Shop Talk

Four different materials were used to make these heads,

but a little paint applied with care gives them all something in common.

New #248 Pro-Value 36" Figure

This is my most recent completion of the Maher "retro" figures. I have posted additional photos here: http://mrdsfigures.blogspot.com/

Maher Honor Roll Graduates

SUMMER 2011 GRADUATES:

* * * * *

NEW MILLENNIUM BASIC MAHER COURSE

Ronald G. Arnold Jr. (TX)

Pip Carter (Australia)

Karen Climer (FL)

Tyne Gravolin (Australia)

Peter Hill (Australia)

Thomas Michael McClure (CA)

Kristine Myers (PA)

Takako Nagamine (Switzerland)

Steve A. Pataky (PA)

Hillary Saffran (AK)

Jamie Smith (WA)

Bill Warren (VA )

* * * *

NEW MILLENNIUM ADVANCED COURSE

Karen Climer (FL)

* * * *

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

* * * *

For more information about the

Maher 30 Lesson Ventriloquism Home Study Course:

http://mahercourse.blogspot.com/

Lesson One FREE 24/7!

When we turned off the Maher Studios computer for the final time in the Spring of 2006, I lost contact information for a number of vents. It was good to reconnect with Carla Rhodes last week. Carla told me, "Lots happening with my vent career - performing an hour long show regularly in NYC with a live band. Twisting the art form with new genres and having an absolute blast!"
(Photo by Hanna Toresson)

Maher Course - How does it work?

Question: I'm seriously considering purchasing the Maher Course of Ventriloquism, but I would like to know how it works. Eddie S.
* * * * *
From Mr. D: The Maher Course teaching material consists of 30 printed lessons and one instruction/demo DVD. Everything is sent as one unit so you can then proceed at your own pace as your schedule allows. There is no completion deadline. Approximately every two lessons you will find "Self-check" tests to help you judge your progress and understanding. Lessons 15 and 30 both contain an exam to be completed and sent to our office where it will be graded and your answers commented upon as needed. Completion certificates are issued upon our receipt of these two exams. In addition, you can email me at any time with questions. See http://mahercourse.blogspot.com/ for further details including information on how to order.

Sailor Costume

I had an inquiry as to what figure clothing costumes I might still have in stock from past inventory. Well, I don't have much at all. I do have this very nice (new) size 2T sailor set that will fit a figure 32"-34". (Shoes not included.) $30.00 postpaid US ($35.00 International)

The figure shown is "Lucky", a variation of "Luke" Super-Supreme figure.

You'll find Lucky listed for sale on my figure page: http://mrdsfigures.blogspot.com

Maher 2000

From Emmitt Grant: "Look what I found - I thought you would like to see it."

* * * * *

From Mr. D: "Lots of good memories on those pages, Emmitt. Hang on to it as a collector's item - just don't try to order from it!"

"The apple doesn't fall

far from the tree."

Festus update

From Russell Baker:

I wanted to let you know that Festus arrived. Thank you for the great and quick work that you did on him! My wife, Debbie, and I are thrilled at how the upgrade gave Festus a new look. I have always considered the construction or repair of a figure to be just as much an art as learning the technique of ventriloquism itself, and this is a case in point. And he arrived just in time to add him to the entertainment portion of a benefit program the church where I am pastor is doing to raise money for ceiling repairs in the sanctuary. Thank you again for the repairs and the upgrade.

Corky #246

Okay, he does look better outfitted as a member of the general populace! And eager to entertain!

I planned to offer him for sale with today's post, but he's already sold, and will soon be on his way to Pennsylvania!

Terrell - #244-R594-11A

Here's the most recent character from the "Maher Retro" series. As of last week, he now resides in Chicago.

All of the figures I build come with a certificate of authenticity and registry number. This is #244-R594-11A and I've just learned through the comment below that his name is Terrell. "Darrell and Terrell" Perfect!

I'm putting final touches on two more figures from this series. You can see the first one here now: http://mrdsfigures.blogspot.com/

Sweeny's saga continues afterall...

A couple weeks ago I wrote how Sweeny, the vent figure Canon John Jordan sent to me for modification, was being held "hostage" by UPS over a $45.00 COD payment. Canon Jordan (who lives in Canada) assured me the parcel had been shipped with all international costs prepaid, and after he contacted UPS, the COD was immediately dropped and the parcel delivered to our door without charge.

I assumed that was the end of that incident...how wrong I was. In our letter mail I now find an invoice from UPS for $45.00 on this same shipment (entry Prep Fee, Disbursement fee, and Merchandise Processing Fee) along with a list of all sorts of bad things that will happen to me for lack of payment. And to make matters worse, they sent everything in Adelia's name! How or why they got her involved, I have no idea. So to protest, I have to add Adelia to the mix!

Well, I'm not going to do that, so I today sent UPS their $45.00 "extortion" payment. Hopefully we've put an end to this portion of Sweeny's saga. But if you purchase anything from me in the near future, please don't request shipment by UPS - it isn't going to happen while this incident is fresh in my memory!

Abe Buzzard

From Del Burkholder:

After 20 years of tracking outlaw Abe Buzzard's grave, the living puppet Abe Buzzard (living at least with my hand in his back) poses at the grave of the dead Abe Buzzard. Abe, and later his wife, were buried in unnamed graves at Reading, PA. He feared his grave may become desecrated by his enemies. Puppet Abe is now ready to renew the legacy of his fallen namesake.

Garage Sale find

Reader Question: "Believe it or not, I purchased this figure at a garage sale. Someone had tried to smooth the fibreglass head with what looks like spackling. I would like it to have a ball/socket neck, new brown glass self-centering eyes, gray wig, and finished as a cantankerous old lady. I contacted the builder of the figure and was advised to just buy a new one. But I like the look of this one. Would you want to tackle this monumental job?"

* * * * * *

From Mr. D: "Want to?" - No! "Be willing to?" - maybe... You're right in describing the job as "monumental". Not "impossible", but certainly difficult. To change to ball socket neck and change the eyes, I would pretty much remove all current mechanics and start over. The neck area of the body would need some work as well. And complete repainting, after making certain the areas filled are smooth and secure. One of the bigger challenges might be trying to locate an appropriate wig and make it fit. I'd guess the head is 18"-19" in circumference. Doll companies do not make "granny" wigs that large, and the "granny" wigs provided by costume companies, etc. are larger than needed. (Does anyone reading this know of a source for a child size Granny wig?)

I'd estimate $350- $400 for the full job as you describe. That is a lot of money. But still less than the cost of a new figure.

Thank you!

Thanks to all of you who went out of your way to help me solve the replacement eye iris problem with Sam/Sweeny, Brent Vernon's replacement figure. I now have several options to choose from. I'll let you know the results.

CrossCountry Crosseyed Granny

Question: "I came home from a trip Friday. When I got my ventriloquist figure, Granny, out of her suitcase, I realized she didn't survive the trip very well. There is something wrong with her eyes. Perhaps we went over a bump on the way home and something happened. If you can fix her, I would deeply appreciate it." Rebekah

* * * * *

From Mr. D: It's a real "downer" to pick up your vent figure and find something not working. I know - I've had it happen to me! Thank you for sending photos. That helps greatly. I do not recognize the maker of the figure from the photos, so I can't diagnosis the exact inner mechanical problem without opening the head, but I should be able to fix it for you in just a day or two so Granny can get back on the road without seeing double white lines. I will email you shipping details.

Inmate Corky

I just finished this fellow and decided to try one of my leftover figure costumes on him. This was the result.

However, I'll find something else for him to wear as this set of clothes was a bit large on him. Corky is 34" and the prisoner outfit is more the size of a 36" figure. Thus, Corky, has a reprieve and is being given work release.

Figure from "specific" tree

A couple weeks ago on the vent list Steve Axtell asked if anyone knew of a vent figure that had been made from one "specific" tree. He was not asking about the species of tree or wood, but about a tree itself. I've never heard of one made in this manner, although many years ago we did have a tree in our front yard we had to cut down due to old age as it was in danger of falling. After felling the tree, we cut it up into sections and stacked the wood for curing, to be later burned in our fireplace.

On a whim, Kevin (who was then in Jr. Hi) took one of the log sections and created a rustic (crude?) wooden character with moving mouth. So until someone comes up with a better example, here (below) is one "figure" that was made from a "specific" tree...this piece made it from our front yard into our front room. (Until Adelia saw it - then it was delegated to our basement shop! :-)

9/11

"In today's post, you show a picture sheet from one of Lovik's Maher Workshop days. Here is another picture sheet from those days, though I don't know if one of those is Clementine. By the way, my first pro figure came from there back in '80 or '81 - the one in the blue checkered shirt is the one I orders. (Unfortunately, I do not still have him." Dave Boiano

* * * * *

From Mr. D: Clementine could perhaps best be described as a female Mortimer Snerd. I do not think she is shown on this set, but thank you for sharing this photo.

Clementine

From Wes Green: "If you ever run across an ad with Craig Lovik's "Clementine", I would love to see it on your blog. We bought a basswood Clementine in 1979/80. Craig sent a note saying he would not be making any more. She was a great addition to my wife's program."
* * * * *
From Mr. D: "Craig sold the figures through his California Maher Workshop using photo sheets showing groups of characters. I believe there were four or five different sets of characters. I could only find two of the flyers in my files. Unfortunately, they do not picture Clementine. Maybe someone reading this does have the sheet with Clementine's photo and can email it to me. If so, I'll post it here."
* * * * *
Note: On the back of each photo advertising piece some short tip about ventriloquism was included. This piece had the following taken from a Newsy Vents newsletter:

Question: "How can I be sure the audience hears the words coming from my vent puppet and not from me?"

"Often vents find that very first performance to be the most difficult. This is true because you (the ventriloquist) are the one that has to be convinced you can actually do it. There is really no need to be fearful if you have practiced with the puppet until you are comfortable with it and if you are familiar with the lines you want to say. Yes, if you have thoroughly done your homework your show will be a success - in spite of your misgivings!" CD
* * * * *
From Mr. D: Just as a side note, Wes Green told me their Clementine had an every changing wardrobe thanks to their daughter. During her ages 3-6 she passed her clothes on to Clementine. The dresses that didn't button in the back were altered. Today this same daughter will soon deliver a daughter of her own. Wes says he's thinking of unpacking those "vintage" dresses of Clementine's, to give them to his daughter so she can decide if they will be as timeless as the memories he enjoys. (He has photos of both their daughter and the vent figure wearing the same dresses.)

From string to stick

Question: "In the past couple of years, I have run across a couple of old vent dolls with the string in the back of the neck, no head stick. One still worked, the other didn't. Do you also work on these string dolls to make them into headstick working figures? Just wondering because I threw them away thinking they had to be head sticks to be redone." Sandi
* * * * *
From Mr. D: There is seldom a reason an old vent doll of any type has to be thrown away. Almost all can be repaired, redone, upgraded, converted to hollow body with headstick, eyes added, etc. That's what we do, six days a week. I do recommend you contact Kevin Detweiler first. While I work alone, Kevin has an entire team working with him on just such jobs: animatedpuppets@charter.net

Insull Gem

Greg Claassen sent me several photos of his new Insull figure, splendidly restored by Alan Semok. The figure was named "Jackson" and was owned by Fred Barlow, aka "The Great Barlow" (seen in the photo at right). Barlow was a magician and ventriloquist. He passed away in 1971 and the age of 100. Greg purchased the figure through a United Kingdom auction house. "Jackson's" extras include weighted side to side eyes, and raising upper lip.

In the photo below you see two figures behind Jackson that are displayed in glass cases. The one on the left is very unique in that the head was cast by the McElroy Brothers, but went unfinished until 2007 when Greg added all the mechanics. "Johnny", (right rear) was fully built by Greg, built from a mold of a McElroy original. That original figure is now in the hands of Bruce and Janice McElroy. It was also the figure featured in Greg's superb book, The McEroy Magic.

(Animated Puppet upgrades)

You'll likely recognize these two - Simon Sez on the left and Jerry Mahoney on the right. The upgrades are not mine, however. They are being done by our son, Kevin, and no one does finer work. He sent them to me only for repainting (at least I'm still good for something - ha). Kevin, who lives in Missouri, and his team perform doll upgrades by the hundreds each year, so if you have a doll of need of such work, or know someone who does, contact Kevin Detweiler: animatedpuppets@charter.net

Relative value

From Greg Claassen: I'm in the process of restoring my first "professional" vent figure, "Jess Malarkey." I haven't used him in years but he was made by Craig Lovik (I think) and sold through Maher Studios in the 1970's. In the catalog he was called "Buford Buckworth".

* * * * *

From Mr. D: Yes, Buford was one of the "Talkalot" series of figures by Lovik. I was able to locate a 1973 Newsy Vents where that series of figures was first advertised (see below). $175.00 was a sizable investment in those days, but restored he'd bring several times that amount today. Of course, with him being your first figure (and a member of your family) I suspect his value to you today is - priceless!

Our newspaper dropped BIZARRO by Dan Piraro (one of my favorite cartoons) so I thank Jerry Layne for seeing that I received this from yesterday's comics (9-5-11). It came with this comment: "You know you've made it whan cartoonists do a whole strip or panel for you."

Carrying Cases

Question: I got a wonderful figure at Vent Haven this year and can't seem to find a case for it. I know you used to sell cases and was wondering if you have any left. C. S.
* * * * *
From Mr. D: I am planning to get out of the case business, but for the moment I do have a few left. Please go to http://maherstudios.blogspot.com and scroll down for updated info on what I still have.

1983 Museum Calendar - Unique

In 1983 Davidson Chemical printed a very large and unique monthly calendar for clients. 17"x22" in size (17"44" fully opened), with a different US Museum featured for each month of the year. The Vent Haven Mueum was the Feburary feature which explains why I saved this calendar.

Other months' feature: The National Watch and Clock Collector's Museum, Gladys City Boom Town, The Newcomen Society, The Old Rhinebeck Areodrome, The Wine Musem of San Francisco, The C. M. Russell Museum, The Museum of American Fly Fishing, The Little Red Schoolhouse, The Buffalo Bill Historical Center, The Perelman Antique Toy Museum, and The Forbes Magazine Collection of Faberge, American Manuscripts, Toy Boats, and Trophies. Each month page has brief descrption of each museum along with location and other pertinent information.

This rare pictoral calendar is high quality litho printing on heavyweight gloss paper and is in very good condition. (No tears; no bent corners.)

For sale by eBay auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260848805678

Shop Talk

From Russell Baker: I purchased "Festus" from Maher Studios at a time of true emergency over 15 years ago. I was scheduled to entertain at a Fun Fair. About 10 days before the event, some youths vandalized, beyond repair, the vent figure I had. I had a Maher catalog and ordered Festus (below). I received him in just 3 days - plenty of time to get a new routine for a new character! I have always been grateful for Maher's great service! Since then, Festus has been important in doing nursing home ministry, AWANA, Banquets, parties and Fun Fairs.
* * * * *
From Mr. D: Festus visited my shop last week for a repair of his mouth string. He's now on his way home, not only with his mouth operating properly, but also sporting new moving eyes and classy wig (above). There's a new sparkle in his eyes that I trust will be reflected in Russell's eyes as well.

Whiffle

Reader Comment: I received the copy of Maher Messenger yesterday. Thanks. In one of the pictures I see a Whiffle figure. I have one of these. I have only seen two others. Curtis

* * * * *

From Mr. D: Not many Whiffle figures were made - you could probably count them on your fingers. Of course, that is true of most of the characters. But I always thought Whifle was cute. Craig specifically designed the Whiffle character with the mouth in mind. The chin does not drop as the mouth opens. Rather, the mouth has a "rolling" motion. Some describe this as the mouth "turning in its own groove." Many (perhaps most) of the Knee Pals that followed had this same feature to some degree, and other figuremakers use this design, but Whiffle was where it began with the Lovik figures.

Self-centering eyes

Question: I was wondering if self-centering eyes could be added to my Lovik Knee Pal, "Gary Guitar", and if so, what would be the cost?
* * * * *
From Mr. D: Yes, I have added the self-centering mechanics to a number of Knee Pals, but the degree of success depends on how freely the eyes move on the individual figure. The cost generally runs $40-50 plus return shipping, and the job takes about 5 days in my shop. I really need to see the head to give you a more specific answer. (Our son, Kevin, also does this work but I know he's booked through the end of 2011.)

The missing generation

By Dave Boiano

Concerning your post about the full time vents in their 20s in 1990, and the fact that there doesn't seem to be as many now, and its projection fpr the future of our art:

I think one thing to be considered is, those in their 20s in 1990 grew up when there was still some decent TV (you can define that statement a number of ways and they would all apply), and even some variety shows. Video games hadn't yet become the number one past time of kids. It was still a time when they were doing something to pass the time besides moving their fingers on a controller. Not everything had to be special effects to be considered any good. They weren't spending all their time on computers and "social networks" (like Facebbok) or on cell phones texting everyone they know every five minutes.

Of course, as we all know, times have changed a lot. For kids growing up today everything is the opposite of what I just wrote about, as well as other factors. So while we know there are still plenty of younger people interested in vent, but as far as seeing people taking a serious interest and pursuing it as a career, or pursuing it in any way, it may now have to be something that has to wait until they can get past all that other stuff. I think now we're going to see vent becoming something that more people don't start thinking about taking up until they are older, past the need to be entertained by the other stuff. In other words, I think we're going to see ventriloquism becoming a "mature art", and that's not a bad thing either.

Concerning projection for the future of the art, the 2011 Vent Haven Convention had the highest attendance it's ever had. With Jeff Dunham and Terry Fator we now have two ventriloquists in the national spotlight regularly. How long has it been since we had that? The last time I can think of was in the '60s with Jimmy Nelson and Paul Winchell. So while the demographics of ventriloquistm may have changed, I think its projection for the future is currently at a high point.

Author Wanda E Brunstetter

While perusing the display of new fiction releases at our local library last week, I spotted The Journey by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Thinking back to when we first met Wanda as a result of her ventriloquist hobby, I always smile when I see Wanda's books today alongside other New York Times bestsellers, and make it a point to read her uplifting and intriguing works, most often intertwined with the Amish lifestyle and a touch of romance.

Now an award winning, prolific bestselling author, Wanda Brunstetter has written a number of earlier works including five puppet script books published by Maher Studios, all still available:

#1327 HAPPY HEALTH - Eleven dialogues covering a variety of subjects: Proper Sleep, Getting Regular Checkups, Healthy Eyes, Dental Care, Importance of Fresh Air, Getting Proper Amount of Sunshine, Good Hygiene, Health for the Mind, Eating Healthy, Proper Exercise, and Toxins and Pollutants. Humor with instruction. $6.00

#1341 BABY FUN - Seven comical ventriloquist dialogues and five funny puppet plays - all using a baby puppet. Most of the plays could be adapted for use by ventriloquist puppet as well. Some are written for the church setting, others just for fun. Use when talking about babies, too. $6.00

#1196 UNDER GOD'S SEA - Twelve puppet plays for presentation when using fish puppets and water mammal puppets such as the many such characters produced by Folkmanis. Adapt for vent use, too. Subjects include: Faith, Family Living, Pollution, Miracles, Creation, Contentment, Christmas and others. $6.00

#1466 - VICTORIOUS VIRTUES (2 Volume Set) - Twelve full length dialogues for ministry. The program subjects focus on the following virtues: Kind Words and No Gossip, Forgiveness, Being Content, Having Respect, Being Joyful, Generosity, Being a Good Friend, Truthfulness, Goodness, Hope, Having Patience, and Love. $10.00 (set of two books).

Mr. D's Limited Time Blog Special: All Five Brunstetter dialogue/script books: $20.00 (free shipping) (International orders: $25.00) Order by email: mahertalk@aol.com

Deputy Bob Wlash update

Deputy Bob and Friends have started their 15th school year 2011-2012. They have been asked to do a city slice segment for Norfolk TV48 about pedestrian safety tips for school kids. Then , soon, they will be going to Asia for three weeks to do ventriloquist shows in Chongquing (Sichuan) at Seeds of Hope School, Beijing School, and back to Hong Kong working with Youth For Christ and local schools. While in Hong Kong Bob will be interviewed by a professor from a Christian University for an article to be published in the Christian Times.

Bob will not be going to Asia alone though. Grandpa (a Craig Lovik knee pal figure purchased from Maher 10 years ago) and Mahoney (a 52 year old restored Jerry Mahoney figure by Clinton Detweiler) will be accompanying Master Deputy Bob Walsh. Upon Bob's return to Virginia, all 5 of his figures will be able to include Asia on the performing resume. Ventriloquism is rare in Asia so he hopes to drum up more interest in the art form by going there again. This will be Bob's 3rd Asia tour. Bob has a free video channel at www.Youtube.com/deputybobj479 for interested viewers.

Hospital report

From Andrew Mrkvicka

I would like to give you an update on the hospital ventrilo-ett I use to educate around cancer issues. The two characters I have created are "George Andrews" and his little buddy "Eddie Davis." Both of these characters have dealt with cancer and as a result, have become superheros!

George Andrews becomes "General Awareness", and Eddie Davis becomes his sidekick, "Early Detection!" The two pictures show the fellows in their day to day life (above) and in their super costumes! (below)

I copied the face of your ventrilo-ett and glued eyes and eyebrows onto the outside of his mask for easy off and on! I love removable wig on "Eddie Davis"! (With hair in top photo; without below.) He fits perfectly in the wheelchair, and there are so many opportunities for teaching with him.

Biker dude

In some ways, ventriloquist figures are like children to their maker - you have to wonder what they will do and who they will become after you send them out into the world on their own. Well, not exactly "on their own", as they usually have someone at their side who helps determine the direction of their career.

I would never guessed back in the early 1970s as I built "Randy" (see picture) that he would spend the next nearly 40 years hanging out with the biker crowds, but that's exactly what he's done, and continues to do! In fact, thanks to his owner, Jennie Hardesty, Randy has enjoyed (and survived) twelve trips to Sturgis, including STURGIS2011. The rest of the months of all these years has been spent at hundreds of bike meetings and rides. His "sister", "Donna" goes along for the ride on most trips.

Jeannie and husband, Rich, minister full time to bikers all across the country in a variety of ways. Randy and Donna are an important part of their work. As "step-dad" to the two "kids" I am so pleased to see who they have become. (To learn more of the Hardesty's unique ministry: http://www.jcandusministries.com/

Frisbee anyone?

This FRISBEE is new (never thrown). As I recall I had 250 of these made. I don't remember the year. Early '90s perhaps. Only a handful remain (literally). 9" in diameter. Designed especially for "voice throwers" by the voice throwing specialists www.maherstudios.com/ I used to hand them to ventriloquists saying, "when you are tired of throwing your voice, go throw a Frisbee!" Now you find these in the hands of collectors - another fun piece of ventriloquism memorabilia - more valuable now on the display shelf than in the air!

eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260847582951

1938 (Aug) Popular Mechanics

This nice two page pictorial spread about the work of figure maker Frank Marshall is in the August, 1938 issue of Popular Mechanics. One quote from the text: "For twenty years he has been carving blockheads and marionettes for the theatrical trade." Did he really start in 1918? Born in 1900, I guess he could have if he started as a teen working with the Macks. Frank died in 1969 which meant he has a 58 year career as figure maker. Pretty amazing!

Touch me; touch me not?

From Young reader: I perform in front of friends and family. They love "Scotty". One of the problems that I am having is that they all go up to him and touch him - they want to see how he works. Any suggestions?
* * * * *
From Mr. D: Here's the deal - when you give a performance anywhere - even for family and friends - you want to be at your best. And you have every right to let the audience, large or small, know that you expect them to act like an audience. Only when they do so can you perform at your best.

When I performed for family and friends, even in a living room setting, I always made sure everyone had a seat. If some had to sit on the floor, fine. (If some stood in the back of the room, that was okay.) But not until everyone was in place, ready for a "show" did I bring out my buddy. At that point it was my responsibility to do my very best for my "audience". That meant I had prepared for such an event. I had favorite gags memorized and bits ready to perform. Usually in such an informal setting I would allow questions, comments and small talk following my "show". And on very rare occasions I allowed limited touching of the figure, but if there was any of that, it was only on my terms. Ideally I would put the figure away before "dismissing" my admirers.

Audience control will pretty much be your responsibility unless some adult agrees to handle that for you, which would be ideal, but not always available.

Rare photo

Arthur Rankin, Jr. working on models for the Charlie McCarthy pilot. If you look closely, you can see Mortimer's hat.

(Thanks to Bob Abdou for photo)

EYES

Does anyone know of a source for "push eyes" like the samples pictured here? I've searched local stores as well as on-line, so far without success.

I need a pair of either clear/colorless or brown (size 20mm or larger) for the Knee Pal I am trying to modify to replace Brent Vernon's "Sam" who was stolen.

I do have other types of brown eyes, but they would change the appearance of the face - I am determined to match the original if at all possible.

Simplified "Veg Heads"

From Kirk Rabe

Supplies: Foam Boards, scissors, craft glue, googly eyes, band aids, crafts sticks.

1) Cut fruit shapes (You can draw pattern first if you like)

2) Cut out square mouth. Be sure to make mouth slightly smaller (TRIM EDGES).

3) Glue Mouth only to craft stick.

4) Attach band aid to back of fruit.

5) Slide craft stick into band aid gap.

6) Cut out another small strip for holding the puppet with finger. Attach that with two more band aids.

7) Decorate fruit and have FUN!

One sample of our many great ideas at http://traintracks.org

Still looking good

Question: "After years of fighting the urge to buy another figure, I gave in today. The price was too good to pass up. Can you please give me more information on this figure?" David Miranda

* * * * *

From Mr. D: You have one of the figures from Craig Lovik's line of Storyteller figures from the '70s. All those figures featured the "living mouth" (non-slotted). At first I thought this was the "Randy" character, but after studying it a bit, I'm not so sure. But it appears to be in nice condition after nearly 40 years. Congratulations on your purchase.

Giant Postcard (Boley)

I've always though Col. Bill Boley came up with some of the more imaginative, yet simple advertising pieces. This big 6x7.5 inch postcard features "Famous men of Christian County", one of which, of course, was Col. Bill Boley, "the most famous ventriloquist in the South". (Artwork by Ed Harris).

You might want to research the famous people from your county. If I tried such an approach, my piece would be unusual since my county was wide open ranch land until just a couple decades ago. I'd have to feature elk, antelope, bison and livestock. I'm not sure how many ventriloquist shows that would book. (Although Alicia Dacoba has done quite well with a horse and pig.)

This rare original post card can be yours. EBay auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayIASPI.dll?VeiwItem&item=260846305060

Prize drawings

Today marks the end of the regularly scheduled prize give aways. You probably noticed there has been a bit of a prize blitz the past couple weeks as I cleared some of my prize inventory. As of this date, nearly 750 persons have registered for the drawings. I hope each person has received some "goodie" by now, even if it was nothing more than a Two Cent Collectible Coin. From time to time I will continue to offer give-aways (weekly?), but just not as frequently.

Thank you for your support!