gepetto's workshop ventriloquist blog

Happy New Year

2012-01-07T19:15:00.000-08:00

2011 was a pretty tough year for us healthwise. My wife is having bi weekly dialysis and I almost lost an eye. I had a piece of wire enter my eye and it was actually sticking out. I went to the emergency room and they told me it must have fallen out. They gave me some drops and sent me on my way. Two days later I was at the Wills eye institute in Phila. having emergency surgery. I lost my eye sight for about a month. It happened on Nov. 29 and I am just now able to see out of it. Had I waited another day, the opthamologist told me I would have lost the eye.

I started working again in my shop this past week and finished up alot of figures I had in the works. I have finished an Elvis Presley full size figure and an old man.

I used Buzz's cast body for Elvis and it looks great. Kudos to Braylu creations. Buzz is a very creative artist. I enjoy working with him and recommend his products to any one that is interested in figure making.

Here are the pictures of Elvis and the old man as well as a full size Black figure I made and sold on ebay before the hulidays. I will be doing some different things this year. My NYR is to blog alot more. Happy New year to all.

More look a likes

2011-10-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

My favorite part of figure making is having a customer request a characture of someone. I request a side photo and a front photo of the head and start working from there. Here are some examples of some i have done recently.

some pictures to share

2011-08-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

I received a request from a customer awhile back for a figure. She said her and her husband were looking to adopt one of my conversions as they had no children of their own. She said her husband was a natural comedian and thought that they would be a good team. She sent me these pictures along with this email: Here are some pix of my husband Jim with our new son. We are going to have a ball with him!

I emailed her back and said the pictures were great and if she would mind if i published them on my blog. She replied... Oh.... had we known that.... we would have taken cuter pictures.

I think the two of you missed your calling. Hey, Never too late! ( :

Mask IV finished!

2011-07-03T13:19:00.001-07:00

I had to use a straight bar to guide the mouth up and down and a series of springs in order to make the mouth move properly. The eye control is the basic L shaped groove control.

Here is the result. I covered the back and the top of the mask with fun fur and now he is being utilized as an articulated vent figure by the amazing Peter Hefty and company. Thank you Peter for your trust in me to take on this project for you. I hope he brings laughter to millions!

Mask III

2011-06-02T04:01:00.000-07:00

After drilling holes and inserting brass tubes in the forehead at the specific starting place of the old eyebrows, I attached his new moving ones.

I used springs and steel rods to enable the movement of his eyebrows and connected them to one control to move them up or down. I then gave him a fresh coat of paint and sealed him.

Mask III eyebrows

2011-05-24T14:38:00.001-07:00

Peter requested moving eyebrows for the mask. I sanded off the original ones and repainted the area to match the mask. I took a dowel of the same dimensions and shaped them the same as the original eyebrows, I used a dremel grinder to put the hair patern on them just as the originals had.

Mask II

2011-05-21T20:13:00.000-07:00

After adding the eyes, I had to get the mouth to go up and down. It was cut in an uneven wedge which made it impossible to slide up and down evenly. I had to slot the side of the beard, sand down the wedge and insert a strip of bass wood
on each side of the jaw. The slot had to be wide because the mouth was so uneven. It was the only way to make it work.

I then put two cross members across the back of the neck in order to attach a head stick.

The mask I

2011-05-18T08:37:00.001-07:00

The first thing I did was grind out the holes for his eyes with a round rasp. I then filled in the slits that were below the painted eyes. They were put there for the wearer to see through. I used a pair of Braylu 1.5" eyes and ran a brass tube into each of them. then a rod through the tube. I made a flat shelf within the eye hole for the eye to sit in. I put slots above and below the eye for the rod to sit in and filled them with magic sculpt.

The Mask

2011-05-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

I was contacted by Peter Hefty, a well known ventriloquist who has opened for such acts as Neil Young, Jay Leno, Sinbad and Jerry Lewis. He has many comedic awards under his belt and has been entertaining since the '70's.

He had a Tiki mask that he wanted me to animate for him. It had a mouth that was cut out in a wedge (not symmetrically unfortunately) and it kind of slid up and down. He wanted me to put it on a head post and give it self centering eyes. raising eyebrows and a moving mouth all controlled by the head stick. I will show you the various stages of animating it.

The first is a picture of the mask before I did any work. Here is a promotional photo of Peter and gang. The mask we are talking about is the one in his hand. It is hand carved solid wood with a wedged mouth cut out.

some "professional" figures

2011-04-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

I have been working on several different look alikes. More requests for full size figures and I had a chance to complete the first cast head from Braylu of my design. Here are three recent full size figures I made. I don't like using that terminology :professional size" Because as far as I'm concerned, any figure can be professional if he is paid for his work! Until then, they are all amateurs!

Piggies Body

2011-03-11T14:16:00.000-08:00

I was trying to think of something different for a body. I received a Miles Kimballcatalogue in the mail and they had 17" Easter Eggs (hollow plastic) I bought two of them. I cut the top and the bottom off the egg and mounted a wood bottom and top on the open ends. I cut a neck hole in the top and glued them in place with hotmelt. I cut a square opening in the back for hand access and painted the egg the same color as the pigs head. I then made two little hooves out of wood and magic sculpt and connected them to some tube arms. I wanted the pig to have an extra animation so I connected cord to his arms an ran them over a small dowel on the top and drilled holes into the top for the cord to pass through.I tied them to a handle inside the body so the pig can raise or flap his arms together or individually. It's a great animation . I added little legs and here we are so far.

Finishing the pigs head

2011-02-20T15:58:00.001-08:00

I added raising and lowering eyebrows by connecting a rod to the springthat connects the eyebrow linkage and ran it through a brass tube that runs down the back of the head post.

I used a red boa for his hair andeyebrows. Here is the finished product.

Pig Head mechanics

2011-02-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

Inside the head you can see that I attached the eyes and the mouth with magic sculpt. Not too neat bt very functional.

I put eye screws in each eyeball and attached a looped "T" control bar to them.

I ran a tube up the headstick and into the head and made the "L" shaped rod controller that moves the eyes back and forth.

Two tubes were run through forehead and rods bent inside with a spring attached for the eyebrow control and eyebrows in the front.

I coated the eye brow rods with magic sculpt and feathered them to look like eyebrows.

I sanded the face real well and painted it and this is where we are so far.

building up the mouth

2010-12-23T03:10:00.000-08:00

The next thing we do is build up the sides of the mouth with magic sculpt. Once it dries, I use a belt sander to make it flat on bothe sides. I slide it in the mouth cut out until I have a perfect fit.

Drill a hole through the jaw near the top of the rear of the jaw for your pivot bar.

first things first

2010-12-07T12:22:00.000-08:00

I wanted to start the pighead from Brayly which I did. Then I was bogged down with Christmas orders so he will have to wait. Here is where I am so far.

After cutting out the eye holes and the jaw, I wanted a more comical look. Since the pig heads eyes are set more to the side of his head, I had to build up the sides to make the eyes appear on the front of his face. I used a 2" wooden doll head for the eyes and built up around them with magic sculpt. His eyes will be comically protruding when he is finished. Obviously from the picures, I haven't started sanding anything yet. I want to finish all the sculpting before I start getting dusty.

Making a Pig figure

2010-11-18T16:29:00.000-08:00

Over the next few months I plan to make some figures from things I have purchased on the internet. The first is a Pig head from Braylu. I plan on making a full size comical pig figure.

The first thing I did was cut the eye holes and cut the jaw out.

When cutting the jaw, make sure you are as wide at the top as you are at the bottom otherwise the jaw will not move back and forth freely. If you make a mistake, you can always go back once you have the sides of the jaw completed and cut or build out the slot a little more.

extreme ventriloquism?

2010-10-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

I received an email from the learning channel asking me if I would be on their show extreme hobbies and show how ventriloquism takes part in my life and interview friends and family about it. Wow! what a great opportunity to present ventriloquism in a positive light.

I thought about it and realized there was a person better qualified than I was to present our hobby.

I called Dan Willinger and told him of the letter I received and I guess in my excitement, I didn't think it out. Thank you for grounding me Dan.

Most shows like this try to present the person or the hobby in a negative or manic light. In my exuberance, I forgot that no matter how you try to present things, it will always come out the way the interviewer wants it to. After working for a Newspaper for almost 20 years, I should have seen that myself

I love ventriloquism and figure making and want everyone to enjoy it as much as I do. Therefore, I wouldn't accept an invitation that might try to ridicule it . It is a passion, not an extreme. Those of us who are part of this community already know that. Those who would like to get involved, there are alot of us out there such as Dan and Steve from Ventriloquist Central

Clinton Detweiler, Bob Albano, Al Stevens and a host of others out there that would be happy to welcome you and give you any help you might want. Myself included of course!

Above are a couple of heads I sculpted. I will be sending them to Buzz at Braylu who if he likes them, will cast them and offer them for sale as kits. The jaw has been sculpted separately and will be offered with them of course.

Danny Countess

2010-10-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

I have been emailing back and forth with Actor Danny Countess. He is not only an accomplished actor, (I especially liked him as Sgt.Admonte in Rose of Death) but he is also an accomplished ventriloquist and figure maker.

He completed "Cecil" a figure he had been working on and sent some pictures I would like to share with you. Danny and I have become friends over the past couple of years through emailing back and forth. Danny is meticulous in his figure making as well as his acting and it truly shows in his work on and off screen!

Still working

2010-08-26T05:29:00.000-07:00

I am ashamed of myself for not posting over the last few months. The loss of my father has changed my life and I don't have the drive i once had. I hope in time that will change.

I have been busy with my new job abd have had precious little time to work on vent figures.

I have only been making stage figures for the past year and have not kept up with my conversions. I will have a group of them to sell for the holidays.

Here are some examples of the figures I have made over the last 6 months.

More look alikes

2010-05-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do is make caricatures of people or things. I have done a leg of ham, a talking bone,mouse, skunk,pig and of course all sorts of people. Patricia asked me to make a copy of ventriloquist dummy that she had an add for from the Orient. It was a little girl. Anime style. After scratching my head and locating this cute outfit and the perfect wig, This is what I came up with.

"Lenny"

2010-04-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

The last two months have been very difficult for my wife and i. We lost someone very close to our hearts. Our only solice is to know he is with his wife who he has mourned for since she passed in 2007.
I retreated to my shop. another place I find solice and take a break from the trials and tribulations of every day life. I will miss those nights in my shop with my Dad keeping me company. I pray he is at peace and hope he is still watching over us. We miss you very much Pop.
I was contacted by Diana Williams, a professional ventriloquist. She was looking for a unique look in a figure. She gave me a couple of pictures of different people to take features from and also pointed out a figure I had made for a ventriloquist in Canada. I blended the ideas and came up with this guy. He is hand sculpted from Magic Sculpt and is a 40 inch "professional" stage figure. Diana asked me never to make a copy of him. Thats one thing I have never done, because I still haven't tried my hand at making a mold. All my figures are sculpted, sanded and painted by hand. Here he is Diana. Thank you for choosing me to make your figure! I'm looking forward to seeing him on you tube. I have seen your work there, and you're great!

"Pop"

2010-03-16T03:21:00.000-07:00

"Pop" as he was lovingly referred to by my family and I, passed away last night at 8:20 pm.
My father, William Barry Jr., was a wonderful man. He taught me to speak up for myself, to believe in myself and my dreams, to be the best I can be in whatever I choose to do and to stay clear of negative people. Oh yes, his favorite saying "Never look back" meaning push on, learn from experience and don't dwell on mistakes."
My father worked full time all the way up to his illness. It gave him purpose and as he was loved and respected by both his peers and his employees at Bank of America.
He was a Korean war veteran in the "Sea Bees" who had four sons, myself and my three brothers.
He was our father, our coach in baseball, basketball and whatever other sports we decided to take up. He was our biggest fan and he loved us as much as we loved him.
He used to stop by on his way home from work and spend an hour in the shop with me while i worked on vent figures. He was the one who gave me the name "Gepetto" and used to say "Hello Gepetto! who are you making today?"
He was my father, my best friend, a wonderful grandfather and great grandfather but most of all he was a wonderful man. He is with his wife Elizabeth now, who he has grieved for since losing her two years ago. I know they are happy to be together again. Please join me in praying for him. "God, our father, please welcome him in to your kingdom with open arms. Forgive him for his mistakes through trials on earth and understand we are only human. Grant him the peace he deserves and keep watch over us so we may join him in heaven someday and be together again. Amen.

Been a long time

2010-03-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

It's been a long time since I have written on my blog. My father is in the hospital very ill and we have been visiting him with any time we have. The vent building will have to wait.
I have promised to put certain things on my blog that I haven't. I will get to them.
I joined facebook and one of those other thingies. I can't remember which one. I have had alot of comments on my figures and I thank everyone who has good or bad. You get better with criticism. The only criticism I have a problem with is being call "you conversion guys"
I recently had a comment from Mike Palma who said you conversion guys should sculpt your own figures so you get full credit instead of partial. so I will reiterate again. I do this because i like to. I don't care about credit or recognition. I do what makes me happy. I appreciate your comment Mike, but please don't lump me in to a group. I am Steve Barry. I make ventriloquist dummies, both full size and conversion figures. I have made figures for comedians in the United states and abroad and I make them by request. I shut down my website because I had to turn work away and I don't like to do that. I work as often as I can when I am not working at CCC. (I work there because the dummy business can't afford me insurance) otherwise I would be in my shop day and night. Because I LOVE what I do.
There are many examples of full size figures I have sculpted by hand on my blog as well as conversion figures. I love to work on look a like figures and use the Juro dummies for an armature. If I put saran wrap or tin foil around the Juro head, I would be able to take the casting off, then would it be original? Actually, whats the difference? The sculpting is mine, the dummy underneath is an armature. so I do sculpt my own figures. Just had to get that off my chest. One of the reasons I don't like joining or going to organized events and clubs. I apparently don't fit the guide lines. I do what I want because I enjoy it and as long as my customers are happy, so am I. Here are a couple of look alikes I accept "partial credit" for.

Terry is finished!

2010-01-14T00:43:00.000-08:00

I was contacted by an Australian ventriloquist and was asked to make something a little different than the usual pug nosed cheeky boy. I used the nose style that Bill Nelson has used on several of his figures.
I gave him a pronounced brow and a pointed chin but kept with the cheeky by smile. Here's what I came up with.
I used two sleeved bars for the strings to travel on instead of pulleys. I like this better because the strings can't come out of the track. They travel freely and can't tangle. It also gives them much more longevity.
I used sleeves and rods for the eye control and eyebrow control and levers for the mouth and blinkers only. Much more hand freedom this way.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL OF US AT GEPETTOS WORKSHOP!!!

2009-12-25T05:31:00.000-08:00

Sarah Palin

2009-11-03T02:33:00.000-08:00

I received a request a couple of weeks ago to make a Sarah Palin look-alike.
I wanted to get the square jaw and big mouth full of teeth and the "wink"that she is famous for.
She was a challenge.She has raising and lowering eyebrows and two winkers and blinkers. This is what I came up with. I hope she serves you well Ken.She's ready for the Oval office!

Repairing and restoring a tired old Jerry

2009-10-20T07:16:00.001-07:00

Dan sent me this Jerry head and asked if there were anywhere to restore it. I said I would do my best to bring Jerry back to his original condition and make him a little bit better. The first thing we had to do was re attach his eyes which had broke away from the holder. I placed the eyes back in the holder and lined them up with the eye holes by placing #6 washers underneath the eyes to even them out.I then used magic sculpt to repair the broken eye carriage. I attached a spring to theeye mechanism and connected it with a small eye hook to the side of the inside of the dummys head. This enables the control to give the eyes a full range of motion from one side to the other. The deluxe Jerry's were set up to move center to side. by connecting the spring the way I did it enables full motion.
I then built up the sides of the jaw to close the gap between the jaw and the head and repainted it to match the original paint. I repainted his head nad the whites of his eyes. The eyes were set too close to the head on these figures and cause them to scratch with the back and forth motion. I moved them out a little so this doesn't happen again.
I then reconnected his jaw with a spring instead of a rubber band and Jerry now looks like he did when he was first purchased in 1966. Hope he serves you well Dan!

Look a like

2009-09-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

I spent the better part of last month working on stage figures and let the conversion end slide, however, my ebay store and www.gepettosworkshop.net now have a full selection of conversion vent figures at the best prices around!
I was asked to do a look a like of this gentleman in a full size figure. He wanted all the bells and whistles. I installed raising and lowering eyebrows, side to side self centering eyes,crossing eyes,blinkers and a spitter. Here is a picture of the outcome.

2009-09-08T20:11:00.000-07:00

"Flied Lice"

2009-09-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

I was contracted to make a full size figure from the propaganda pictures of World war II of a japanese soldier. After bantering ideas back and forth we took several pictures and created this guy. He is a 42 inch stage figure and he is on his way to Australia.

I found out after he was completed that he is for famous Australian comedian Rodney Rude.

Rodney is an Australian comedian and he lives up to his name. I am a sucker for off beat humor and this guy is a riot. I have added one of his jokes to the blog for anyone who wants to see it. Caution!!! Rodneys humor is definately rude!!!

Ace arrived at his new home

2009-08-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

It has been really hot here on the Eastern Shore. I can't wait until it starts to cool down. Fall is my favorite season. Cecil County, (my home) comes back to life.

I have been really busy and have not been posting as I should. My wife told me to let you know about a figure i am making but I will show you several.

I received about 5 orders for full sized figures last month and i am finishing up the last one. The first was a look alike for a figure made by Maher studios which has been retired. He was delivered to his new owner and I will share the email he sent.

"Hi Steve,

I just wanted to thank you for the excellent job you did in creating Ace. I received him today and as soon as I opened up the box (very well packed!) I started working with him right away. Still trying voices for him and will decide on one for him in the coming days. I was truly surprised to see the quality of workmanship and detail that went into him

I will be taking him with me this year when i volunteer at our local MDA telethon broadcast and you can be sure anyone that asks me, will be told where I got him. Hopefully I can send some business your way! Once again, thank you!

Steven J.

Thank you Steven,

You've got a great name by the way (;

I wish you and Ace many years of enjoyment together and hope you bring smiles to countless others who need one!

2009-07-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

We have been very busy here at Gepetto's Workshop. I have several orders in motion for look alike figures, coversion and stage figures. I have just completed one for a customer. He wanted it to look like Whitey, a figure that i auctioned on ebay. He prefereds dark hair and eyes and wanted it loaded. He has blinkers, crossing eyes, raising and lowering eyebrows as well as self centering eyes and slotjaw mouth. Here are some pictures of him and his inside workings.

Lillies alterego

2009-06-07T18:07:00.000-07:00

I have been in contact with Lillie for a couple of weeks. She is a talented artist who is studying Art Therapy. For a young lady, she has it together. She also has her heart in the right place.

She asked that I give the dummy her eyes, nose and hair. I have finished her head and I am working on finishing her up. She needs her for a convention coming up and I want to make sure she gets her in plenty of time. Here are some pictures of her in process. and... Here is one of my cats Lillie. This is Bear. He was the only one around while I was taking the pictures. I'll try and catch up to the other guys later. Have a great week everyone! As always, If I can help with any of your figure making problems or anything else pertaining to ventriloquism, feel free to contact me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com and if you would like a custom made conversion figure or stage figure, you can contact me at the same web address. Thanks everyone!

Jimmy's gross out dummy

2009-06-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Light Show wanted me to make this guy with all kinds of pimples, warts and boils. I gave him some hair in his nose and some runny snot also. It even grossed out Darlene and we've been married for a looooong time~

Some full size stage figures. One for sale

2009-05-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

I've been working on several full size figures. One was for a customer in Canada and the other for a gentleman in Italy. The older fellow will be going to Europe.

The younger one is for sale. He is available to anyone who wants him for 450 dollars. a great deal for a full size figure. He is about 40 inches tall.

Here are some stages of each figure.

Hope everyone had a great memorial day. As always, if you need help with figure making or ventriloquism or you want a look alike figure or one made to your specifications contact me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com I answer all emails!

More Jimmy LightShow

2009-05-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some more of Jimmys figures. I am finall finished Jimmy, sorry about the wait.

He sent me this beat up old head from a 1980's Jerry Lane dummy. The orange haired guy is what I created. Here are your beards and your repaired head. If you only knew what i had to go through to make them. Elkton and Delaware don't seem to have fun fur this color anywhere. I had to kake the beards from clown poms. The kind you glue on to fabric. I dismantled them and glued them on in strands to a "beard pattern" I made, then added the velcro. I noticed that I had to seperated the mustache from the beard as well so the mouth would move. You have a purple one, a red one and a green one.

Here are your twins. They don't look the same anymore.

Hope everyone has a great Memorial Day! Semper Fi!!!! As always, If I can help anyone with figure making or ventriloquism problems,or you would like a custom figure made, contact me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com

2009-05-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. The challenge of looking for another job with benefits is getting weary.

Seems like half our county is out of work! Since the newspaper businesses aren't looking for help (they are all closing) I am getting back into manufacturing management. I have about 20 years of experience in that field so something will come along. (I pray)

Anyway, Jimmy Lightshow has sent some more figures for new looks and wig sets. He also asked me to give them crossing eyes. Here is one of them. I gave him bigger lips, ears and a wideer nose. The other one I gave buck teeth. I also took an old beat up Layne figure and gave him a completely new look as well as crossing eyes. Jimmy is a talented vent entertainer in Canada and someone I feel lucky to call a friend. Here are some pics Jimmy. They'll be packed on Monday and enroute to Canada. Thanks!

Hello again...

2009-05-04T23:50:00.000-07:00

Been awhile since I posted a blog. I have been very busy. Working in the shop, filling orders and looking for a new job. Yes, I am one of many Americans in the newspaper business who has lost his job due to the internet. Why buy a paper when you can read it on line? So at 50 plus, I will be embarking on a new career. I will always make vent figures. Thats my passion. Unfortunately, Gepetto doesn't have any insurance which at our age we desperately need.

So much for me. I have filled the store again with discounted prices which you will not see anywhere else. My prices are lower than anyones and i guarantee my work. All springs, pulleys, brass and triple braided cord are used in making them so they last. Enjoy these prices for the summer, because they will go back up again in the fall.

Here are a couple of guys in my store right now. As always, If I can help anyone with anything pertaining to figure making or ventriloquism, email me anytime at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com and visit my store on ebay or http://www.gepettosworkshop.net/

have a great day!

The store is finally open!

2009-04-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

I took the time to set up my store this weekend. I hope you all enjoy it. You can now purchase our figures with credit cards as well as paypal, money orders and personal checks. I will be making figures to your specifications as well as selling figures that are in stock.

I think I am finally starting to get the handle on this new fangled electronic world.

I will be adding new figures to my store on ebay as well this weekend. As always, if anyone needs help in making figures or in any aspect of ventriloquism, I am here to help. You can email me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com I answer all emails and if I don't have the answer, I will direct you to source that does. VIVA VENTRILI !

Oh... I almost forgot The store link is: www.gepettosworkshop.net

"Shamus" is finished

2009-03-10T15:50:00.001-07:00

Shamus, a great Irish name, is finished. We hookedthe mouth and the eye centering spring to the existing hook in the back head plate, We matched up his paint color and gave him a 1st rate touch up. His ears, a small crack in his lip, the gap in his mouth and his eyebrows have all been repaired and formed with magic sculpt as well as the anchors for the eyelets in the head for the eyebrows. I outline them with hotmelt to give them more support. It makes a difference.

We put the back of his head back on and painted his hairline out as requested by Brian so it doesn't show up with his wig.. err... hair.. sorry about that Shamus, I didn't mean to give away your secret (hair club for dummies)

We removed his arms and gave him new arms with my hands, and dressed him back in his clothes. Top o' the mornin to you Shamus! your alive as life himself!

2009-03-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

I received a call from Brian in North Carolina. He wanted to add raising eyebrows to his Jerry Mahoney and give him a new set of arms with realistic hands.

He also wanted to change the format of the eyes which started all the way to the right instead of self centering

He changed Jerry to a Leprechaun by giving him points on his ears. I was asked to finish the work.

The first thing we do is close up the gap on the mouth by using magic sculpt

We run it along the sides of the mouth and smooth it so the gap closes and it stays true to the jaw.

We remove the jaw, let it dry and sand it to fit.

We drill holes in the forehead and place brass tubes through the holes. Brass wire is run through the tubes and bent to form the eyebrow skeleton. The inside of the head has a support bar added for the eyebrows.. The brass wire is looped on bothends and a spring is added.

We then build up the eyebrows with magic sculpt.

Brian wanted to keep the eyebrows true to the Jerry style painted eyebrows. It will result in a thin eyebrow that once dry has to be handled carefully.

Brian didn't want to repaint the figure which made it a difficult job. The paint that was on the figure had to be matched perfectly. I used fleshtone, antique rose and honey brown to age it slightly. Here's what we have so far while he's drying

Creating a Website

2009-02-23T00:34:00.000-08:00

I have decided to create a website to sell my figures. Ebay is a great way to advertise, but they don't have enough controls for buyers. Non paying bidders seem to be able to get away time and time again with no repercussions.

They say they "warn" them. In my opinion, its a binding contract (ebay says that themselves) and the payment should be taken from their account if they don't pay within the seven days.

It's a shame. But that's the way it is. I am coming up on 6 non paying bidders since Christmas!

That's not good for business. You have to re list, apply for a refund ect...ect....

I am working with someone to help me set it up and God willing, it will be up before the end of March. My prices will be lower than anyone else who sells this type of figure and you can bank on a quality product. I use no rubber bands. All stainless steel, brass and now even metal pulleys and support bars inside the head.

I got a letter from David Zeller the other day asking about blending colors. He said he is painting his dummy and he wants Rosy cheeks and not just red blotches on them.

The best advice I can give you David is to paint the cheeks with your flesh tone. Use two brushes. One for the blush and one for the fleshtone. Keep pulling the blush into the flesh tone until you get a blended color of the two that looks natural. Take your flesh tone brush and whisk it back and forth from the side of the ear up to the color line of your blush. This will pull the colors together and give a gradual change from flesh to blush without looking like blotches. It takes practice, so if you don't like the first outcome remember... paint is cheap ( ;

Good luch David. Send me a picture of the outcome.

Finishing up some orders

2009-01-31T23:18:00.000-08:00

I finally got a chance to make an old woman. I haven't made one for a couple of years. No requests. I really enjoyed this one. Along with her are several others I just finished.

I am working on some stage figures as well. When I finish them, I will post their pictures.

As always, If there is anyone in need of help with figure making or ventriloquism, feel free to contact me anytime at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com Have a great week!

Antonio's look alike "Tony"

2009-01-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

Antonio was looking for a look a like this summer. We tossed around some ideas and then went to work. Although it seemed like forever before Tony finally arrived, he now resides with Antonio, a ventriloquist in Italy. Arivaderce Tony!
Hope everyone had a happy new year! My wife and I are making up our list of lie... I mean resolutions. I am going to get back in shape. So is she. The nice thing about that resolution is you never say what kind of shape. (;

2008-12-21T16:17:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

This year I wish you all a happy and healthy Holiday season. I ask a favor from you.

There are many people who will not visit with family, as they have none.

There won't be any big feast, and worst of all there will be no place to come in out of the cold.

They are homeless. Not by choice, but by circumstance. Some work a full 40 hour week, but being paid minimum wage, they cannot even afford a place to stay.

They are mothers with children. Aged, with health problems, They are the mentally disabled and physically disabled. They, by no choice of their own, have no place to go and no family to help them.

Please join me this year by helping them through Meeting Ground.

Meeting Ground helps these people help themselves by giving them a place to get on their feet and helping them direct their lives to independence. If you are an Ebay seller, please consider donating a small percent of profit from your sales to Meeting Ground It can be done through Mission Fish which is the service Ebay provides for charities.

Over the next month or two, I will be making three angels. Faith, Hope and Charity. All the proceeds are going to help Meeting Ground.

We have all been in dire straights and have had a friend or family help us out. They only have us. Strangers who care about them. So please, during this Holiday of happiness and good will toward men, Be their family. You can also donate by contacting http://www.meetingground.org/.

Under "contact us" there is an address as well as an email address where you can contact them. Please help! DARLENE AND I WISH YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

"Hair for your dummy"

2008-12-07T07:29:00.000-08:00

I have been asked a million times "Where do you get the hair for your figures? They make them like that?"

The answer is everywhere and no. To be a figure maker you must have alot of other talents. You must have mechanical aptitude, carpentry skills, painting and sculpting skills, a great imagination and yes, you must also be a Barber.

I buy wigs from doll manufacturers, good will, ebay, close out stores... just about anywhere I see one that I like. I then match it up to the figure I am going to wig. You've got to cut the wig to fit which involves placing it on the figures head and slitting and cutting out sections until you have the basic shape you need.

Then using a good glue ( I use hotmelt) run a bead around the forehead line. Place the wig on the forehead line and then start working your way around the rest of the head.

I always look at the way the wig lies on the head to determine f I need the head to be higher. In paperman's case, I built up under the wig with batting that I attach to his head. It gives it a nicer shape and a better contour appearance.

Once the wig is in place, your barber talents come in to play. Any of you who have children have all cut hair at one time or another so you have the basic skills. Just remember that a wig is a complex of hair wefts and doesn't come out of the wig like human hair. If you cut too much, you will see the matrix.

Trim around the ears and neck line and shape his bangs by cutting on an angle . The long side should be where you part the hair and the short side on the other side as you see in the picture. You can thin hair by running the scissor up into the wig and snipping here and there (small snips. By running it up under the wig, you won't really see where it was cut.

Once your finished, use an acrylic sealer as hair spray. It works great! it can be combed out later on but the hair keeps the look you gave it. Here is paperman with his new do. Hope everyone had a great holiday. I'll be putting more vent figure on ebay this weekend. As always, anything I can help you with, email me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com Happy Venting!

adding mechanics to paperman

2008-11-09T16:06:00.000-08:00

The inside of this paper mache figure was pretty tight to work in. His head is full size, but the room inside was limited due to the thickness of the paper mache. Should you ever decide to make a paper mache figure, you only need about a third of the thickness this one has. Once you have his head sanded, you can use a hardener on him like laquer to make him more rigid.

Even the jaw was made from paper!

I drilled a hole in the bottom of his neck and ran a brass tube up into his head and dremeled out a channel for the tube to sit in on the post. I then ran a steel rod up through the tube and bent it to use as a control for the eyes. It sits in between the brass eye connector bent in an "L" shape so when it is moved side to side, it will move the eyes. at the bottom of the brass tube which sits in the channel on the head post, I bent another 90 degree angle and connected a wooden ball to it. That will be the thumb control which manipulates the eyes.

I drilled holes in his forehead and added brass tubes and a wooden dowel to support them which I glued together. I then ran brass rods through them and bent them on the outside of the head for eyebrows. I looped them on the inside and connected them with a spring.

I ran cords for controls for both raising and lowering eyebrows.

I then ran a cord through the hole that held the original cord for the mouth an connected a spring control where there had been a rubber band.

I put a dowel with a pulley on it for the mouth string inside the head instead of the eye hook that had been there.

Then I sculpted some eyebrows out of magic sculpt for him and here he is! (the dummy on the right, of course...)

Have a great week! I am putting another figure with cross eyes up on Ebay so if your interested , check him out. Happy venting! and as always, If I can help you with anything, email me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com.

working on paperman

2008-11-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

After sanding him real well, I used paper clay to fill in the other places that were too deep to sand. I gave him a few coats of paint and blended his cheeks. I added 16mm iris from Braylu which I painted the back of brown to give it a deeper color than the amber colr that they were originally.

I removed two bent rods from the back of the eyes and replaced them with eye screws. I am adding a rod for eye control because there is no room in his little head to get the eyes to turn with eyelet controls. I also thickened an elongated his neck a little so it doesn't sit right on his shoulders like it used to.

I have drilled holes in his forhead and will add brass tubes to add eyebrows later. Here's where he's at so far.

I've got a few guys hanging around in the shop. If anyone sees one they are interested in, email me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com

As always, if anyone has any questions pertaining to figure making or ventriloquism, feel free to email me anytime. I answer any and all questions. If I don't have the answer, you can rest asure I will point you in the right direction to get it. Have a great week. Happy Venting!

Working on and in the shop

2008-10-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

I have been doing some serious work on the inside of my shop. I have run electricity, insulated, walled and I am now putting in a ceiling. I lreally like my new digs. I have a woodshop on one side with my duplicarver, drill press, bandsaw and jig and table saw. On the other side I have a finishing area where I paint, add mechanics and seal. I have my sewing machine and cutting board hooked on to the wall so they fold up out of the way and I have been adding storage and finish shelves every week.

I finished sanding the little guys head that I bought from ebay. I put a coat of paint on him to find the rough areas. I will fill them with paper clay. Paper clay doesn't adhere well to most surfaces but it tends to grip to paper mache real well. Anyone wanting to make a paper mache head should take that into consideration. Once you have the general shape made from paper mache, you can use paper clay to finish his face.

I am also in the middle of furthering my education. I have been taking Bill Nelson's sculpting course. Although it has only been three weeks, I have learned more in his sessions than I have reading sculpting instructions from a book. Bill is thorough and simplifies his procedures in step by step format. Anyone wanting to learn how to sculpt or better yourself should consider taking this course. It's worth every penny.

A side note. I never criticize anyones work. Everyone has the potential to make a good figure. I always tell everyone when I see them doing good work. The only thing that bothers me is the copycat. One thing I always try to do, is make my figures a little different by adding something no one else has and coming up with new ideas. Everyone should do that so their figures are unique to them.

Here are pictures of the inside of the paper mache head. I have alot of eworking of mechanics as you can well see. I'll work on him some more next weekend. As always, If anyone needs help in figure making or has a question about ventriloquism, I answer any and all questions. If I don't have the answer, I will point you in the right direction to get it. You can email me at gepttosworkshop@yahoo.com Have a great week and HAPPY VENTING!

A lonely guy from ebay.

2008-10-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

I have recently purchased a figure on ebay that was made by someone back in the early seventies. It was made of paper mache and covered with a resin to harden it.

I opened the back of his head to do some repairs and his head was almost an inch and a half thick.

His eyes need to be repaired and I am going to add raising and lowering eyebrows to him. He's cute and looks like alot of love was put into building him. It was this womans first try and i think she did a great job! I'm working on sanding down his face because he is pretty bumpy and I will attach his original hair and eyebrows when he is done.

His body is large for his size so I am going to shorten his torso and narrow his shoulders as well as shorten his legs. I will use all his original parts to do this because he was well built.

When he is finished.... I am going to keep him!

Moving

2008-09-22T00:52:00.000-07:00

I have been relocating to my new shop. (out in the yard...) After moving all my tools, equipment and stock, I realize I would never want to move from our home! Too much work!
I spent the entire weekend relocationg and cleaning out the back of the house, hooking up machinery and getting things in place. I'm still not finished!
I am taking orders for look alikes again. I am caught up with everything so if you want to get a vent figure for a loved one, a friend or a boss that looks like them, Now is the time before the Christmas rush.
I have had several people ask me this week about cases for their figures. www.dummyworks.com carries a nice line of professional cases for your figure. If you can't afford the cost, the best way to go is look for a hard case or suitcase. For my figures, I reccomend getting something 21 x 10 x 10. That is the size of the box I ship my dummies in and if lined with one inch foam, would protect him very well.
You can find suitcases or hard cases on ebay. There are alot of them and they change daily so if you want to wait, you'll find the right size. You can also hit garage sales and yard sales. That is where i have found most of mine. I added foam and wala! instant vent case. Some I have even have stickers from all over the world which gives the case a well traveled appearance. It also catches everyones eye when you walk on to the stage. Whichever route you go, you are looking for something to protect your figure, so keep that in mind.
I have put Darnell on ebay this week. He has a buy it now price of 319 which is excellent for a deluxe modified vent figure with these animations. I keep the cost low to make them affordable to all and don't worry, I guarantee all my work to be quality figures that if maintained properly, will give you many years of satisfaction. Hope everyone has a great week!

Cordell

2008-08-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

I received a letter from one of my customers and thought I would share it.

Hello Steve,
How are you? Thanks very much for the great vent figure! He has become quite the character. He is liked by young and old but to some, a little scary. Once they get to know him, they seem to be more comfortable around him. Cordell got a chance to sing "Oh Canada" over the internet to a family in Japan by webcam.
Cordell and I are getting better by the day. My son Christian will sometimes talk to Cordell about things he will not tell me for fear of getting in trouble. When Cordell tells Christian what he is doing is bad, Christian listens and usually no more problems.This little trick his Mom and I find helpful in taching Christian right from wrong when he won't listen to us.Hope your wife is feeling better. She is in our prayers. Talk to you later,
Corey
Thanks for the letter Corey, as well as the prayers. Darlene is doing much better thanks to everyones prayers.
Ventriloquism has always been a great tool for teaching right from wrong. It is great for any kind of teaching from English to History. Try it the next time your child has trouble with a certain subject. You'll find they are alot more receptive with a "Smart Dummy!"

It's been a long summer

2008-08-10T04:17:00.000-07:00

I haven't had much time to add to my blog this month. My wife was in the hospital. She had a schematic attack, better known as a minor stroke. It has been a really hard year for her physically.
Although she is feeling better, she still has some residual effects left. I humbly ask for your prayers for her to regain her strength.
I have finished up all the look alike's I had on back order. One was for a puppet on utube. His name was Adan and he is in a Spanish clip. He is singing about "mansanas", or in english, apples. I did my best on the three of them and have posted pictures of the latest ones. If there is anyone who would like a "mini-me" now is the time before it starts getting busy. I want to thank everyone who reads this blog and remember, I am always available to help you in any way with figure repairs to any advice you might need. As I have said, if I don't have the answer, I will get it for you. You can email me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com Have a great week!

"Louie"

2008-07-19T03:57:00.000-07:00

I promised Delores I would do this post for her. This is the making of "Look-a-like Louie"
I received the pictures from Delores and went to work sculpting out Louies face
After sanding his features smooth, I put four coats of fleshtone acrylic paint before blending in his highlights. After sealing the paint with flat acrylic sealer, I added the mechanics in his head. I attached his head to a post and sealedthem together so there would be no seam. Then I made his body from 1/2 inch pine board and connected the upper and lower torso with dowels and 1 inch grade 2 furring strips. I padded the body and connected his arms and legs and dressed him up in this smart suit. Here is a picture of the subject and a finished picture of "Louie"

Finishing up a "ham"

2008-07-12T09:58:00.000-07:00

Well I finally finished this guy. I can almost hear the delivery of the first joke. Vent: I've got a fresh ham here"
Ham: (Whistles) Hey sweetie want a kiss?!! Hey Mr, you left your hair at home. Hey grandma is your hair sad? It looks a little blue today!!!

Anyway, here he is, It took awhile to figure out his design and the layout but He's ready to go to Mexico. I've been giving him spanish lessons. I hope he's better than I am. If he doesn't speak up quick, he might become dinner!

Fresh Ham!

2008-07-05T23:38:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this project for Duque Delbot in Mexico. He wanted a leg of pork that could talk. It took me awhile to figure how i was going to do this one. I remember reading Clinton's blog an seeing the bats that he turned into ventriloquist figures. If I cut the top half of the bat off, split it down the side, then put one half on each side of the bottom part of the bat connecting the top at the edge of the bat and the bottom snug against the handle, I would get the shape I was looking for. I then covered it with a thin layer of magic-sculpt and then cut out a mouth and eyes. I formed the bottom jaw with the epoxy and belt sanded the sides to fit. then I attached the eyes inside the frame and built his face around them. I formed a pigs foot at the bottom of the bat and started putting in the mechanics. Here is the unpainted result. He should be finished by the end of this weekend. When he is, I will post more pictures. Have a great day!

Look alikes

2008-06-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

I received a mad rush of orders for look alikes last month. I am finally finished so if you are looking for one, now is the time before it gets busy!
I finished one for Bob Albano, the creator and administrator of a pictorial history of ventriloquism. His website is www.costerjoe.com His site is chock full of interesting facts and pictures as well as enteretaining clips to view for all you ventriloquist enthusiasts!
Bob asked me to make a look alike of his son, a gift for his wife. Here he is.
I was asked recently, How do you become a professional ventriloquist?
There are three important elements The first is Desire. You must really want this. the second is Dedication. You must practice constantly.There are many courses out there. All of them are good. Some are costly, some are inexpensive. The best, in my opinion, is Maher Studios Millenium addition. It was created by Clinton Detweiler and can be purchased by contacting him through his blogspot www.newsyvents.blogspot.com It is not cheap, but it is complete, thorough and you are graded by the master himself as you take the exams that are included with this course.You receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course suitable for framing. I purchased one recently and as soon as I have some time, in between my ten jobs (exagerating, only four) I plan to become a Maher student. Something I wanted to do 35 years ago and never had the chance. Who says you can't teach an old dog now tricks! The last and most important is your delivery and act. Without that, you will be no where. If you have a great act, and good delivery you will be asked how to book you for a party or show in most cases immediately after your first act, be it a freebee at a school or a relatives birthday. How do you know you have a good act and delivery? You will know from the laughs and applause and the self confidence that comes with it.
I am working on a project for a ventriloquist in Mexico. It is a first for me. It is a talking "jamon serano" or smoked ham. It is built to resemble a leg of pork on one side, The other side has moving eyes,raising eyebrows and moving mouth. I will take you on a picture journey next week of how he was built. Hasve a great week and happy venting!

Long time between blogs

2008-06-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

I have been busy relocating out to the back yard. During this time I have encountered many difficult hurdles which have taken time away from what I love to do most which is of course figure making and entertaining. I am hooking a direct line to my shop to the breaker box in my house. I thought I could get away with running a jump line from the house but the breaker kicked off on the hottest day of the year and i lost some projects and product because of it.
I have also become a grandfather for the fifth time. His name is Mathew and he was a preemie weighing in at 5 lbs. His mother ( my daughter in law) had him cesearian. My prayers ask that he and his Mom grow stronger each day. It was a difficult birth there have been complications as well. Here is a picture of Sean, Maureen and baby Mathew

Dan's mini-me arrives

2008-06-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

Steve,

Thought I'd let you know I made a safe trip to Canada. My new home is great and the people love me. They think I'm real good looking. Take a look at one of my friends in the photo I attached. Thanks for all the time you spent with me! Take care.

Dan's mini-me

Well Dan's mini-me,

I'm glad you like your new home. From talking to your friend, I know that you will be well taken care of. He seems like a real nice guy!

Steve

Look alikes

2008-05-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

I have been doing several look alikes these past weeks. One is a caricature of Rev. Thomas Bayes, a minister responsible for forming Bayes Theorum which was published post humously. (there is only one picture of him so they don't know if it's really him) The other is for a Dan in Canada. I still need to add his hair.Here are their finished pictures.

These are my favorite sculptings my to do. It gives someone their own mini-me or a likeness of someone else that is unique to them. I charge 299 for these figures. You can't find that low a price anywhere. additional animations are extra. They all come with moving eyebrows. If your interested, you can email me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com. I hope you all have a great weekend. I am on vacation from the newspaper and plan on getting my workshop in order!

Relocating my shop

2008-05-04T23:22:00.000-07:00

I have been using our recreation room for almost ten years now as my shop. I turned the bar into a workbench and the televsion room into a staging area. Darlene has finally had it. She put her foot down when the dummies started making their way into the front of the house.

In her own words: " which dummy is going to stay up front with me and which one is going to the back?" Well, that wasn't hard to figure out, she was talking about me, right?

Needless to say, it was time to get a new shop. I had been outside fore 10 years prior to moving in. I like working in air conditioning and heat so I moved inside. My old shop is too small (or I've gotten too wide) So last week, I had a new one delivered to me and over the next few weeks, will be relocating back outside. ( I feel like a dog who pooped on the carpet and has been banned to the backyard!) I am, however, making it more comfortable this time. I am insulating it, adding a heater and an air conditioner and vacuum unit so I don't have to stand out in the heat to do woodwork and sanding. I will keep you up to date on how it goes. This little guy was finished up this weekend and is now waiting to take up his position as wise cracker to whoever wins him on ebay. As always, any questions, anything I can help you with concerning figure making or ventriloquism, feel free to email me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com

Earl and Sugar britches

2008-04-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

Earl was purchased by James awhile back. He developed some bad habbits on his way to Texas. Alittle smoke a little drink and before you know it he was a bad boy cowboy.

James remedied that by bringing "Sugar Britches" into his life.

She has him under control now although James told me he had to tie his hands behind his back when she first arrived!

I apologize for the clarity of my latest ebay figure. My camera quit and I had to use an old one I have. I have another on the way, so my future pictures will be of better quality. I am learning how to upload youtube to my auctions to give a better example of how the figure operates. As always, if you need any answers or help finding answers about ventrilquism or figure making, email me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com If I don't have the answer, I will get it for you!

Have a great week!

Nothing like a pro saying hello!

2008-04-22T00:06:00.000-07:00

Trenon writes

Hello Steve!!! I thought I'd keep in touch with you by sending some pics of Malcom and I from a show i did in March. This is how he looks in his black suit! Sharp or what!

Thanks again Steve for your great work! God Bless you!!

Finishing up Bill's figure

2008-04-19T21:56:00.000-07:00

I had another conversation with Bill this week and he decided to go with a different look. He wanted his figure to look like a woman who took care of him when he was a child. So after a little adjusting, here she is. I thickened her lips and broadened her nose slightly to give her more of an African American appearance. I changed the controls which were looped steel wire. They were too pliable and didn't work well. I replaced the controls for the mouth and blinker with brass levers and I added a ball control for the eyes. I added moving eyebrows and put another control in the post for that function. I am in the middle of making her body and she should be ready to ship out sometime this week. Here she is Bill. I hope you like her. She's come along way from the poor guy who arrived at my door two weeks ago! He has been resurrected as a woman and will have a new lease on life.

In addition, I am finishing up a conversion figure for Doris, one of my long time customers. Here she is.

Face lift

2008-04-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

I received a Howie Olsen head from Bill in Texas. He asked if I could repair him. After talking with him, we decided to turn her into a "church lady" someone who doesn't practice what she preaches.

This particular Howie head was made of plaster. It is very thick yet not too durable. Apparently, he had an accident and that was his reason for coming to Gepetto's Workshop.

As you can see in the pictures, his face is cracked in about three different places. The first thing I did was glue his fractures and bind him until he dried.

I then removed his Iris' as they were old and scratched. Then I went to work with my magic sculpt. I sealed around the areas that weren't sturdy to give them better durability and sculpted a new face. After she dries, I will sand and paint her and then add moving eyebrows.

Here are some pictures of the process so far. Have a good week. As always, if you have any questions about ventriloquism or figure making, please email me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com. If I have the answer I will gladly help you. If I don't, I will point you in the right direction to find it.

Finishing Jimmy Light

2008-04-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a very busy month. Lots of orders, a few repairs and alot of overhauls.

Jimmy Light and his crew are finally finished and off to Canada. I hope the new looks give your act one up.

This month I will be working on more overhauls. I have one from Bill in Texas and one from Jimmy in New York. I've got a couple of special projects that I will bring to the blog also as well as discussing sprucing up your act for spring. Here are some more pics of Jimmy's finished figures. As always any questions about figure making or ventriloquism are always welcome and will be answered as they come in. Any thing at all, no matter how insignificant it might be to you or overwhelming, if I can't give you the answer, I will direct you to someone who can. Email me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com Happy Venting!

Finishing up Jimmy Light Show

2008-03-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

I have spent basically the entire weekend on getting Jimmy's figures ready. I have one left to finish. As I stated in one of my earlier posts, Jimmy uses his vents to intimidate and make the other wrestlers lose their train of thought, giving his wrestler the advantage. A really great twist to managing a wrestler. Jimmy is the first to use ventriloquist figures in this type of work. He has made his own nitch for the pro wrestling circuit.

Here are some of the finished figures. I have made 3 sets of wigs and eyebrowsfor the old man. a new wig and sharks teeth, moles and ears for the evil looking guy and a 2 sets of wigs and eyebrows for the crazy looking one. I also gave him his tongue. I think he came out pretty well!

I also had a chance to finish up my version of Slappy II from night of the living dummy II. He is on ebay this week. His face was hand sculpted and is as close to the real one as you can get. The only difference being his hair is real and not molded like the one in the movie.

I told Jimmy I was going to take a sebatical after working on his figures. Darlene has a "honey-do" list a mile long and spring is here which means.... Thats right.... yard work!@#+?/@!!!!

Have a great week and remember, I answer any and all questions regarding ventriloquism or figure making. If I can't answer your question, I will direct you to one of the professional people in this business that can. as always my email address is gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com

Jimmy likes teeth

2008-03-22T05:37:00.000-07:00

Jimmy has sent almost all of his Payes puppets to me for dentures. I am also setting them up for quick change velcro hair. I have added some moles and changed the shape of the lips on some of them. The crazy looking one had a great set of teeth on the top, but nothing on the bottom so I made him a set of "lowers" to match his "uppers".

He is also going to get this wild looking tongue once it dries.

Jimmy has been keeping me very busy with refurbs. I told him my wife is going to leave me if i don't come out of the shop on the weekends. So when I'm in the "doghouse" so to speak, I'll be camping on Jimmys porch up in Canada. (I better bring a warm blanket!)

More Jimmy Light Show

2008-03-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

Jimmy has been sending a lot of work my way. I am humbled that he trusts me with his figures.

Jimmy is a professional wrestling manager who uses puppets as well lights on his attire while trying to distract his wrestlers opponents. Jimmy also manages an antique store in Canada. He has quite a following up there. It is his unique methods of entertainment that gather the crowds.

Here are two figures he had me make for him. They are "the stoners" Roach and Bud. I think they just made a deal with a Rastafarian I've been working on! I've got to monitor the goings on in my shop a little closer!

Each figure has blinkers, raising eyebrows,slot jaw movement and a smoker/spitter.

As you can see inside Buds mouth, there is a brass tube which runs down into his jaw and is connected to some surgical tubing which in turn connects to a squeeze bulb. The bulb can be loaded with either talc powder and used as a smoker or water and used as a spitter. I had fun making these guys. My inspiration came from a few "stoners" I knew growing up in the 60's.

Hope you like them Jimmy.

I am also in the middle of adding warts, teeth a different chin and bigger ears to one of his Payes puppets. Here is what I have so far. Have a great week! I thought I'd ad that I have two figures on ebay this week. A girl figure and a Jerry Mahoney with blinkers. I've never seen a Jerry with blinkers before so this may be a one and only!

Some friends from Canada

2008-02-24T15:15:00.000-08:00

This week I have been working on Jimmy Reedyk's puppets. Jimmy is an entertainer in Canada and his show is called "The Jimmy Light Show. He sent me his Selberg Max to get a facial (there were some scratches to his face and a crack in his head.)

I took care of those problems and then repainted his head. Herre some before and after. The trick to doing scratch repairs and repaints is to match everything perfectly. That way, no one knows anything had even happened. I accomplished that with Max. There were scratches to his nose, cheeks and around his ears which were repaired and cab't be seen. Here are some before and afters. He also requested a different look for his Payes doll. He wanted bigger lips, "cruddy teeth", and a nose job. I added bigger ears also. Here is a picture of him.

Jimmy requested that i make some different wigs for him which are interchangeable. I removed his wig and filled in the staple holes. I then attached removeable velcro to his head and velcro strips inside each wig. When your on the stage and you want to do a quick change, velcro attachments are the way to go. Here are some pictures of the wigs. I also made a "soul patch" for each wig which can be connected also by removeabvle velcro under the lip. Hope you like them Jimmy.

Another Murphy's Law week

2008-02-16T20:12:00.000-08:00

It started off well. Then on Monday, I noticed a problem with my van. I took it to the shop. While voting on Tuesday, my other vehicle broke down. I waited in the freezing cold for 2 hours before AAA got there. On Wed, I left work because I was ill. (probably from waiting in the cold) and on the way home, I went into a sneezing fit and ran up on the median and had to be towed off. I have been in bed ever since with Bronchitis.

I see on http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com/ That Dan has relisted me as a figure maker. He received his likeness and did so to my request. I didn't make this figure to prove that I can. I did it as a tribute to him and Bob Albano for the amount of effort and work they put in to their websites. I have never had the desire to prove anything to anyone. I do what I do because I want to.

In his blog, he says that I should continue making pro figures. I will of course, but I never stopped. I have made many of them. I have seen some resold on Ebay, but for most part, they were made to resemble someone and aren't usually parted with.I have used everything from paper mache to wood putty and from paper clay to apoxie sculpt.

I don't make them and sell them on ebay. I sold one stage figure back in September of 2005 on ebay. I never sold another.

I think Al Stevens put it best.... "take in to consideration all the materials, tools, time and sweat that you put in to a figure. That will give you an idea of what you should charge for it.

Ebay is not a ventriloquist's site. It is a general flea market for everything you can imagine. It is a good place however to get people interested in Ventriloquism. Therefore, I give them an alternative to buying a stock Charlie, Mortimer or Howdy with fleece hair, unpainted with a cardboard body which is sold on several websites for 299 dollars.

That is the price I ask for my conversions, and believe me, I put alot more work into them than you can imagine. What I offer is the opportunity to get involved in Ventriloquism without having to spend 5oo dollars on a stage figure. (I have noticed that stage figure heads are getting alot smaller these days) I have many different customers. I have ministers doctors, lawyers, policemen, park rangers, and the whole gammet of people who use these figures to teach, express important issues and bring kids out of their shells as well as entertain.

I have alot of children also who email me and ask questions about problems they are having pronouncing certain letters, or being afraid and many other issues they encounter as they become young entertainers.

The truth is, I am happy making conversion figures. As Clinton Detweiller said in his blog, "I like to help people learn to walk" in this field. That is my place and I am happy to be part of the newbie community. I am available all the time and answer every email that is sent to me. If I can help, I will. If I can't, I will direct you to the most competent person in my opinion that will.

This doesn't mean I won't make stage figures. I make them whenever they are requested. My customers will attest to it. I have built four or five on my blog so far.

I thank you Dan for putting me back on the makers page.

and Bob, thank you for never removing me. Your faith in my abilities will never be forgotten. Your figure is on his way. They told me about three weeks. (slow boat to Taiwan)

Have a great week all. As ever, if you have any questions about ventriloquism or figure making, feel free to email me. I am here to help. my email address is gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com

Here is another stage figure I just finished for one of my customers along side a conversion figure I am working on.

Some friends of mine

2008-02-09T14:20:00.000-08:00

One of my problems is I can't say no. I start too many things at one time and then put my pet projects to the wayside. These started in September..... A little here, a little there and finally! They are finished.

This is my tribute to two individuals who have spent alot of their personal time and alot of searching and asking to develope two of the most informative websites about the History of Ventriloquism and it's players both vents and makers. it was not any easy undertaking and neither of them were paid for their efforts. They are deeply dedicated to this ancient and facinating field and are paid in satisfaction from the amount of people who visit their sites.

I have cast you both in stone (magic sculpt) so that your characatures as well as your efforts will be there for all to see for a long time to come.

Thank you from both of us, to both of you. We visit your sites regularly as well as hundreds of others who pay you tribute through their comments.

If you notice, you are both wearing your logo's, so the face can be matched to your works!

The Bob that Gepetto built

2008-02-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

I couldn't wait for the whig to arrive any longer so I pieced his hair together from several wefts that I had.

Darlene is up and walking already so it has given me time to get back in my shop. I am making a few special outfits for Bob and Dan and then will ship them off to their dopplegangers. Here is a couple of pics of Bob's finished Cabezza.

Building Bob VII

2008-01-27T07:28:00.000-08:00

The Doctor gave my wife the good news on Saturday. The cast will come off on Thursday. One more week.....

I am looking forward to some shop time and finishing some figures I have and of course finishing Bob.

I had a chance to install his eye control and eyebrow control. As you can see in the picture, the brass rod is in a sleeve which goes all the way through the neck to the post. It is bent at the bottom to accomodate a wooden ball for the control.

At the top, the rod has an "L" shape that goes through the loop. When the ball at the bottom is turned, the L in the rod turns and pushes the loop to the right or the left.

an eye screw is connected to the back of the head where a spring connects from the L to the screw. The spring keeps the eyes at center and causes them to return to center when the control is turned. You might have to put the screw in several times to make sure that the eyes are centered. I never get it on the first try.

The brass tubes that are through the forehead have brass rods that are bent in the front to create an eyebrow and are looped inside the head so a spring can be attached to each loop. I tie a cord through the center of the spring and run it over the top of a brass bar with a sleeve on it.

The cord then goes through the hole at the base of the head to be connected to brass conrtrols.

Inside the head, there is a dowel mounted across the inside of the cheeks. This is used as a stabilizer for the brass sleeve eye control. I tie the brass rod to it securely and then cover it with super glue.

Before i attached the dowel to the inside of the head, I put a bobbin on it. The mouth has two eye screws. One is connected to a spring which keeps the mouth closed(spring is connected to back of inside neck) The other has the control cord for the mouth attached. It runs over the bobbin and through the hole at the base of the neck where it will be attached to brass controls.

I'm waiting for Bob's hair to arrive. When it does, he will be complete.

The slow building of Bob

2008-01-20T15:13:00.000-08:00

My wife Darlene has been totally disabled and needs help moving around. The brace goes all the way to the top of her thigh and all the way down to her ankle. I have been with her constantly and haven't had any building time. She's alot more important to me than figure making. She would do the same for me.

Bob contacted me last week and told me his eyes were blue, not brown, so I did a little surgery and changed them out.

I added Bob's head post and put the sleeves in his forehead for his eyebrows. I also added a little more shape to his brow and cheeks. I will install the eyebrows and controls this week and I am still looking for a wig tha best resembles Bob's hair. I have a few that are close but no cigar.

I also had a chance to finish up some conversion figures that were meant to go in my stre at Christmas time. They are there now. I hope everyone has a great week. Darlene has to be re evaluated on Thursday and we will find out if the brace comes off or not. Happy Venting!

Building Bob V

2008-01-06T10:37:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a happy new year. This has been a tough few weeks for us. Darlene is basically imobile and I spend most of my time taking care of her when I am not at work. I apoligize to Bob and Dan for the length of time it is taking me to finish this project. It seems we have been having one tragedy after another in this family.

I installed Bob's mouth and sealed it in place. I also made his eyes. I used a 1 1/2" dowel and cut it down to the width of the eyes I wanted. I used a 1/4 inch paddle bit to drill the iris placement. I added a little magic sculpt to round out the top and the bottom of the dowel to give the eye a round shape. I painted the dowel white and installed the iris. I painted a black ring around the iris to give the eye more "pop".

I drilled a wire sized hole through the top of the dowel and used a piece of brass wire to go through it. Imade an "S" shape on the top and the bottom of the wires and 1/4 of an inch tail a the end. I drilled a wire sized hole in the back of each dowel and installed the wire which will hold the eye to the linkage.

I made a linkage from a 3 inch long piece of wood cut 1/4 inch thick and 1/2 inch thick.

I drilled a hole on each side about 1/2 inch from the end of each side. I then wrapped some thick wire around the piece of wood and created a loop that will be the guide for the control rod.

I set the eyes in to the head with some magic sculpt above and beloqw the eye and pushed the tail of the brass wire into the magic sculpt at the top and bottom. When it dried, I was able to adjust the eye positioning because of the "S" shape I made in the brass wire at the top and the bottom. I then connected the eyes to the wooden armature.

I added a "finger" to the inside of the mouth and put an eye hook in in which I will connect a spring to later on.

Bob has his first coat of paint. After he dries, I will shade him more and seal him. Then I will install his head post and eyebrows. As always, anything I can help anyone with, feel free to contact me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com

2007-12-30T08:55:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! We celebrated the birth of our Savior here at home. It turns out my wife didn't sprain her knee, she broke her leg! The hospital sent her home saying she was alright and told her to visit an orthopedic doctor.

He gave her a shot of cortisone and told her she'd feel better in a week. Three days later her leg was swollen and she was in pain. Of course the doctor was on vacation so Darlene suffered until after the holiday. He then took an MRI and found she had split the large bone in her calve. I don't know why doctors are paid so much when they constantly misdiagnose problems.

She is now in a leg cast and has to have someone with her to help her up and down. My granddaughter is here in the early evening until she goes to bed and I am with her all day until I go to work. Needless to say, figure making is on the back burner.

I did complete Bob's lower jaw. I fit it by building out the sides and grinding it on a belt sander until it fit.

I then drill a hole through the jaw and mount a hollow brass tube through it. I slide a brass rod into the tube and cut it to the width of it's placement inside the head.

When the jaw is finished, put it in the head where it goes and build up some epoxy sculpt under the brass rod leaving the indentation of the rod in the putty. Take the mouth out and wait for it to dry.

While it dries, you can sculpt out the inside of the mouth. Teeth and tongue for a realistic look.

I drilled holes in the head for his eyebrows which I will install next week along with his eyes. I

I put a coat of paint on the head to find any touching up needed. So instead of Bob Albino, he is starting to look like Bob Albano.

Building Bob V

2007-12-24T14:25:00.001-08:00

After sanding Bob's face, I cut out the eyeholes and the mouth slot. It is very important to make sure your lines are straight for the mouth and the distance between the top and the bottom is the same width. Otherwise the mouth won't fit well.

I then glue the bottom part of the head back on to the face plate, leaving the back of the head off to add the mechanics later on. I use string or rubber bands to hold the head together while it is drying. I use Gorilla glue to attach the pieces.

together. Then I build up the cup around the mouth piece I removed. Some people use wood for the sides of the mouth because it is flush and will be more forgiving with the fit. I just make it out of magic sculpt and then use a belt sander to make the sides flush. I always build out wide so I can take off to make a good fit.

Building Bob IV

2007-12-22T02:19:00.000-08:00

I woke up at 1:00 this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. I decided to work on Bob's facial features. Bob e-mailed me a picture (I asked for a side view also but he didn't have any on hand so I punted!) I took the

I sat down in front of my computer with a glob of epoxy sculpt and started working. Here is the result of the rough out.

I will fill in where needed and smooth out the features once it dries. Then I will cut out the eye holes and the mouth.

Building Bob III

2007-12-15T18:18:00.000-08:00

It's been almost two weeks since my last post. My wife and I were getting ready to take my father out for his 79th birthday and she caught her foot under the rug and fell hard. She damaged the meniscus in her knee and possibly tore a ligament. I have been spending all my time with her. She is unable to walk.

I did start Bob's head this weekend. What I do is take a hat mannequin and cover it with tin foil.

I have about five different versions of them for different styles. Bob has medium smooth features. He has no outstanding features like a large nose or big chin. Good for him, deefeecult for me (o;

When making a caricature, it is easier when there are outstanding features. When there aren't, the head has to really resemble the photo or the whole idea is lost.

After I cover it in tin foil, I use one of two mediums, either magic sculpt or paper clay. In this instant I am using magic sculpt. ( I ran out of paper clay)

Paper clay is much easier to work with and requires little if any sanding when finished. Magic sculpt is a bear to sand and takes quite awhile just to get ridges smooth.

After i cover the head, i let is sit for about thirty minutes and then I cut the head in half right on the hat mannequin and run the blade across the back of the head also. I can then remove it from it's armature to do the finished work when it dries. That's where I am so far.

Building Bob II

2007-12-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

I attach a quilted cover to the body by wrapping it around, trimming at the top and the bottom. I leave enough on the bottom to fold under.

I then roll two tubes of filler and attach them around the neck hole. I staple them into a circle and then glue underneath them to hold in place. I use Fabri-Tac. It is the best glue on the market in my opinion and can be bought in just about any hobby or fabric store.

I then cover the top with fleece. I pull it tight around the top and staple it in place in the front and glue it to the back of the top.. I then cut a small hole in the top and pull at it to open it to about an 1 3/4 inches. Theres his body cavity.

Now, I cut two pieces of cloth for arms and two for legs. I made a pattern for those and cut them down as needed. I didn't have a pattern at first, but my wife was frustrated with me constantly asking her "do these look good?"

For the legs, I fold the cloth in half and trace the pattern. I cut it out at the opened end and stitch it closed, leaving an opening at the top of the legs to stuff it.

I do the same thing for the arms (with a pattern) and leave both ends open.

I then turn them inside out and stuff them. I attach the hands on one side by folding an inside colloar on the arm sleeve and sliding the hand into it. I run a bead of glue around the wrist with Fabri-Tac and pull the sleeve over the bead. I then sew a joint in the legs and the arms so the figure will have the ability to move his arm with an arm rod and so his legs hang when he sits.

Building Bob Albano

2007-11-25T14:20:00.000-08:00

The holidays have kept me in overtime. We've visited, been visited,and have been working busily in the shop to keep up with holiday demands. I was supposed to start last week showing how i make a tribute figure. Best laid plans of mice and men....

Anyway! I will start this week.

The first thing I will show you is how i make the body cavity. Bob is of medium builld with a slim waste so we have to tapere the body. I have cut out a bottom and a top that will fit the head I am making. You ask, what is the size? I don't make a standard size. I choose the head shape I will use (later in detail) and from that, I plan my body.

After cutting out the pieces, I use a 3" hole saw to cut out the neck hole. I then drill two 1/2 inch holes in the top and the bottom of the pieces. These holes will hold 1/2 inch dowels which will give the body contour. Then I cut the dowels to the height of 13 inches. That will be the height of the body.

I cut two pieces of 1/2 by 2" #2 grade furring strips 12 inches long for the sides and nail them on either side of the top and then connect it to the bottom by doing the same. I run a bead of glue in the holes where the dowels will go and do the same for the top and bottom of the furring strips to give it added strength. and the result is the body cavity.

Giving tributes to the tributors

2007-11-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all we have. Along with family and friends and everything God has given me, I want to thank a couple of people who have done alot for the vent community. I have created and am in the middle of creating tribute figures for two people who deserve alot of recognition. Bob Albano for his hard work and effort putting together the tribute to ventriloquism website http://mercurye.com/ventriloquism

and Dan Willinger for his website http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com/

I am almost finished with Dans and I am starting Bobs. I will show each step as I make Bobs figure. I want to thank Bob foremost for considering me when he put together his tribute and listing me as a figure maker in it. Thank you and God bless.

I will start this weekend showing how I sculpt out a head using a photo of the person, then add mechanics and a little pixie dust to finish them up. Have a great week.

These are pictures of Dans figure. I made it to look like him. What better way than to honor these men who have done so much for us than to imortalize them as vent figures! P.S: I made the heads larger than life so there is no question of them being conversion figures ( ;

Happy Holloween!

2007-11-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

This was one of my favorite holidays! Every year, Darlene and I get set up on the porch, bundle up and give out treats as the children and their costumes parade on through.

You get alot of ideas for vent figures from some of these costumes! The best part is when the holiday is over, the costumes and wigs go up for sale and they are great to use on vent figures!

The holiday season is upon us and things will be getting busy in Gepetto's Workshop.

But as always, anyone needing help in figure making, ventriloquism, or you have an idea for a vent figure you are welcome to email me and I will help you in anyway I can! www.gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com

2007-10-25T02:50:00.000-07:00

Ihave been in contact with a young man now for several months. He entertains for his Church and has been working with me getting a stage figure ready for him.

He was shipped out on Tuesday and will probably receive him today. Malcom is making the transition from conversion figure to stage figure. He is planning on entertaining large groups and wanted several animations. We put together this fellow for him. Blinkers and raising eybrows have been added over several different contacts with him, so this guy has morphed into what he is now. I hope he is everything you want him to be Malcom. Keep in touch!

critics

2007-10-22T05:07:00.000-07:00

I go through these "forums" occasionally to see what these "professional ventrioloquists" are talking about. Some of them are great, they share information, help each other out.

One in particular likes to berate people. When people just starting out ask what they should buy, they are met with "don't buy a converted toy" you'll develope bad habits"

They just don't get it. Alot of people don't have 500 dollars to shell out to buy a "professional figure" (a term I get a kick out of) They want something they can practice with and even suggest themselves about getting a conversion figure. They are met with "don't waste your money" buy from this guy. No thought at all to the newbies who then, in cases I have seen right on the blog, disappear off the radar.

These "professionals" do a disservice to their community. Conversion figures are the best to start with. If you are entertaining friends and family, they go over great. I have used them for years in my act and the kids love them. Little kids are afraid of the larger figures. I own 20 stage figures(the larger ones) six of which I made myself. When you entertain on a stage, you need a stage figure. (the proper terminology for the larger figures)

It's not everyone on that forum, just several "know it alls" who have put it upon themselves to be judge and jury of what is right and what isn't.

Do yourself a favor, don't listen to anyone. Get what you like and what you can afford. They are all good figure makers. The conversion figure makers and the "professional" figure makers.

Ventriloquism is a great form of personal as well as audience entertainment. It brings happiness to the lives of the sick or lonely, it is a great teaching aid and it is a great accomplishment when you master it.

Enjoy the art, and don't get caught up in this holier than thou stuff on these blogs. As I have said before, a community that diminishes it's own, diminishes period!

Anyone needing help in this art, figure making or repairs, feel free to email me anytime at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com I am here to help. Not to criticize. I am also easy to talk to and will not intimidate like the forum I am talking about. Thank you for the questions and comments . Keep them coming!

Be the best person you can be

2007-10-14T14:56:00.001-07:00

My wife tells me we are in a retrograde Mercury. For anyone that doesn't know what that means, it is an astrological term and basically (at least to me) means whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. So far it has.

I have been trying to get orders finished and my wife and I both came down with something. Needless to say I am behind in my work.

I had someone tell me the other day " I'm a Christian, so I'll wait till tomorrow to say what I want to say". I still haven't been able to figure that one out. I guess he didn't want to yell at me which is something Christians aren't supposed to do. He wouldn't give me a chance to resolve the problem we had between us which is something else Christians do.

True Christians work out their differences. They don't need to threaten to get their point across AND..... Christians are forgiving. Christian means Christlike.

So all you "Christians" who use this phrase, try being like him not using his name to get a point across! If you have something to say by all means say it! That is another Christian trait. Honesty!

Sorry, I had to get that off my chest. I am not a miracle worker and sometimes make mistakes. If I say it will be done and it isn't, it is something I couldn't help. If there is an issue, I will gladly take care of it. Just give me the opportunity. I try to follow in his footsteps the best I can. That's what we are all supposed to do.

I have a Charlie tribute on ebay this week as well as a Jerry Mahoney. The Charlie was a special order and the person had a family emergency and couldn't pay for him SOOOOOOOOO he is now on ebay. I don't plan on making another one, so he is it.

The emails have been slowing up lately so I just want to remind everyone why I started this blog. I have been a ventriloquist and figure maker for many years and I am here to help anyone with any questions they might have pertaining to figure making, ventriloquism or figure repairs.

I look forward to helping any and all from people becoming interested to fellow veterans. my email address is gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com Hope you all have a great week!

Dr 90210

2007-10-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

I finished the repair on Mr. Horn's Selberg. Apparently, he got in a staring contest with the dog and lost.....

His hands and nose were pretty chewed up as the pics show. Here he is with his new nose. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of the hand after i finished it. Maybe Mr. Horn will be able to send me one for my file. Thanks for the photos Tony. Much appreciated.

Here is a picture of Tony with his Selberg.

Nose job

2007-10-07T23:39:00.000-07:00

I recently did a repair on a Selberg figure. Tim's work is absolutely amazing. The mechanics inside his heads look like they were designed by an engineer. This guy had all the bells and whistles. blinkers,winkers,cross eyes,raising and lowering eyebrows.... unbelievable!

His figures are top of the line and his prices reflect that. The amount of work that goes into a figure like this is mind boggling. Here are some pictures of the inside of his head.

All of othe mechanics are rod operated. No strings. These figures are built to last forever.

I have seen the inside of many figures heads over the years. This one amazed me.

My wife and I have been busy filling orders this past week. The only down side of that is missing some of this beautiful fall weather. My father came over Saturday and broke us away for dinner at Applebees. The side tracking dinner was just what we needed to get back into the swing of things and get a fresh start Sunday. It was great spending the afternoon with family. Isn't that what it's all about anyway?

Reunited!

2007-09-30T06:33:00.000-07:00

Mr Devane stopped by to pick up Milko this Friday. He was all ready to go and missed home.

I repaired all that needed repair and added a tongue (there had been something there but it was gone. I assumed it was a tongue..... What else would it be?

I seperated theopenings in the ears and usd a fabric adhesive. (BEACON, it's the best there is in my book.) I repaired the neck separation and the mouth fabric which had come unattached to his jaw. I used liquid leather and matched up the color for his toes and finger tips to conceal the green wires that were exposed due to wear.

Irepaired his little smock which had it's ties broken and added new straps and gave him a good dry cleaning. I touched up his nose and glossed his eyes. He is ready to perform.

Mr Devane was pleased with the results and plans on putting Milko in a glass display.

I enjoyed working on him and learned alot about the animated puppets of the 50's through researching him and working on him. I also made a new aquaintance. Mr. DeVane is a professional speaker and voice over artist. One of the bennefits of repairing figures and puppets as well as making them are meeting the interesting people who own them. Good luck Mr. Devane! Take care Milko!

Working on Milko

2007-09-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have been really busy at the paper. The advertisements are heavy for the next few months as the holidays approach. I squeeze every waking minute I have in to working in my shop.

My wife and I have added ther YMCA to our routine now. Can't make puppets if I'm not healthy I guess...........) :

I spent most of Friday working on Milko. There were alot of little repairs that needed to be done. The neck was coming away from the head, the ears (both of them) were split and separating from the head. The legs which are stitched in were loose, the living mouth material had detached from the bottom lip, the eyes were dull and the nose needed to be touched up.

Milko also needed a bath. I dry cleaned him.

There was also a lack of a control to move his mouth. The inside of the head has no access so he couldn't be taken apart. These puppets were primarily made of cloth and leather and everything is stitched together. There is an existing lever to move the mouth up and down but it is very difficult to utilize. I added a finger control sleeve made of paperclay (that's what milko's hard features were made of) to the ridge of the inside of the lip. Now he can be manipulated with ease. I thought about a spring attachment but the tension would pull against the cloth and eventually just pull out. This is a much more permanent solution.

As I said. I wanted Milko to remain unchanged. With the exception of the control sleeve (which is not visible) He looks exactly the same as when he arrived, with the exception of his repairs and sprucing up. Thank you for this opportunity Mr. Devane, I got a chance to glimpse into the past and learned a lot about the larger hand puppet controls of this early era.

A surprise from down under!

2007-09-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

I had a visit to my shop on Friday morning. He brought along a Koala Bear with him.

Mr Devane and I have been in contact for several months and just weren't able to find a good time for both of us. I finally got the chance.

He has asked me to restore this puppet. His name is Milko and was on the Rootie Kazootie show. He was made by one of the greatest puppet makers of all time, Paul Ashley.

We decided to keep him just the way he is and touch up some places that need touched up and reattach his neck and ears. Fix his fingertips and give him a good cleaning. Paul Ashleys puppets are all of museum quality and are kept under lock and key by collectors. Chuck McCann and Paul Ashley teamed up together for the Chuck McCann show in the 60's. Wow, what memories..... Here are some pictures of him. He is operated like a hand puppet with your fingers controlling the arms, but he has controls on the inside of his head for his mouth and his eyes. They blink! I am looking forward to this project and will keep his before and afters along with the pictures of others I have restored in a place of honor. a tribute to Paul Ashley can be found on Bob Albano's website www.mercurye.com/ventriloquism under makers of hard figures.

There are two heads in this other picture who have been very patient with me. I have kept putting them down due to orders or family emergencies and I have promised them I will finish them before the end of this month. The shop is moving along well again. My wife gave me a "personal day" to get cleaned up and organized so i can start preparing for the Holiday seasons. Here are some of the figures you will be seeing on ebay. If any interest you, or you have any questions about figure making or ventriloquism as always, email me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com t My entire reason for this blog is to help beginners and novice ventriloquists with their conundrums.

Back to the shop

2007-09-09T19:30:00.000-07:00

I have spent the last few weeks with family. I haven't had much time to be in my shop. For all those who have orderes pending, I completed them this weekend and they are ready to go.

I apologize for the wait. Family comes first.

I have been working on several stage figures for different people. Two are finished and the third and fourth are still in the works. When they are completed, I will havve pictures for you.

I will be contacting all those people who have asked questions and are looking for work to be done this week. I haven't had any time to get back to everyone because i was finishing up some birthday gifts. (no one should be late on a birthday gift!)

Fall season is coming and I have done a few harvest shows and I am looking forward to my favorite time of year HALLOWEEN!

Here is a figure I made for a fellow New York native with a holloween theme.

A very draining week.

2007-08-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

I have been spending most of my time with my father. He lost his soul mate and he is lost now himself. They say grieving is something that takes time. I want to make sure he knows someone cares about him so this month, I won't be working in my shop. I have several projects I will finish up. One is a stage figure for Trenon, another is a stage head for Actor/magician/ventriloquist Dean Atkinson of Australia and a figure I am working on for Dan Willinger, the creator of http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com/

I have alot of conversion figures that are ready so i will be selling them on ebay, but most of my time will be spent with my family. It is sobering moments, like the loss of a loved one, that makes you realize how precious little time we have on this earth. Thank you all who have contacted me with your prayers. They mean alot to us. My father, my wife and myself all thank you. It is wonderful to know that we have been blessed with good friends. Attached are some pictures of the stage figure heads I am working on. The one with the big ears is for Dean, the one in the middle is for Dan, the one on the end is the resukts of my first casting. As i said in earlier blogs, I prefer to do each one by hand and not continually make the same figure. Thanks again. Please keep in touch. You can email me at gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com

Grieving

2007-08-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

My apologies for not adding to my blog these past two weeks. My stepmother passed last Saturday and I have been spending all my time with my father who is grieving and having a hard time of it. I ask that all of you who believe in God, in whatever name or form, say a prayer for him and his wife when you have time. To help her cross over and to help my father recover from his loss. Thank you sincerely.

TOO BUSY!!!!!!

2007-08-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

I took a few days off from the newspaper to catch up in my shop. (work for work!)

I got alot done but not as much as I wanted to. I think I saw daylight about 6 hours in the last 5 days!

I am finishing up some more orders and in between, I am making several stage figures. I have never made a casting. I always take a wooden hat rack head, cover it with tinfoil or saran wrap and make the initial head shape. After it dries, I start sculpting the face onto it.

I then cut the mouth, eyes and back of the head out so I can start assembling the inards.

It is a slow process. One of the reasons I don't make alot of them. I have started to sculpt out three faces which I can alter (my specialty) so I can cast them and make building them alot faster. Hey, everyone does it now. So much for uniqueness. Thats why i want to make them stck faces so I can do my magic and make them all unique.

Heres a couple of pictures of the slow process, and Mrs. Gepetto sculpting out a pixie.

Great Turnout!

2007-08-01T01:08:00.001-07:00

I want to thank everyone who sent in their fears of performing in front of an audience. I have posted several of them for everyone to enjoy. We can all relate to these can't we!

Trenon's reply. "Once I was afraid when I did a church vent service of 200 or more people, but once I landed my first line, It was great!!!!!!

Rebecca's reply. " My first audience was a group of students. I was doing an anti-drug routine in front of some "tweens" which is usually a very volatile age. They got right into it and made me feel comfortable and it turned out great!"

Lisa's reply. " I was doing my first birthday party and my figure was a clown. I had him laughing so hard that I pushed a little too far on the head post and his head fell out!

I panicked! But when I looked around, everyone was laughing hysterically and I just made it look like part of the act and said "Look! He laughed himself to pieces!" At the end of the show, the parents were all telling me what a great act it was, especially when the head fell off!" (:

Larry's reply. "I was really nervous in front of my class. It was the first time I did it in front of a group. After they heard the first couple of jokes and they all laughed, I felt better and got a big round of applause when I finished."

Mark's reply. " Hi Steve, you know as well as I do that the feeling never really leaves you. The butterflies are always there when you get there and work themselves out after you get them warmed up. My biggest fear has always been, and always will be not being able to warm them up!"

So there you have it Charlie, No one can really say that they have never been afraid. Some ventriloquists who have been performing for years still get scared. I have a secret for you that might help. The next time you go out to perform in front of people and you feel scared, look for the biggest smile in the audience and concentrate on that one person while your doing your act. It makes the group feel smaller. and the biggest smiler is always the biggest laugher too! There's nothing like a good belly laugh at your jokes to give you the confidence you need to help you get through your act successfully!

Ever been afraid?

2007-07-27T23:51:00.000-07:00

Good Morning all.

I received several e-mails from Charlie who owns P.J., a figure that we made here at Gepetto's Workshop. His father, a very nice man, ordered P.J. for Charlies birthday.

Charlie asks if I have ever been a ventriloquist and if I was afraid the first time.

I emailed him back but thought it would be a good topic to discuss.

I have been doing vent acts for many years and it never changes. I always have butterflies before I start. Once I start and get my first smiles and laughs, it goes away.

There was a time that I dreaded different groups to perform in front of. I finally picked a certain group that I felt most comfortably working with. The audience I prefer is children. I have never been comfortable doing adult comedy although I have done it. Children receive ventriloquism in wonder and become mesmerized while they watch. That's what brings me joy, therefore, they are the group I prefer. Their laughter is addicting and their energy levels are great for ad libbing.

Don't ever be afraid to entertain Charlie. It is the greatest feeling in the world when you bring laughter and smiles to others. You'll get over the butterflies and want to do it all the time.

Anyone else have a story they would like to share about entertaining in front of their first audience? If so, email me at www.gepettosworkshop@yahoo.com I will share them with my readers. Thanks!

Bruce arrives safely in U.K.

2007-07-24T00:15:00.000-07:00

Today I received a letter from a happy father and his son. It is letters like this that I treasure the most. In his letter, Andy, (Olivers father) tells me that Bruce arrived safely and that Oliver takes him with him everywhere! He learned the practice dialogue I put in the instruction booklet immediately and has since taken Bruce to school with him where he did his first public vent act! Your on your way to being a professional ventriloquist Oliver!. Thank you both so much for the letter. It put a big smile on my face!

Oliver asked me what the hardest part of making a ventriloquist dummy is. I told him the hardest part is sending him off to someone wondering if he will get a good home and be taken well care of. In Olivers case, I know Bruce was one lucky dummy!

Lip control

2007-07-20T01:04:00.000-07:00

I received an email from Rainy in Montana (I asked her if it was.... She said that was old)

She said she can't help moving her lips when she comes to those difficult words and letter pronunciations. She asked me how i take care of that problem.

The one thing a ventriloquist should always do is interact with his dummy by nodding or disagreeing or roll his eyes anything that will distract the audience from his mouth. Unfortunately, when people go to see a ventriloquist, its like going to see a magician. Everyone tries to see how the trick is done so instead of enjoying the show, they tend to watch the ventriloquists mouth instead of the act. If you're always looking at the audience, they will watch your mouth. If you're looking at the dummy, they will watch him. DISTRACTION!!!! That is the key to successful ventriloquism.

I was taught by Paul Winchell when I was young to clench my teeth together and smile while the dummy is talking. He said always look at the dummy when he's talking look to the side at him while he is talking. There is less movement seen that way. Always make sure your figure is animated. Shifting around looking side to side turning his head etc. All this distraction takes away from the audience watching your lips. After i do demonstrations and kid classes The Adults usually tell me. I wanted to see if you moved your lips but I got caught up in the act.

There's the secret. If the dialogue and manipulation is good, No ones going to see the times you move them. And as always PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE IN FRONT OF A MIRROR. The more you do that, the better you will get. Hope that helps Rainy!