Storing your puppets
Now that you have invested time and money in building a puppet collection, it is important to develop a storage system that will adjust to your changing needs.
Be sure and write the contents on the box or make a list showing what is stored in each container. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to find a puppet who has decided to move into a different box without leaving a forwarding address.
A simple way to keep track of the puppet's location and which props you usually use for it is to write this information on the Puppet Personality Form
Small collections
A small cardboard or plastic box such as a banker's box or a portable file box will work well if you have just a few hand puppets or some finger puppets.
Place the puppets and their props together in the box. Place bag puppets inside a file folder and store them flat in the bottom of the box.
Place a little tissue paper inside finger puppets so that they won't get crushed.
Larger Collections
Many people find that once they start using puppets, the puppets tend to take over all the available space. Your storage solutions must become more creative when you have a growing collection in a variety of sizes and types.
Shoe Bags make good storage bags for hand puppets and finger puppets. Most shoe bags will hold from 9 to 24 puppets and their accessories without taking up much space. Hang the bag on the wall or on the back of a door and use each pocket for a puppet and it's accessories.
Shoe Racks can be purchased in most variety and hardware stores. These racks are available in either free-standing or vertical models which come with the hardware to mount them on the wall or door. Place a puppet on each shoe form. I have seen them in 18 to 64 peg sizes.
A Hat Rack makes an attractive holder for large puppets. I have a one that has 3 rows of 9" pegs around the pole. It makes the puppets easily accessible and makes for an attractive room display.
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To make your own puppet pole, purchase a 6' wooden closet rod, 3 36" x 1/2" dowels and a 2' X 3' piece of 1/2" plywood [If you don't want to go to the trouble of making a base for your puppet pole, use an old Christmas tree stand or the base for a patio umbrella.] You will also need a 1/2" drill, a pencil, wood glue, and a saw. |
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