Update

Here are a few more pictures and a quick little video of my New Character, James "The Butler" Enjoy! MontanaDan

James Butler

Well, he is almost done. I installed all the mechanics, and the control stick. Then I added another coat of paint and did some highlights and shades. Then I tweaked the controls a little bit, and added some soft glove leather to the thumb lever and control stick handle. I need to get a little suit or tux for this guy. Enjoy the pics. MontanaDan

James The Butler

Well I worked most the night getting James Eyes and Mouth Installed. I did a bit more painting, but he still needs some highlights. Here are a few more pics to bring us up to date. Next I will install some inner mechanics and the control stick.
The Butler will be serving us soon! MontanaDan

Kem Poyner Creations

Looks like Kem Poyner is back in action with a couple of New Little ScuttleBuds!
Check out these two new characters at Kem's website. Kem is a master builder of Ventriloquist Puppets, and has Ventriloquist Dummies for sdale right on his site. Enjoy MontanaDan
Kem Poyner Creations

Fresh Paint

Well I just finished with a second coat of fresh paint, and I have finished creating my Jaw piece. It turned out pretty good. I will be installing the jaw/mouth tonight, and I hope to have the eyes ready to install tomorrow or at least by Saturday. Enjoy the Pic! MontanaDan

Head Casts Completed

I just finished up with two more head casts. They turned out pretty well, but I messed up my plaster mother mold in the process. Oh well, such is life. I am now getting ready to work on the eyes and jaw piece. What Fun! Montanadan

Character Casting

Well I created a mold and cast a new head this evening.
Things are coming along quite nicely. I believe I will make
two more heads tomorrow, and then I can start working on the
rest of the details. As for now here are a few more pictures.
MontanaDan

Update on New Character

Well I have been busy working on some details, and re-working some features, such as, the nose, the eyes, and the detail lines. I re-worked the nose a bit and added eyelids. I also added a few detail lines around the eyes. I've posted a few newer pictures and another Paint-Shop-Pro version as to a finished version. You actually never really know what the final outcome will be, until you cast the head and put one together. I'm almost there though. This ventriloquist Dummy Building is loads of fun. Stay Tuned. MontanaDan

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