighter weight costume that is both easy to wear and move. Heavier fabrics can also pose a problem when it comes to ease of movement so lighter weight options are often preferable.

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.

It is good to acquire liability insurance if not covered by an event promoter. If there were to be an injury while walking on stilts, or wearing a costume oriented puppet, the owner of the puppet or promoter may be held responsible. One reason most event promoters either provide or require liability insurance from those wishing to wear or work these giant puppets.




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