Start to finish

Kenny Croes has completed the casting of Uncle Earl. Seen here, is a picture of the original cast and a finished product of Earl made by Kenny.

Kenny says, "I’m amazed at how fast working with a cast head is over a Charlie. I started earlier today and I’m ready to paint. The head is fully prepared for installation of mechanics. This would normally be week or two before I could begin these steps. Very cool."

For information on purchasing some of our heads including this head go to http://braylu.com/VentHeads.html

You can check out more information on Kenny and his work, including a video of the finished Earl at http://ventintothemic.blogspot.com/

Not just another head

We are introducing another head to our line of cast heads. Like the others, this head is a hollow cast head that is light weight.

Easy to cut and paint and you can add Magic Sculpt to modify the look. This head can fit both 2T and 3T bodies but may look better with the 2T series of accessories. We suggest 1.5" eyes or larger.

The head measures 8" tall and 5" wide. The profile is 8" from chin to the back of the head. Get creative with this head and add to your collection.

For more details go to http://braylu.com/VentHeads.html

This little pig

Added to our line of cast heads is this pig head.

This unusual head is lightweight and hollow so mechanics can be added to the builder's choice. The head is 10" tall from the bottom of the neck to the top of the head and 8" across from ear to ear. The profile is 9" from the back of the head to the tip of the nose.

This head is perfect for either our 2T or 3T accessories and can use either 1.25" or 1.5" eyes.

Your imagination can make this head into an unusual character. For more information on this item or our other heads, go to http://braylu.com/VentHeads.html

Another custom body

Nathan Ihnen of South Dakota asked us to make a custom body for him. He completed the custom request form from our website and we went to work.

On all of our custom bodies, we draw the templates on CAD and use them as patterns. This also allows us to keep a copy on file for future orders. The customer then signs off on the drawings before we proceed. This was one of the larger bodies we have made.

This body has dowel posts in the front and outside padding. He also purchased the arms and legs and we installed them for him. The joints include grommets for easy attachment.

For more information on our bodies go to http://braylu.com/VentBodies.html

Paper mache dummies

Phil Nichols of facadesfx.com recently purchased some parts from us to rebuild some dummies that were destroyed during hurricane Ike. Says building ventriloquist dummies is a hobby, he uses cast paper mache with a flexible mold for his original dolls.

Shown in the photo are two paper mache dummies; Charlene and Mr. Wiggles. If you want to check out his site, here is the link. http://home.flash.net/~monsters/facades/creature_design.html

New body for Elite Series

We are introducing a new cast body to our Elite Series of bodies. This body is a standard form and can be used for professional dolls 38"-42" tall and wears 3T clothes.

Lightweight, hollow and a large opening in the back for ample room for your hand and controls. The body measures 13" tall and 10" wide at the shoulders and 8" at the base.

For more details, visit our website at http://braylu.com/VentBodies.html

Eye tray demand - what to do?

Many times when we sell a set of eyes, we get a request for the hardware and eye tray to go with the eyes. As we explain to the buyer, there are many different ways of installing the eyes and due to the size head and eye openings, it is near impossible to sell a "snap in" eye tray. The builder will have to do some modifications to fit their specific head.

With that said, we will be posting over the next couple of months a couple of different examples of eye set ups. This may provide some answers for customers.

This first set up is a very basic set. A standard eye tray, and a synchro bar attached to 2 stems coming from the back of the eyes. This allows for the eyes to be synchronized when moved. This system also allows for a rod control or string control. To become self-centering, a spring is attached to the eye stem or synchro bar.

If you want to contribute some other ideas, please contatct us. We will post your comments.