Hey puppet builders, crafters, DIY-ers, and students!
There are a lot of dangerous tools and toxic chemicals that go into creating a professional-quality puppet. We wanted to share some helpful tips and tricks that will help you for years to come whether you’re just getting started or an experienced builder. Since this is a LARGE topic, we’re going to cover the basics with common tools/materials/practices that most professional puppet shops and builders traditionally use.
As always, let us know if you have any thoughts, ideas, or start a discussion that can help strengthen our community in the comments section below. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.
Before we begin…
REGARDLESS of what material OR tool you are using, PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES AND USAGES FOR EACH PRODUCT. If you are a minor, please ask your parent or guardian for assistance.
Now that that’s out of the way… let’s dive in!
In safety, it’s all about protecting yourself and those around you. There have been many professional puppet builders who have gotten hurt over the years because they’ve skipped a step or weren’t careful. It’s just NOT worth it. Please take your time and be safe so you can enjoy creating high-quality puppets.
3 Steps TO SAFETY:
1.) Proper safety equipment
2.) Proper ventilation
3.) Common sense
Remember those 3-steps moving forward. Now let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of recommended tools and solutions.
FIRST AID KIT
ALWAYS keep these on hand. You never know when you’ll need them and if/when you do, you’ll be glad you have one.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
You never know when a tool might burn out, a chemical might react a certain way OR a fire breaks out in any capacity. Having this tool around your shop is NECESSARY.
GLOVES
Protect your hands at all times. Chemicals WILL get into your skin. Long-term exposure to resins to the skin is not good as one can become sensitized to them, at which point you’re likely not even get near them without having an allergic reaction.
Some of the most common tools we will need gloves for is as follows: Contact Cement, Epoxy, Resins, Sprays, Butane Fuel, Etc.
GOGGLES/EYE SAFETY
When sanding/grinding, etc. You don’t want anything to get in your eyes.
SINK
If possible, have a slop sink around you. (Most professional shops will have these) Not only for washing your hands BUT also in case if you do get something in your eye - you have a place to go.
RESPIRATOR
We also highly recommend investing in a respirator (that’s fitted to your face and has the proper cartridges) - always use these while working. Protect your lungs and organs - they’re important!
(We’ve attached two below recommended for most puppet building applications including contact cement)
VENTILATION:
ALWAYS WORK IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA when working with contact cement, spray paint, and any resins/chemicals regardless of type.
Solutions for ventilation:
1.) When possible, we always recommend working outdoors.
2.) If your shop or garage has good airflow, this works well. When using this option, we of course recommend a respirator and use of a fan. Setting up a fan will allow you to blow the chemicals away from you and work to push the fumes out of your space.
3.) Invest in a ventilation table - these are GREAT if you’re working in a small space and don’t have a lot of ventilation. You can work inside of it freely while the inside fan pushes out all of the toxic fumes out of a drier duct and outside.
Additional resources for ventilation: westsystem.com - EXPOY SAFETY
Keeping your work area clean:
It’s important to keep your work area clean whether you’re working from home, garage or in a shop - not only will it keep you more organized, but it will also prevent cross-contamination of products (Plus your employer would appreciate it)
That’s all for now. We hope you found this blog helpful.
Please let us know if you have any thoughts or ideas in the comments section below OR on social media. Be sure to subscribe & follow for more and please be sure to share this with other community members!
Thanks so much, we’ll see you in the next blog!
