11.21.2008
The year: 1942
11.20.2008
Puppet repair
Question: I am enjoying the Maher Home Study Course. Thank you. Do you repair any dummy regardless as to where it was purchased?
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Answer: Yes, I do repair almost any ventriloquist figure, regardless of the make or maker. I should mention, that my advice is always that a figure be sent to the original maker for repairs if that is possible. Obviously, that is not always possible or convenient. In that case, I'm happy to take a look at them to see what I can do. I also provide ventriloquist doll upgrades. However, I do not
repair soft puppets.
The photos here are of a Mortimer doll upgraded with hollow body, moving eyes, raising eyebrows, and new wig. Just finished yesterday.
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Answer: Yes, I do repair almost any ventriloquist figure, regardless of the make or maker. I should mention, that my advice is always that a figure be sent to the original maker for repairs if that is possible. Obviously, that is not always possible or convenient. In that case, I'm happy to take a look at them to see what I can do. I also provide ventriloquist doll upgrades. However, I do not
repair soft puppets.The photos here are of a Mortimer doll upgraded with hollow body, moving eyes, raising eyebrows, and new wig. Just finished yesterday.
11.19.2008
Driving practice
From Joe Radle
Dear Clinton, as I was perusing your August blog, I noted the poem by Frank Beasley.
I feel in sinc with Frank as I often practice my own venting when I'm driving alone and I even tape myself calling these tapes, " Conversations with Uncle Clyde". Since I am often going to the flying field to fly my radio control model planes, our conversations revolved on what we were looking forward too, and on the return trip how well we did, (or on a few evenings, a not all that perfect maneuver or landing).
We converse of many things - planes we would like to build, scenery, other drivers, and the news of the day. The point of all this is that on occasion, I would be stopped at a red light and some child would point up to me in my full size black van (my aircraft carrier, if you will) and say, " Mommy that man in that van is talking and an invisible person is answering him back!"
I'll bet there are many similar stories like this from a bunch of other vents as well. They would make some interesting reading, too!
Dear Clinton, as I was perusing your August blog, I noted the poem by Frank Beasley.
I feel in sinc with Frank as I often practice my own venting when I'm driving alone and I even tape myself calling these tapes, " Conversations with Uncle Clyde". Since I am often going to the flying field to fly my radio control model planes, our conversations revolved on what we were looking forward too, and on the return trip how well we did, (or on a few evenings, a not all that perfect maneuver or landing).
We converse of many things - planes we would like to build, scenery, other drivers, and the news of the day. The point of all this is that on occasion, I would be stopped at a red light and some child would point up to me in my full size black van (my aircraft carrier, if you will) and say, " Mommy that man in that van is talking and an invisible person is answering him back!"
I'll bet there are many similar stories like this from a bunch of other vents as well. They would make some interesting reading, too!
11.18.2008
For sale
Believe it or not this attractive 'lil gal began as an original Tessie Talk doll. A lot of hard work and love went into recreating her into a beautiful ventriloquist figure! She has a new hollow body, fitted with her original hands and feet (so cute!). Side to side self-centering eyes and raising eye brows! A new auburn wig goes so well with her green eyes. Another "one of a kind" by Kevin Detweiler. Christmas is coming - this would be a great present for any ventriloquist, beginner or pro! For sale on eBay now. To see more photos or to place your bid, click here
11.17.2008
Thomas' Voice - Pt. 3
Finished! Now that this picture has been taken, I'll sign both photo and puppet and get him carefully packed for his flight to Australia where Thomas eagerly waits, according to a note from his "mum". And this fellow has already been named "Dillan Detweiler" by his future owner. How cool is that!
While posting this photo I realized I have not given "Dillan" freckles as requested by Thomas. Well, I'll take care of that right now!
(I would be remiss if I did not mention that it was Mike Brose who refered Mrs. Hoare and her son to me, which allowed me to be of service. Thank you, Mike.)
11.16.2008
One for the road!
Just call this sleek puppet "Little Jimmy", and he's dreaming of taking the checkered flag! Another very unique ventriloquist puppet from the shop of Kevin Detweiler. The young lady holding her Dad's creation is our granddaughter, Faith. And Faith's mother, Sonja, author of several Maher Studios publications*, has written a special routine titled "I'll Get You There" which comes with this car.
With its big side to side moving eyes and large visible mouth, this puppet is all gassed up and ready to go. Also included are white peel and stick numbers so you can add your own personal touch. To see the eBay auction for this unusual puppet, click here
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*Granny's Jots & Tittles click here
*Gramps & Granny Giggles Vol. 1 click here
*Gramps & Granny Giggles Vol. 2 click here
Also see Col. Bill Boley's One For The Road gag file - 100 ventriloquist dialogue jokes all about cars and driving! click here
With its big side to side moving eyes and large visible mouth, this puppet is all gassed up and ready to go. Also included are white peel and stick numbers so you can add your own personal touch. To see the eBay auction for this unusual puppet, click here
* * * * *
*Granny's Jots & Tittles click here
*Gramps & Granny Giggles Vol. 1 click here
*Gramps & Granny Giggles Vol. 2 click here
Also see Col. Bill Boley's One For The Road gag file - 100 ventriloquist dialogue jokes all about cars and driving! click here
11.15.2008
Now I've received a photo of another cousin of mine who had her picture taken with Terry Fator after his show. Karen is a ventriloquist also, so you know she was more than a little excited to meet Terry face to face.
Okay, cousins, isn't it about my turn?!
Deputy Bob Walsh was presented this photo of himself and his vent figures on his birthday last month! Maybe there IS some truth to the rumor that a ventriloquist will in time begin to look like his pals! (Photo shop image was done by Bob's supervisor, Laurie.)
"Born Loser" by Art Sanson. 1-22-84. Copyright 1984 by NEA, Inc.
