A couple of days ago we took another short trip out to the countryside to visit my wife’s grandparents.  The kids love visiting their great-grandparents, and so do I, because they always seem to have some vintage gifts for me.  This time it was an old box of wooden odds and ends that they thought I’d like.  Looking inside that box I started getting all kinds of ideas for toys.  The first thing I made was this little marionette.  I’ve always wanted to try it.  I kept the design as simple as possible.  It ended up having a Pixar vibe to it.  It sure is a blast to play with.  I can’t wait to let the twins try it when they get up from their nap.  If you want to see it in action, I made a quick video below. (Complete with one of my electronic tunes I did a few years ago.)

37 Responses
  1. Novi On The Go

    I played the video, the music got my husband to come over so we watched it again. We like it!!!

  2. frk knapp

    Awesome! I hope it's ok that I put the video on my blog (and linked to your page). Have a great day!

  3. del4yo

    Ok. Drop dead cool. I love the Luxo vibe. Reminds me what my animation teacher used to say : it's not about the complexity of the character, it's about the movements and what you express with it. You totaly nailed it :)

  4. recovergirl

    I was captivated watching that. Especially the part where he lifts up his leg and realizes his legs aren't long enough to climb onto the cube. Well done.

  5. Flying Squirrel

    Awesome, amazing, totally versatile toy! Isn't it amazing how children are drawn to these simple things?

  6. Joel Henriques

    Thanks for all of the nice comments everyone! I'm looking forward to making some more short movies with this puppet. It's so fun. I'd like to get out my synthesizer and vocoder to make some cool little voice for it or something.

    Oh, and Jack and Tess love this toy, and they're very intrigued with the video. Tess kept saying, "Is that robot real?"

  7. fairiemoon

    That is just TOO much fun! I love the video. It does indeed have a Pixar feel to it! Thanks for sharing!
    Erin :)

  8. Caitlin

    Hi Joel!
    I just wanted to tell you how much I adore your blog. Everything is so cute and creative. I can only imagine how stimulating your kids home environment is! Anyhow, cute video! Can´t wait for more :)

    -Caitlin

  9. Liz

    Awesome clip!
    I could watch it again and again! Amazing how something so simple can instantly make you smile! :-)

  10. […] ükskõik millest, mis meie ümber niikuinii olemas juba on. Kindlasti ma tahaks proovida marionetti tegemist ja paberist nukumaja, mida saab kommikarbiga kaasas kanda ning miks mitte […]