My latex rubber hand puppet from the 1990s

My 1996 latex puppet as seen from three sides. A little girl with braids who hold a small
white teddy bear; her arms cross over it. Her jumper is purple and she wears a white
blouse beneath it. In her hair are white dice on rubber bands. 

Positive Qualities of Latex Rubber Puppets:

• The level of animation achieved is so easy. Just twitch the fingers or twist the wrist to add humorous looks to the puppet.
• The skin looks very realistic and the mouth looks as though it is actually speaking!
• The textures achieved with the molded rubber are widely varied. 

Left, a close up of the mouth, it looks very life-like when in motion! Center, the teddy bear has
some paint chipping. Right, see the top of the mouth is strangely formed over the passing of 
time. This is not easily seen but it is cause for some concern. 

Negative Aspects of Latex Rubber Puppets:

• Many people are allergic to latex rubber. The side affects vary from mild rashes to dangerous swelling inside the throat!
• Latex can be damaged by extreme temperature fluctuations. 
• Your hands may actually puncture the latex puppet as it is used and as it ages.
• The surfaces of the latex rubber may collect mold, mildew or fungus.
• The chipping painted surface of this kind of puppet can not be easily repainted. The acrylics that are used to color the surface of latex are altered chemically before using.

Left, the maker's mark "© 1996 Mask Illusions Made in Mexico. Center the texture of my puppet's
hair looks very realistic. Right, I stuff the puppet with natural cotton fibers to help it maintain
a shape. Letting the latex rubber collapse inside of itself will damage
the puppet over time otherwise.

Tips for The Care of Latex Rubber Puppets:

• Use a very mild dish soap to clean both the inside and out of the latex rubber puppet.
• Store this kind of puppet in a temperature regulated space, inside of a plastic bag or pin.
• You should stuff the inside of the puppet lightly with soft fiber filler or cotton batting to help it keep its' shape while in storage.

The Care and/or Creation of Latex Rubber Puppets:

• Latex Puppet Making or Tutorial by Michael Parks
• Making A Silicone Puppet
• Pineapple the Dragon! Custom Rubber Latex & Textile Puppet
• The Conservation of Artworks - unconventional material preservation (latex fishman)

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