Puppets that are similar to Folkmanis, but cheaper
Are you looking for Folkmanis puppets to buy? Please read the post on where to buy them.
Ok, I literally had someone pop up my blog yesterday using a similar search term (puppets similar to Folkmanis, but cheaper), and I really felt the need to post an entry about this one.
First, you may want to read my posts on ‘what is a good price for a puppet‘ and ‘what makes a puppet professional‘. (Or read them after the following, for clarification)
As you can see from the other two posts, a puppet can not necessarily be cheap, depending on the types of material used, the quality of workmanship, the type and size of puppet, and the labour involved in making it.
Folkmanis puppets are factory-made glove puppets, and are very beautiful ones at that. They are pretty standard - animals and creatures, but not overly creative on design - puppets, but they are made using high-quality materials and are also of high standard workmanship (the furs alone would cost about $AU 70 per/metre here in Australia). These puppets are mainly sold in children’s toy stores, which means they have the additional bonus of being made specifically for children’s play; lots of safe materials used in the manufacturing of the puppets, and they’re designed for durability too.
I have seen these glove puppets sell for about $AU 15 or 20 in stores, and rightly so. This is pretty much as cheap as you can get for a high-quality glove puppet in this style. Additionally, it depends on your use of the puppet: if you’re just buying one for your child, or as a children’s present, then go for Folkmanis or another puppet maker’s products. They are tried and true, and children love the realistic and fun characteristics of the designs. If you’re looking for something to use in a show or performance, then think outside the box…
If you are looking to buy a glove puppet which is cheaper, why not approach a local puppet maker, and give them a budget: they may be willing to help you out. Search the net, there are heaps of puppet makers who sell online, and offer a much more creative range of puppets. If not, grab a free pattern off the web, some materials from your local craft store, and make your own. You will quickly realise either way that the concepts of making high-quality, durable puppets that are also cheap do not necessarily correlate.
"Puppets that are similar to Folkmanis, but cheaper?" No such thing. Not unless you want to cut back on quality.
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