UPDATE!
About the 50 Book Bargain Boxes for $22.50 each - I am now SOLD OUT. Thank you.
11/25/12
11/24/12
11/23/12
This beautiful big puppet was made to special order in Holiday Colors by Carol Brown, the same professional puppet maker who made the original big Orange/black/white bird that is the star of Kevin Johnson's Show. Carol is now retired from puppet making, so this is obviously an endangered species! And this is the only Green/Red/Black version of this character ever made. Like new condition. Don't let him escape! I'm also selling on another eBay auction his custom carrying case - be sure to check it out.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261132212179
Made of vulcanized fibre (lightweight but extremely durable). Metal latches. Handle on right end of case as you are facing the case. Very good condition inside and out. (The surface does show light scuffs, but a quick coat of black semi-gloss spray paint will make it look good as new again). SIZE: 19"x9"x9".
I had this case built to carry my 36" Big Comical Bird by Carol Brown (see above post), but the case could hold some soft puppets made by MAT, Verna, or others. Fold your puppet and measure to see if this just might be the perfect case for your use. (I have one only - this is it.)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290819134493
11/22/12
Happy Thanksgiving!
Never have I offered a deal like this: 50 different random Maher Books at the closeout special price of only (NOW SOLD OUT) (Over $250.00 value!) Each Grab Bag Deal will contain books covering a variety of ventriloquist puppetry themes, general entertainment, comedy, and ministry. All sales final while supplies last. The photos here are simply to give you an idea of the quantity of books you will receive - title selections will vary. All books are mint condition, like new, and were published by Maher Studios. Limited offer while my supply lasts. (Due to the heavy weight I can ship to USA addresses only.)
SOLD OUT - THANK YOU.
11/21/12
Hi Clinton,
The Styrofoam 2-D skull arrived a few days ago. Great work as usual. I'll save it until next Halloween. The only problem is that I have a habit of putting things away for safe keeping and then when the time comes to get it I have forgotten where I put it. That’s where you come in. I’m putting it in the basement storage room just to the right of the door. Next year if I can’t find it I'll email you and you can tell me where I put it. Thanks for another great piece of work. Take Care! Ron
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From Mr. D: Oh, sure ... that'll work ... I trying to find the hammer I was using just yesterday! Enjoy!
11/20/12
This will be the only one for 2012 season. All the mechanics are completed and built into the tree. I just need to add the lips, eyes and mouth and it will be ready for the holidays. (It is already sporting its red nose! I hope to post photos of the finished project before the week is over. Yes, it will be for sale.
11/19/12
11/17/12
"TALKING TIE" FOR SALE!
From Kevin Detweiler and the shop of Animated Puppets:
While working on this project I was thinking about what year it was when I first came up with the idea of a talking tie for ventriloquist. Our son (Jordan) was just born and that year was 1985, so it must have been 1986, around Fathers Day. We were thinking about what would make a great fathers day gift.. So into my shop I went and out came "Talking Ties". I also believe it was that year we took some to FCM convention and they were a "Hit". Over the next several years many were created.. As things do in life they change and the talking ties were put on the shelf for maybe a later date.. Ok here it is almost Christmas 2012'. Just wanted to try and see if I remembered how to make one. This is what we came up with.
This will definitely be a ONE OF A KIND...way to much work but it was fun! It's not just a clip on tie - this one comes designed with a zipper pull. This makes it easy to slip over your head and fit in place. Looks beautiful! His mouth is controlled from behind by a small wooden bead. We are also including a 40 page book on routines and jokes for using a talking tie. Hit a grand slam this Christmas for you or a friend by winning this ONE OF A KIND Talking Tie!!
eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ventriloquist-Doll-Puppet-Talking-Tie-/130804472228?pt=US_Dolls_Bears_Toys&hash=item1e748dd9a4
While working on this project I was thinking about what year it was when I first came up with the idea of a talking tie for ventriloquist. Our son (Jordan) was just born and that year was 1985, so it must have been 1986, around Fathers Day. We were thinking about what would make a great fathers day gift.. So into my shop I went and out came "Talking Ties". I also believe it was that year we took some to FCM convention and they were a "Hit". Over the next several years many were created.. As things do in life they change and the talking ties were put on the shelf for maybe a later date.. Ok here it is almost Christmas 2012'. Just wanted to try and see if I remembered how to make one. This is what we came up with.
This will definitely be a ONE OF A KIND...way to much work but it was fun! It's not just a clip on tie - this one comes designed with a zipper pull. This makes it easy to slip over your head and fit in place. Looks beautiful! His mouth is controlled from behind by a small wooden bead. We are also including a 40 page book on routines and jokes for using a talking tie. Hit a grand slam this Christmas for you or a friend by winning this ONE OF A KIND Talking Tie!!
eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ventriloquist-Doll-Puppet-Talking-Tie-/130804472228?pt=US_Dolls_Bears_Toys&hash=item1e748dd9a4
11/16/12
WIGGLING EARS
Question: I've seen you have a Storyteller figure that has wiggling ears, and I am wondering how much he would be? I would love to have a Lovik with flapping ears. Adam
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From Mr. D: I completed repainting him today. I still have a bit of work to do on the controls. I will then fit him with a new wig, and when that is completed I plan to put him on eBay. Maybe as soon as Monday or Tuesday. Watch this blog for the latest on his status complete with photos.
Question: I've seen you have a Storyteller figure that has wiggling ears, and I am wondering how much he would be? I would love to have a Lovik with flapping ears. Adam
* * * * *
From Mr. D: I completed repainting him today. I still have a bit of work to do on the controls. I will then fit him with a new wig, and when that is completed I plan to put him on eBay. Maybe as soon as Monday or Tuesday. Watch this blog for the latest on his status complete with photos.
11/15/12
FLEXIBILITY A MUST FOR KIDSHOW PERFORMERS
When I create these short columns for Clinton and Adelia I try to make them all as practical as possible. That means I draw upon my 30 plus years experience of doing vent full time..so everyting you read I have experienced. It is amazing what things we, who do performing for children, experience.
One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to be flexible. Your show and your performance must bend like a rubber band. For example, I work hundreds of school shows. If I have a start time of say 10 A.M. I ALWAYS tell the principal I need the audience seated and ready to go by 10 A.M. Often the principal will START the kids down to the performance area at 10 A.M. which means the show might not start until 10:15 or even 10:20, depending upon how large the school might be and how much time it takes them to get there. Now that usually isn't a big problem, until I have a very tight travel schedule between shows and I need that extra time to tear down, pack, and drive. In a positive and friendly manner I tell the principal that I really need them all in the gym or multi-purpose room at 10 A.M. on the dot. But here is where the flexible part comes in..I always allow EXTRA time between shows just in case this happens! I schedule myself with a later start time in the afternoon that takes into account that extra 15 minutes. If the show was at 1:30 PM in the afternoon, I try to schedule it at 1:45 PM. If the kids arrive at the first school on time, I have an extra 15 minutes for lunch, or to gas up, check my emails, etc. I never make a big deal about it to the principal, but I always have a plan in place so I won't be late in the afternoon.
I also have arrived at the school and had a counselor or principal ask me if I can work in an extra character word or concept in my shows that the school is working on. I ALWAYS try to do that for them...letting them know that I can't change the entire show but would be glad to see where I
can work this in. I also write my shows with some open ended spaces so I can do this if necessary. If I don't have any requests for extra things from the school, the show goes like I planned and wrote it. If there is, I am ready to drop it in and make things work.
The main objective is to work with the customer...trying to accommodate them any way that I can. They are pleased that I can do that for them, and I don't get myself flustered in the process. It's small thing..but small things add up to big payoffs!
Please feel free to contact me at markwade@kidshowvent.com
11/14/12
This early '70's Storyteller head was removed from the storage box last week for the first time in nearly 40 years! The challenge now is to make him useable. I'd like to do so before Thanksgiving so this fellow has something to be thankful for in addition to seeing daylight for the first time in four decades!
(*Old Dumpy Dummy)
11/13/12
"Picking" a Career
From Troy Anderson
(Regarding the Hall of Fame Coins.) I have purchased the first and second sets, and they are beautiful. Looking forward to the 3rd, 4th and 5th . . . lol. I really think one of these coins should honor you. Maher Ventriloquist Studios was such a special part of my childhood, and for so many others growing up in the 60's and 70's as well. I may not have written a lot or ordered a lot, but I must have flipped through the color catalogs a thousand times. I was saving my "Detroit News" paper route money for a basswood Tommy figure and practising my ventriloquism every day. I read each issue of NewsyVents as soon as it arrived. I ended up buying a banjo instead and following a musical path. I think it would be great to see you on one of these coins.
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From Mr. D: Thank you for your kind words and thanks for sharing your story. Picking a musical career is not a bad thing, and it would seem your interest in ventriloquism remains. I don't think it's too late for you to add a puppet to your concerts! As for a Maher/Detweiler coin...it may happen at some point. I have others I prefer to feature first. Maybe it could be a bonus coin or something - we'll see. By the way, set #3 is now in stock. I order a few extra sets just to be certain I could fill all orders. So if anyone reading this would like a set (or another set), just contact me: mahertalk@aol.com
11/12/12
BIG BRIGHT COMICAL VENTRILOQUIST BIRD PUPPET!
ONE-OF-A-KIND, PROFESSIONAL FIGURE
HANDCRAFTED BY CAROL BROWN
36" TALL; W/SCRIPTS
Your hand enters the puppet at the base of the neck. Head turns, tilts, nods, stretches and moves all directions just as far as you can move your arm, obviously. And the mouth (easy to operate) opens just as wide as you can open your hand. Very fun and a guaranteed audience pleaser! Absolutely one of my favorite characters to perform with. The beak is poseable, too, for even more added comedy.
This beautiful big puppet was made to special order by Carol Brown, the same professional puppet maker who made the original big Orange/black/white bird that is the star of Kevin Johnson's Show. Carol is now retired from puppet making, so this is obviously an endangered species! And this is the only yellow/black version of this character ever made.
For sale now on eBay auction:
Terry Brown
Ron Blaskett has toured all over the world with Gerry Gee since teaming up with the dummy in 1956.
AFTER a dummy run of 76 years, Aussie TV's first and foremost ventriloquist, Ron Blaskett, is set to slam the lid on his showbiz career and on his 56-year-old wooden-headed sidekick, Gerry Gee (a Frank Marshall figure).
"I had to give up because Gerry Gee is starting to think I'm real," Blaskett, 90, joked yesterday.
"While I'm at the peak of performing, it is time to rule the line." A show in Knox next month will be the last of who-knows-how-many thousands for Ron and Gerry, who teamed up in 1956,
While Ron called it stumps in 1999, he was talked easily into a comeback by fond fans, and has ridden the nostalgia wave since then, working clubs and nursing homes. "At some of the homes, people who haven't spoken for years through dementia are suddenly talking to the doll," Ron says, smiling.
Ron now has almost as many artificial parts as Gerry and is thought to be the world's oldest working ventriloquist. "I'm nearly 91 and I've just had 10 solid years of darn hard work. I think I can retire now."
11/11/12
FOR 38"-40" VENTRILOQUIST DUMMY.
Rare and unique! These hands are still in the carved condition as when removed from the duplicarver. High quality basswood. They will need finish carving and sanding, but the builk of the work has been completed. Unfortunately, I do not know who made these hands. Obviously it was a professional figuremaker. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290811823157
SPEAKSAKES BOOK and MORE
From Mike Horner:
From Mr. D: I remember well the times you and your parents stopped at our Littleton Blvd house for those Summer visits. You're right - great memories. Now I'm the one driving past that house and being reminded of those visits and many by other guests. Hard to believe Adelia and I have now been gone from the Blvd. location for nearly 16 years! (I did have a few of the Speaksakes books on hand. But I have doublechecked my collection and it appears they, too, are now just a memory!)
From Mike Horner:
Thank you for the signed copy of Creating Speaksakes! It brought back memories. If I remember correctly, I purchased my original copy from you in person in Littleton when I was in 7th grade (circa 1990). Every summer for a period of 4 years, my parents acted as managers of our denomination's church camp south of Sedalia. And every summer, we would make at least one trip to your show room.
If I'd had my way, we would have visited you EVERY time we made the trip to Denver. We drove right by Littleton Blvd. on our way to Sam' Club, Home Depot, etc.
Thanks again for the book, and for the memories!
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11/10/12
A NEW 33" ventriloquist figure, Rocky. This beautiful little guy has a hollow body with headstick, turning head full circle, tilt, nod etc. He has side to side self-centering big green eyes. He also has raising eyebrows, you can raise one or both. eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/130800433875
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