I wanted to show off my Kermit the Frog replica I've spent the last 2 months putting together. This is version 2, version 1 was my prototype to work out pattern sizing, assembly, etc. I had started with the Master Replicas poser patterns that are floating around out there, but ultimately threw out because there were many sizing issues once put together into a working puppet. So everything to get to this final Kermit has been trial and error (lots and lots of testing and redrafting until it felt right.)
I had a goal of using all the accurate materials - he's made of Antron Fleece that has been custom dyed, his feet, mouth plate and frill are all Ultrasuede matched in the accurate colors, and his body, legs and arms are foam construction, with a gasket rubber mouth plate, wire armature fingers, and custom ping pong ball eyes with adhesive velvet for the irises. He's built mostly through hand stitching (the infamous "Henson stitch") and contact cement (Duo 88). All told, about 200 hours of development on the prototype, then an additional 40 hours on this one, which was my finished Kermit. Both hands have rod pockets for removable arm rods to operate.
I was going for the more classic late 70's early 80's early Muppet movies look - that was the Kermit I grew up with.
Brought him out for the second day of StarFest '15 in Denver - with me as 70's Jim Henson (complete with beaded mic headband) - more pics of that later.
All in all, I'm very satisfied with the build, so I wanted to share the results.
The first three pics are on a temp display stand:
His head always looks better on the hand, as it's all hand to give him the shape, so here he is "on hand":
I'll post more "in-process" pics soon.
I had a goal of using all the accurate materials - he's made of Antron Fleece that has been custom dyed, his feet, mouth plate and frill are all Ultrasuede matched in the accurate colors, and his body, legs and arms are foam construction, with a gasket rubber mouth plate, wire armature fingers, and custom ping pong ball eyes with adhesive velvet for the irises. He's built mostly through hand stitching (the infamous "Henson stitch") and contact cement (Duo 88). All told, about 200 hours of development on the prototype, then an additional 40 hours on this one, which was my finished Kermit. Both hands have rod pockets for removable arm rods to operate.
I was going for the more classic late 70's early 80's early Muppet movies look - that was the Kermit I grew up with.
Brought him out for the second day of StarFest '15 in Denver - with me as 70's Jim Henson (complete with beaded mic headband) - more pics of that later.
All in all, I'm very satisfied with the build, so I wanted to share the results.
The first three pics are on a temp display stand:
His head always looks better on the hand, as it's all hand to give him the shape, so here he is "on hand":
I'll post more "in-process" pics soon.
