All of our custom puppets – aka “Kristofer Sommerfeld Signature Series” are hand built by Kristofer with much time and care. He has over 13 years of building experience and has learned what products and materials will last.
Each of our “Signature Series” puppets feature form-fitting/leather lined mouth and thumb grips, poseable fingers, wrist and elbow joints, removable arm rods (when applicable), independent necks, etc. A truly “professional” puppet, if you will.
Consumer grade puppets are readily available at prices around $80 to $175 US dollars. The main reason for the pricing on these puppets is the quality of materials used as well as the simplicity of the designs.
Custom quality puppets are made with only the finest materials available. Many of these materials are ordered or imported. Custom puppets are much more complex and time consuming to design and construct. This is the level of quality we put into our Signature Series puppets. For these reasons, custom puppets are much more expensive but will outlast any consumer grade puppet… hands down!
Each of our Signature Series custom puppets feature the following:
Lightweight, high quality foams that won't tear or crumble.
A high-quality material that we hand-dye and treat for a glowing and lively finish. We ALWAYS treat our Antron to limit pilling and matting overtime.
Because we only use the highest quality materials available, we are able to offer seams that are nearly invisible!
We custom make our eyes - we don't use pre-made ``doll`` eyes.
The head and body are two separate pieces. The body lining is attached to the head of the puppet and will run through the entire body as a separate piece. This allows for realistic optimal head movement.
No bare, exposed foam here. Quality all the way!
Additional fabric below the body to ensure that the puppeteer's arm always remains hidden. *Only applicable on half/full body stage style puppets.
Maximum comfort meets maximum control.
We believe that a good puppet with a good grip is the start for a great performance!
Say ``goodbye`` to worn out elastic straps! We use real leather that won't wear out after a few performances.
High-quality wire inside the hands allow your puppet to hold objects, point, and have a life-like resting position.
Adds more fluent, life-like movement.
Adds more fluent, life-like movement. *Only applicable on full body puppets.
One pair of high-quality, powder coated arm rods comes with each Signature Series puppet. *not included with human arm puppets.
No yarn here! One of Kristofer's many hobbies is fashion - He will never let a puppet leave with a bed-head!
Because of Kristofer's fashion sense, he will go out of his way to make sure your puppet looks the part! He can make custom clothes tailored to fit your puppet. He's also known to use designer clothing on puppets... Kenneth Cole, anyone?
Fully customized interior to fit your puppet.
Each Signature Series puppet will come with a bag embroidered with the puppet's name - at no extra cost!
Your Signature Series Contract, Certificate of Authenticity and a Puppet Care Sheet
We are able to make as many outfits for your character as needed. You change your style overtime, why not your characters?
Need more Signature Series arm rods? No problem!
Well, that depends... we can't tell you a price until we know what you want. The best way to find out is to contact us and give us your idea and we'll get back to you with an estimate. If you have any concept art send that to us as well. Do you want blinking eyes or another mechanism? Just send us as much detail as possible. There is no obligation or cost for an estimate.
As mentioned in the answer above that cost will vary depending on a number of factors. Typically, our Signature Series puppets (including everything in the ``features list`` above) will start around $1,200 and up... but it really depends on what exactly you want. They can be less expensive, and they can be much more.
The build time of your puppet will depend on Kristofer's current workload and how complex your design is. Typically a build will take a minimum of 6-8 weeks. Add an additional 2-3 weeks for any type of mechanism. Full body costumes and walk around characters can take anywhere from 3-6 months.
Here is the simplest answer... not really. When you buy a custom puppet we may be ``making YOUR idea come to life``... but that's not necessarily the case here. While the IDEA is yours, the actual process to bring it to life depends on us. There is a difference between a drawing and a physical 3D object. However, when you purchase a custom puppet you will also receive a ``Signature Series Contract``. Included in this is the rights to use the character in visual media for advertising/promotional/personal ministry purposes only (not for profit). Any other rights are owned by Kristofer Sommerfeld Productions™. Copies of your puppet will not be sold to anyone else. If you would like additional rights for media/product/etc. (for profit), you may obtain them through a licensing contract or a full buy-out fee where you can purchase all future media/product rights* to the character. Please contact us for more information. Again, your puppet/idea will NOT be sold to anyone else. *Kristofer Sommerfeld Productions™ will remain the sole owner of any patterns, materials, personal designs, building techniques, prototypes, or any other form related to the building process and will not relinquish them.
At the completion of each ``Signature Series`` build, Kristofer signs and dates the tag on the character. An autographed piece of art right from the artist himself!