Look alikes

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

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

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