kirkhampuppets

New Website and New Name...

2010-06-15T15:12:00.003-04:00

Hello! I wanted to let you know that my business will no longer be known as Kirkham Puppets. Instead, all of my work will be collected together, under my new business name:

Run Rabbit Run is a way that I can combine all of the ways I like to work and create, including not only puppets, but illustration and art as well. It is a good way to see the connections between my 2D and 3D work, and it is inspiring for me to see everything all together.

I hope you enjoy the new website! I will be leaving the Kirkham Puppets blog up, with a link on my website, as it contains lots of great puppet pictures, and some of the history of my business as well.

Thank you for reading Kirkham Puppets, I hope that you will enjoy my new blog as well...

Ciao ciao,

Kelly

runrabbitrun.ca

Kirkham Puppet Diorama at Open Door Designs!

2008-10-17T12:03:00.004-04:00

Until the end of October, the puppets and their lucky rabbit friends will be having a month long birthday party in the window of Open Door Designs, a beautiful and one of a kind puppet store that carries handmade and vintage puppets of all sorts, as well as very lovely and functional portable puppet theatres. Open Door Designs is located at 1597 Dupont St. in Toronto's west end and they are open Fridays and Saturdays. Or just stop by and knock; Joanne Bigham, artist, puppetmaker and proprietor, is often working inside.

Open Door Studios website is: www.opendoordesigns.ca

Both Open Door Studios (V-12) and Kirkham Puppets (V-23) will be at the Toronto One of a Kind Show from November 27th to December 7th. Please come by for a visit, we would love to say hello! Also, be sure to check out www.oneofakindshow.com to see our artisan profiles!

Till the snow flies...

Kirkhampuppets

hand puppet pictures...

2008-02-18T11:31:00.012-05:00

Currently at One of a Kind Show in Toronto

2007-12-01T22:55:00.000-05:00

Whooo's there?

2007-06-06T23:54:00.000-04:00

Good evening! Thought you might like to meet this odd looking character, who is in fact an owl. He was a commission, and was a pleasure to create. I would like to do more, perhaps a set of different owls from Ontario. Back home, there used to be a family of Saw whets that would visit the backyard at night: an adult and four owlets, all very small with very large eyes. This owl is based on a great horned owl.

Ciaociao,

Kirkhampuppets

New friends for St. Patrick's Day...

2007-03-17T21:38:00.000-04:00

Hello! Happy St. Patrick's Day from Kirkham Puppets. Hope you are enjoying all things green and leprechaun-y. Just wanted to introduce a few creatures you may not be familiar with, as they are newly minted.... Above you will see a dear little woodchuck, the first one made here at KP. She has wise and tender eyes. Below you will see a rogue-ish band of rabbits, fat from feeding on the tasty cloth scraps that lie so abundantly about on the floor of the studio. I hope to soon have dozens and dozens of them.... Bye for now....

kirkhampuppets

2007, it's about time...

2007-01-01T20:21:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! It is the first day of 2007, and what better way to usher in a fresh new year than by completing a blog entry. The handsome devil you see to the left is Faolan, a commissioned wolf dog marionette. I was pretty excited to find the fun fur you see him sporting; long, soft white fur and variegated grey black nubbly fur. And a piece of sweater on the front. He was a good challenge due to his need for a believably furry face. I like his big black nose. I wish I had one.
Anyway, keep your eyes peeled for some new and interesting additions to the Kirkham Puppet family, particularly an owl hand puppet and lucky...elephants?! What will the lucky rabbits say? Probably "**,****,* *. **!"
Which is what they usually say. See you soon!

Kirkhampuppets

P.S. Crystal: keep an eye out for some suitably foppish frogs, real dandies, and Monty: poking puppets, whilst a lot of fun, generally invites biting and other less than pleasant acts of retaliation from the aforementioned puppets. Why not try giving them snacks? They like tissue paper and dried up bits of glue. KK

They don't bite...much.

2006-10-29T21:38:00.000-05:00

Hey! It's a little posse of finger puppets. I know they look kind of tough, like they'd be bullies and stuff, but it is all an act. Underneath those sneering exteriors beat wee little hearts of gold.
I realize it may look like all I make is rabbit finger puppets, but this would be untrue. Look at the top row... a bear! Heh heh. No, I was just low on rabbits. I will make others too, more bears, horses, cats, ducks, sheep, leopards; all sorts. Sometime I would like to make small portable finger puppet theatres with backdrops, curtains and all. Could be good...

Keep warm in this windy weather,

Kirkhampuppets

Look out! He's gonna take off!!!

2006-10-14T21:13:00.000-04:00

Hey! Just so's you know, this unusual creature is a rabbit. He makes me think of a helicopter, with his crazy ears about to whirl around and lift him gently into the air. He's friendly though, don't worry. His name is Leon and he is quite soft. His outfit is some kind of thin velvety print fabric, and he has wee red pompoms and hot pink sequins around his neck. Who wouldn't want an outfit just like it? Maybe that will be the next direction in which Kirkham Puppets will go. Matching outfits for owner and puppet. This idea may be a while coming to fruition, so don't hold your breath.
Stay warm,

Kirkhampuppets

Trends in Giraffe Hairstyles

2006-05-28T23:47:00.000-04:00

This little guy is an in between sort of puppet. A little too big to be considered a finger puppet, no arms to be considered a hand puppet. He is a phenomenon all his own, and I believe he is proud of this. Note the haughty tilt of chin, the ever-so-artfully tousled, I-just-rolled-out-of-bed giraffe hair. It wasn't like that when I made him, it was much neater, and parted on the side. However giraffes, as everyone knows, are extremely willful, and there was not much for me to do but to let him do his own thing. I am sure that wherever he lives now, his housemates are bedazzled by him and his wavy locks. It is hard to resist such a confident and of the moment creature such as he. Good luck in your future endeavors Giorgio, may your giraffe hair stay poufy and tall!

A visitor has arrived...

2006-02-21T23:23:00.000-05:00

Good evening. To your left you will see a portion of the Kirkhampuppets studio. Can you see the puppets? How about...
Thread Stripey bunny spool of wire flowerpin linoleum shelf basket tasselcat
Wait a minute! Did I say tasselcat? You mean, he actually exists? "I don't believe it, something that fabulous can only be a figment of my imagination! Golly!" I can almost hear you now. But look closer.....or just look below....

Hi tasselcat, don't be shy.

I'm thinking there will have to be a few more of these guys. I would like to get a hold of some pink tulle, I would like him to be a little more...poufyskirted, or something. A little more sauciness. Sassy sauciness. I do like his confident hairstyle and demure expression, however.

I have been making some marionettes out of just fabric, no papier mache. Keep your eyes peeled....

Ciaociao Kirkhampuppets

Hello! A New Year...

2006-01-18T20:21:00.000-05:00

Ahhhhh. I can almost here you now. 'Something has been missing from my life, and I haven't been able to put my finger on it...'til now, that is!' Yes, breathe a sigh of relief, the latest, and late, installment of Kirkham Puppets has arrived, with not one, but two tasty marionettes to start off the New Year. On the left you will see Anouk the rabbit, on the right Raleigh the frog. They are reclining comfortably on my ironing board in the studio, waiting to be strung. If you recall from the previous entry (or just look down, it's right there for Pete's sake) these two were but a sparkle in my eye. Though Raleigh hasn't changed much since his inception, Anouk did, morphing from business rabbit to lady rabbit. So I have yet to make a necktie for a puppet.
What's next? you may well be asking, out loud or to yourself. Oh, I don't know, how about............. a tassel cat? I'll bet you are just dying to see one in the flesh, so to speak. Maybe some other unusual creatures as well, that have not yet been conceived of. Tres exciting. So off I go, happy puppeting, and stay warm.
Ciaociao Kirkhampuppets

ps. Thanks to the infamous SockMonty for the kick in the pants that Kirkhampuppets needs from time to time to get posting! KP

Mr. Business Rabbit my accountant

2005-10-23T13:21:00.000-04:00

Hello. Just a wee quick message before I head to the library. It is a rainy and cold day here in Toronto, so libraries and studio time are on the menu this Sunday. Also, lots of tea is on the menu. And maybe some english muffins. With honey. MMM. Menu...
Anyhoo, you will see to the right a couple of marionettes. The little bear in overalls is Toonces and the black cat in pink pants is Moonie. It is unfortunate that Moonie's shoes aren't more visible, as they are brilliant pink sparkle slippers. I wish to have a pair just like them. I currently have two more on the go, a frog(who intends to dress rather foppishly) and a rabbit. I think the rabbit will have a necktie. Mr. Business rabbit. Maybe he'll be my accountant.
Off to the library!

Ciaociao Kirkhampuppets

Oktobrrrr...

2005-10-12T13:21:00.000-04:00

Neigh neigh! I am a horse! Look at me! Snort! Gimme an apple! Get off my back!
If you had trouble figuring out what the mask to the left is supposed to be, even with such excellent hints as those above, I will tell you. It is a horse mask, one of the superglitterandgold series. I am especially pleased with the mouth and snout area. Do horses have snouts? Perhaps "snout" is a rather undignified term. Perhaps I should say "muzzle" or "schnozz"... horses can be so sensitive.
This mask was a bit of a trial due to the way the ears attached to the nose. I think an entire head mask would be better.
Will I be doing more masks in the near future, you ask? Well, no, not the near future, but in the middle future. Right now I am making more hand puppets, especially ones with feet, and marionettes. And, of course, finger puppets. Because who doesn't love a finger puppet? I sure can't think of anyone.
FYI... in case you are curious, this and other masks are made of heavy wire mesh, pizza boxes, masking tape and papier mache. I do not leave pizza in the pizza boxes. I eat it.

Yours in the chill of October, finally...... Kirkhampuppets

P.S. My fabulous and cantankerous model is Brynley. What a sport. KP

Here I am...Where've I been?

2005-09-19T17:45:00.000-04:00

Hello! Finally, the first entry since moving into our new home! Took long enough, didn't it?
We are all moved in, and loving our neighbourhood. It is a pleasure to be within walking/biking distance of many downtown places we like to visit, like galleries, parks, etc...
Now it is gear-up-to-Christmas time! The remaining puppets will be pleased to have so many new and interesting friends to get to know. They are becoming a little clique-ish, and we can't have that, now can we?
This lovely lady is Prea, a commission I did last year. My customer wanted her cat to be dressed in an Elizabethan type of outfit, with ruff-y collar and all, and this was the result. Commissions are an exciting part of the puppet business, especially if they are for something I haven't done before. Commissions can also push puppet development in new directions that I might not have thought about taking them, like large masks.
Well, I believe the stew(it's Irish!) is ready to be eaten, and Bryn and I are just the people to eat it(we're hungry!). Ciaociao for now...

kirkhampuppets

coming soon...

2005-08-19T11:56:00.000-04:00

Do not worry. More puppets soon. Internet almost on. Must...get...internet.

Kirkhampuppets

Mrrrrowrrr..

2005-07-25T20:52:00.000-04:00

Good evening! I have just returned from home having had a good visit with my family, some of whom I do not get to see very often. It was very satisfying to be able to catch up on what everyone is doing, and to see how much growing the young children have done. My Mom has informed them about my site, so hello all!
I believe, in my earlier list of all the items I make, that I neglected to mention masks. Here are two of my favourites, a tiger and a peacock. They were commissioned for a fashion show of young Canadian designers last winter. I did about 9 altogether, and hope to do more. I think my favourite part about making them was the obscene amount of glitter and gold paint I was able to use. In a perfect world I might only ever decorate with glitter and gold paint; hey, I might even only wear glitter and gold paint. And if you see me in the street dressed in that way, and pretend you don't see me, I won't take it personally. Glitter and gold paint is not always easy on the eyes.
Congratulations to my little sister on her engagement to a delightful man. I am very happy for the both of you. So happy, in fact, that I have written you a little poem. Enjoy...
Axel and Eddie JP
You met at a school, this is key
He comes from a farm
She's been to a farm
And together forever they'll be.

Ciaociao Kirkhampuppets

Something Strange Appeared on the Page...

2005-07-21T21:35:00.000-04:00

Curious! What a strange little fellow. A cat with a tassel, who ever heard of such a thing?!?. This is an idea I've been tossing around for a while now, and today in between clients out he came once again in my book. A bit of a cross dressing sort of tassel cat apparently, dressed as he is in a tutu, bow and paws made of bells. But who am I to question the keen fashion sense of tassel cats; they have always followed their own trends.
I think it is time to bring them into the world of 3D and see how they get along with the others. I like to introduce new creatures into the family once in a while, it gives the crazy button-eye dolls something to gossip about.
I'm off to cut stands now, out of some old weathered boards from my parents backyard fence. My Dad has built a lovely new fence, and I want to give some of the retired boards another go round. I think they'll look neat.

Ciaociao, Kirkhampuppets

Meet the Bunny...

2005-07-20T11:41:00.000-04:00

Ahhhh, finally a day without humidity. An absolutely lovely day, sunny and everything. Makes me want to mow the lawn...but not right this minute, as I would like you to MEET THE BUNNY...
Rabbits, whether puppets or stuffed, are a popular item here at Kirkham Puppets. This could be because they are my favourite animal to make, and I tend to make more rabbits than anything else. Luckily, people like rabbits, so everyone is happy.
I am particularly fond of his outfit, with its interesting pattern and lime green buttons. He is a rather gentle and unassuming fellow, and is biding his time at the Scarborough Arts Councils gallery, waiting for a home.
Time for more packing, so off I go,

Until next time... Ciaociao from Kirkhampuppets

Let me introduce to you...

2005-07-18T16:20:00.000-04:00

Well Yay! Look who dropped by for a visit. Sherlock Holmes! He is one of the more detailed puppets. He is also human; this distinguishes him from many of the other puppets as they are predominately animals. He was a lot of fun to create; I love a challenge. His head and hands are made of papier mache and painted with acrylics then varnished. His outfit is sewn (out of oh-so-trendy tiny green check) and a tag is attached.
Sherlock here was made for a good friend of mine who's father is a big fan of Sherlock. He (S. Holmes, although I suppose "He" could also pertain to my friend's Dad just as easily) is now living a comfortable and dignified life amidst other Sherlockian paraphernalia.

Kirkham Puppets is soon moving to a new location. It will be a good time to go through all of my supplies and reorganize. Because, as you may know, puppet making is a decidedly messy and spread-out-all-over art. I would like to make part of a wall as a show area for my good puppet friends, not only for them to be able to talk to one another and look pensively out the window from time to time, but also for visiting customers to have a large selection of puppets to see and buy. Ah, so crafty, so wily!

Ciaociao for now, and happy puppeting... Kirkhampuppets

My first message to the masses...

2005-07-18T01:50:00.000-04:00

Well, What to write. I have never been much of a journal writer, although I really like the idea of keeping a record of sorts to look back on when I am old. I do intend to be old, yes. Many people have an idea in their heads of how long they think they will live. Some for not very long. Me, I think I'll live until my nineties sometime. And if I get to 100, I'll do something fun and not at all good for me, like chainsmoke unfiltered cigarettes. My as yet unborn 60ish year old children will be properly horrified.
I think for this post I will simply introduce myself in relation to Kirkham Puppets and leave it at that for today. Kirkham Puppets is a small business I started up about 3 years ago. It involves me making puppets, as well as making various puppet friends that insist on teasing and irritating the aforementioned puppets. I try to make them get along, and end up saying things like..."Come on, you guys, you are all made from the same cloth, show a little respect for each other. Don't make me come back there with the seam ripper." But, as with children, the threats never seem to have the desired affect (complete respect and obedience). Such is life.
Anyhoo, as "puppets and puppet friends" is a little vague, allow me to elaborate...

Hand puppets
Finger puppets
Moonie puppets
Marionettes
Lucky rabbits
Beach Dolls
Crazy Button Eye Dolls

The preceding list are created with papier mache, fabric, paint, trims, buttons, beads, sequins, etc.. The list is long and glittery. Some of the dolls and puppets get outfits. Some do not. Some have hard heads and hands, some have soft. Some have names, some do not. (It is too bad that I do not get around to naming them all, even the little ones. This would eliminate the problem of the puppets and dolls with names calling the nameless ones made up, unimaginative names of their own creation. Names like "Porfip" and "Gleepoom". They make no sense, and I think the nameless ones are more puzzled than offended.)

Well, enough for today. The airconditioner is on, and I am ready for bed. I hope to get some pictures up soon, so's you (a collective you) can put a face to the puppets.

Ciaociao, Kirkhampuppets