PEAhind the Scenes, Part 2

I've used Rit dye to dye the foam green. Dying foam is similar to dying fabric, but it usually take a little longer, depending on the density of the foam. Because foam floats it must be weighted down to keep it summered in the dye bath. To insure a consistent color, squeeze the foam while its summered in the bath, working the dye all the way into the foam. Once you've achieved your desired color, remove the foam from the bath and rinse it thoroughly under cool water. Rinse and wring the foam until the water runs clear. Before you set the foam out to dry, wring it out to remove all excess water.

B.A.R.K. Production Journal: Puppet Nose, Step 1

With the eyes in place it's time to move on to the puppet's nose.

1) Using Ritt Dye, dye a piece of half inch scott foam.

2) While that is drying draw the nose pattern on a piece of butcher paper and cut it out.

3) Trace the nose onto the dyed foam.

4) Using a sharp exacto knife cut the nose out.

B.A.R.K. Production Journal: Dying Fabric

I will be dying terry cloth for my cat puppet, this is an involved but relatively simple process. The best thing about dying your own fabric, is there is an infinite number of color possibilities, and you are not limited by what is commercially available. Before we get started you must cut some fabric to dye - It is important to over estimate when deciding how much fabric to use, because matching colors exactly is very difficult. Before you dye your fabric, follow these steps with a swatch to insure the right color and intensity. For this puppet building project I'm using Liquid Rit Dye. I have used the powdered Rit dye in the past but I prefer the liquid. You should also wear rubber gloves during this process so you don't dye your hands.

1) Run a dye bath using hot water. The hotter the water the quicker the fabric dyes, and the more intense the color. Please do not use your sink or bath tub - the dye will color the porcelain. Use a large Rubbermaid tub, plastic bucket, or utility sink (the deep sinks that people usually have in their garage).

2) Following the directions on the bottle pour the proper amount of dye into the bath. If it's not exact don't worry, this is not rocket science. After you do this enough times you get a feel for how much dye is necessary.

3) Thoroughly soak your fabric in warm water and wring out.

4) Place your fabric in the dye bath, and mix it around with your hands to ensure even distribution of the color.

5) After a short period of time remove the fabric, wring it out and check the color. If a more intense color is desired put it back in the bath. Continue this process until you reach the desired color. Please note that in a hot dye bath Antron fleece (or Muppet fleece) can dye in less than 30 seconds.

6) Once the fabric is the right color, soak it in cold water to set the dye.

7) Wring the fabric out and line dry. If you do not wring the fabric our thoroughly before line drying the reaming dye and water will run to bottom ends and give you an uneven dye. As an alternative to line drying you may also put the fabric in the dryer. Make sure the dryer is set to air only or low heat.

For more information check out the fabric dyeing tips from www.ritdye.com.

B.A.R.K. Production Journal: The Mouth

With the head progressing nicely It's time to move on to the mouth. I'm using a technique that is new to me to make the mouth. Until know, I've used a technique I learned from Nick Barone to make the inside of the mouth. It offered a sturdy mouth, but it didn't make for a very flexible mouth. Recently though I've had the opportunity to use some old Muppet puppets, and I've learned a great deal from putting my hand inside them. If any of you have been lucky enough to use a Muppet puppet, you know what I'm talking about - they are like butter, the stradivarius of puppets. Instead of making the pallet with hard material like gasket rubber, I'm using scott foam. This will give me a wide rage of movement possibilities.



The nice thing about this foam is it's super flexible, and it takes dye really well. I've just used some Rit dye and a warm dye bath to make the foam red.