Making a Foam Latex Puppet: Part I

So I'm learning a new way to make foam latex puppets for stop motion and I'm freakishly excited about it! Before, I was creating puppets by layering sheets of foam over the armature and then cutting away using tiny craft scissors to create the shape of the puppet. It was a very slow, tedious process and getting a smooth surface was difficult. But with this other method, you create a sculpt of your puppet, create a mold from that, and then you can foam your armature using the mold. 

3D Printing a Vacuum

Last year I decided to practice my prop modeling skills and that the theme would be things that I wish to have in my future home. The first thing was an olive green corduroy couch, next is a Dyson vacuum cleaner! Specifically, the DC24 model. Originally I thought I was going to make it out of a combo of sculpey clay, aluminum wire, and bits of plastic that I had around, but then I discovered the wonder that is Rhino! Rhino is a NURBS based 3D modeling program, and normally I am not that great with computer programs, actually I'm pretty bad at them, but Rhino was easy to pick up. I did some online tutorials, and then used all the basic commands that I learned to model the vacuum.

Things I shall own one day

So in practicing my prop modeling skills, I've decided the theme will be things that I wish to have in my future home. And the first item is a couch. But not just any couch, an olive green corduroy couch that's not too soft, but not too hard with some detailing along the armrests and the bottom and the back has to be just the right height so when you sit and lean back, your neck is at a comfortable angle, perfect for watching the latest in reality television. Perhaps I should start saving for this custom couch since my specifications ensure that I will never find it in any showroom.

Some progress photos, I started out by making the base with some foam core and then I applied foam sheets on with some rubber cement and shaped it. I then sewed the cover for the back rest and the armrests, did some embroidery on them and attached all the pieces together. The couch cushions were made out of foam with some polyester filling so they would look more squishy. The dimensions are 12"W 7.5"H 6"D.

I need a super laser that can blow this couch up to human size. I would also use this laser to make graham crackers big enough for those giant marshmallows they sell now at the supermarket. You could also use it make any cute clothes you find in the girl's department larger because for whatever reason they don't come in women's sizes even though they should. The possibilities are endless!