New Character

In the next few weeks I hope to be able to cast the head and get started on my next ventriloquist character. I am in the process of the sculpture and detail work, and he is quite different than any I have seen. I wanted to create a character that was some what of a cross between a cartoon and a Disney character. I decided on a "Butler" who I will name James for sure. I have included a few pictures of the sculpture I am working on and a mock-up picture that I did in Paint-Shop-Pro, to get an idea of what he might look like finished. Take a look! MontanaDan

New Twist

Well I just kept looking at Oliver Twist, and he just kept looking back at me, and I thought I am just not happy with him, so I repainted old Oliver, and now he is just as Happy as can be! Check out Oliver's new look. Enjoy, MontanaDan

Inside The Head

Through trial and error, I have tried all sorts of ways to install the

inner workings, or controls inside the Ventriloquist Figures that I create.

I have found that simple is better in the long run.
As you can see from the
pictures that I have included,
my process goes like this. First I prepare

the head by cutting out the eyes,
access panel and the jaw. In this case the

jaw was already done by Braylu.
After sanding and any patch work, I paint the
head and mouth/jaw. Then I install and adjust
the jaw piece for a good fit.

I use Magic Sculp to attach the rod and jaw in place.
Then I cut three small wood blocks about 1/2 " square.
I glue these in place with Gorilla Glue,
and insert an eye screw in each one.
These are for the eye control to attach to
and for the pulley for the mouth.




I use centering springs in the back of the eyes
with a large paperclip bent to make the
control synchro bar and eye movement linkage.
I cut the ends off of a Q-tip,
leaving about 1/4" of the stick.
I insert the synchro bar into the springs
and then the Q-tips which are then glued
in place with Gorilla Glue.
The last step to this is to use elmers glue
on the cotton ends of the Q-tips
to harden and make a nice endcap.
After I install the eye plate with eyes attached,
again with Magic Sculp,
I am ready to attach wires and cords.





These pictures are of the Cheeky Boy Head Cast
from the Kenny Croes Collection.
I had to cut a notch in the eye plate
for the jaw to open and close correctly.





The Inside is completed with a pulley
attached to the upper center block,
and to the back of the jaw.
I only use one eyehook in the back of the jaw.
One cord is attached and goes up through the pulley,
another cord goes down and is attached
to a spring on the top of the control stick.
I use 6" fishing leaders as cables
to attach to the synchro bar and through the
left and right side blocks/eyehooks to work the eyes.
These work quite nice and are ever so quiet and smooth.



With all the inside mechanics installed,
I then use Gorilla Glue to glue the control stick in place.
After I attach the skull cap, I then finish my paint
job.
Install hair and finishing touches, such as eyebrows,
and any small
details, and finish off with wraping
the thumb control with soft glove leather
for a really nice and comfortable feel.



There You Go! MontanaDan

Kirby Video

Here is a quick video of "Kirby". The Cheeky Boy Character. This Cast Head is from the Kenny Croes Collection, available at Braylu Creations. MontanaDan

KIRBY

This is Kirby, another Ventriloquist Figure that I created using one of the cast heads from the Kenny Croes Collection, available at Braylu Creations. This is the "Cheeky Boy" cast head. This is the second Puppet that I have finished using these Custom Cast Heads. Kenny Croes of Vent Into The Mike, and Buzz James of Braylu Creations, are really going all out with the creation and sale of these Fantastic Ventriloquist Dummy Cast Heads. Enjoy, MontanaDan

McMurphy Video

Here is a little silent video of my new Ventriloquist Puppet "McMurphy"

Self Built Pals

Clinton Detweiler has created a New Page on his Blog called "Self Built Pals". If you have a Ventriloquist Figure that you created yourself, and want to share your work, Clinton will post it on his blog page. Just send him and email with your story or description and a picture. Thanks Clinton! MontanaDan
Self Built Pals

McMurphy

Here is the newest Character I have been working on. I made this little guy using a Cast Head from the Kenny Croes Collection, available at Braylu Creations. These heads are perfect for a size 2-T body, also available at Braylu. Kenny has created several heads available for purchase at Braylu Creations, and they are easy to work with. This is the Uncle Earl Head. As you can see, I made mine a tad bit younger then Kenny's version. I also purchased a Cheeky Boy Cast Head and hope to be working on him next weekend. Both of these heads have the jaw piece already constructed and seperate from the head. They also have an eye plate with an outline for the screw holes. Other then having to cut out the eyes and the skull cap, these cast heads are ready for use with just some minor sanding and installation of your controls. A little paint and some final touches, such as hair and eyebrows, and before you know it he is ready to talk! I named my guy McMurphy. Enjoy MontanaDan