Inspiration - Hand-Stitched Felt

My latest round of finger puppets were inspired by Kata Golda's book, "Hand Stitched Felt."

The cute cover drew me in and I ordered the book.

While my finger puppets have a much different look than Kata's, I was inspired by her construction - folding a rectangle to create the puppet body.

I was also inspired by the way she made pockets for the finger puppets to be housed and carried around. My puppet purses are different from her rolled up puppet bed. However, I would not have come up with my purses if I had not seen her puppet beds.

Character Takes on a Life of Her Own

Kitty eating at Nha Trang in Chinatown

As can happen, writers/artists create a character and that character takes on a life of its own. This character does not pause for our conscious direction, but plunges forward with what I imagine is in our subconscious.

So, is the story of Kitty. She was created as a gift to my 3 year old friend, Maizie. Maizie played with her and during our day of fun, Kitty fell out of the car. Upon hearing of this, I promptly mailed Maizie a new kitten. As I turned around from the mailbox, what should I see? but Kitty on the street under a car where Maizie and her family had dropped me off the night before.

Since that moment, Kitty has been with me always. She has adventured her way through New York City, making friends, finding stray kittens (of her species) and in general, following her impulses.

You can follow Kitty's adventures on instragram at: susannapitzer

Kitty and her friend, Lucky

Kitty rescued kittens in Central Park

New Puppet Purse

I made this puppet purse to my 3-year old friend, Maizie. She was so happy. She especially loved standing the puppets on their heads.

It was such a fun project to make with her in mind... and, I liked trying something new...the circle flowers on the back.

Center of Purse

Back of Purse

Squirrels!

I'm at the last week countdown to 100 finger puppets. I'm up to 69, 31 to go!

Made four squirrels, several rabbits and a couple pigs this weekend.

Next...more purple cats. Meow!

Tigers on the Loose

Photo by William Green

My finger puppets are making their way out into the world.

These two were spotted in Central Park.

Puppets in Process

Zebras being born

Over the years, I've created many finger puppets. They are fun to make and even more fun to give away.

This newest round of puppets has a simple basic body. I cut out a thick rectangle and then add the face and other elements to create a specific kind of animal.

My puppets are made without patterns. On rare occasion, I might do sketching to see different ways to create the animal, however, my usual way is to free hand cutting out the pieces. I think of it as 3-D sketching and illustration.

Completed Pair

I like to make multiples of each animal, this allows me to make changes and try different things. Since I have many young, and young at heart, friends - I know that each puppet will go to a good home.

Finger Puppet Challenge

Gift Created for a Little Friend

In the past month, I've made 58 finger puppets. My goal is 100 by July 1.

I like to give myself quantity assignments. They prompt me to try things.

So far, I've made: panthers, squirrels, dogs, cats, mice, zebras, horses, giraffes, elephants, deers, pigs, lions, lionesses, bats, donkeys, butterflies, frogs, elephants...and my personal favorite, rabbits. 

I'm also creating puppet purses.