February 1, 2010
In the immortal words of Mae West…It’s not the men in my life; it’s the life in my men. To illustrate this point here’s a look at one of the puppet caricature faces I created last year for Mae’s Las Vegas revue. And a glimpse of things to come…This prototype sculpture is a  Photoshop colorized CGI look at what this finished marionette will look like. Standing about 32 inches tall and almost as wide this chorus of body builders will become the supporting cast for Miss West in homage to her own Las Vegas Act that debuted in 1957....ooh, la, la! What a  Gal!

Of course I can't show you the completed figure yet, you've got to leave some things to the imagination. J

 Who are they you ask? The fabulous and flamboyant La Mae Sisters and they just entered our Gallery spotlight for the month of December, Wishing you a Joyous Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year! …So get out those dancing shoes and get ready to party your way into 2010, by clicking on the Gallery link to the right. >>

To all my fans, colleagues and friends. We couldn't do it without you. ... Have a safe and wonderful new year...

Stay tuned for an exciting year of innovation and fun, the sequin, the glitz, and glamour and a few surprises.

Sincerely, Michael Baroto

There's Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley, Old Ebenezer, and the Ghost of Christmas Past.

For a behind-the-scenes look at this magical world of greed, redemption, and spirits from beyond. Click on the button to your right. >> God Bless Us, Everyone! J

Click the button to the right.  I feel the room swaying. J >>

As the maxim goes, the same can be said about the Art of the Puppet. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at my latest project. The Music Box Doll is a Bunraku styled rod puppet created for green-screen for an Indy film. Although I can’t talk about the specifics of the project, I can share part of the backstage process.

For a glimpse into my Art, click on the button to your right. >>

If you call me and don’t leave a message, and or your name or number is unlisted…well, it’s like you never called at all. Now, doesn’t all this make email seem a whole lot easier?

In addition, a third tribute page was added this week  featuring  backstage information, photos, and tidbits about one of Bil's last original musical productions produced for his theater: Cartonella

Going to the POA Summer Festival? Have a MOO-velous time. J

May 11, 2009
the Rat Pack: Dean, Frank, and Sammy! … Making their five-star debut, for the month of May, our Gallery Spotlight falls on three of the biggest, hottest, and most dynamic Vegas Superstars to join our Viva Lost Vegas puppet collection.

These three legendary performers first teamed up to light Las Vegas on fire when they appeared onstage together at the famous Copa Room, at the Sands Hotel and Casino in 1960. 

Smooth, cool, and debonair these entertainers wrote the book on class that left Vegas and the world spellbound for generations.

It has been a pleasure recreating these latest caricatures for my collection. I hope they bring you as much joy and inspiration as they have to me in pursuit of your dreams and goals and ambitions.

Coming soon I hope to expand my Puppet Parts studio and catalog to include fantasy masks, and characters that continue to challenge the boundaries of puppet art and look forward to sharing those new designs with you ASAP.

Click the button to your right. The show’s about to begin. J  >>> 

In addition to his peepers, Mr. Grumps, has a pair of legs rarely found on generic rod puppets which allows him to operate very much like Topo Gigio, the famous Italian mouse using traditional black-art and Bunraku techniques.

Looking forward and excited to embrace the new and innovative possibilities to provide you with the Special Costumes and Puppets you need to expand both Arts and my Puppet Parts catalog. Thank You, NYNY

2009 marks the 10-Year Anniversary of my Puppet Parts website. 'You've got to trust, give it time'. The journey begins with one step.

Standing 33 inches tall this marionette depicts Elvis at the start of his career - circa 1956, complete with his replica trademark guitar and baggy pants with fully animated eyes and mouth. To view this latest puppet caricature to join our Viva Lost Vegas collection click the link to your right. >

Have A Safe and Wonderful Holiday Season. The best is yet to come.

Let’s all find something and someone in our lives to be thankful for this coming holiday season. In the meantime, please feel free to view this dynamic concert and screen legend by clicking the icon to the right.  Aren’t you glad it’s not me this time? J

October 19, 2008
IT’S All IN THE GAME AND THE WAY YOU PLAY IT…As Workroom Supervisor of the NBC Wardrobe department in Burbank, I along with my talented staff of 11, were able to ship 16 additional costumes pieces to Crystal Cruise Lines making that a grand total of 83 finished items based of 47 original designs by Gretchen Goertz, for their new Broadway Revue Show ‘SRO’ in 6 weeks time. Whew! What a Way To Go! 

Not a bad way to celebrate my one-year anniversary.J 

And on September 26th...

They finally released the film SMOTHER starring Diane Keaton and Dax Shepard. This was the small independent feature I worked on a couple of years ago. I created the pumpkin costume you see to the right for Diane, and the over-sized Sultan Head featured in the film. If you blinked you probably missed the movie all together. It opened here in limited release and I must confess with my schedule I didn’t get to see the film. However, you can either scroll down to see the Sultan, or click on the button to the right. Both pieces can be seen in the current movie trailer clip from Yahoo's Movie site.   Enjoy!

Using one of the costume designs by Gretchen Goertz, I have added some informative text to show you how I take a designer’s sketch from concept to completion.  Enjoy! J

‘The Boy With A Penny’ is a symbolic piece I created for The Children’s Miracle Network Charity Auction, in 1998.  With nothing more than a penny in his pocket its theme is about giving and doing the best you can even when you think it’s never enough.  

So in celebration of this unique 10th anniversary... 

Everything Old Is New Again.  J Enjoy!

Amidst these commissions was my 'surprise' return to work for NBC again. Tracy Turnblad eat your heart out...J

In October, I received a call from my ex-boss who asked if I would consider coming in to Supervise the costume production staff of the Wardrobe Department, here in Burbank replacing someone who decided to take an early retirement. 

During this time I was able to successfully produce 51 costumes based on 25 designs for a Cruise Line Revue Show in November, and subsequently, an additional 21 made-to-order costume items for one of their new featured dancers in December.

Well, don't mention Halloween, or Trick or Treat, or Autumn in New York without first checking out our latest Gallery Spotlight on ...who else?

The Divine Miss M - Bette Midler 

You are forever in my heart. MB

“Why, It ain’t a fit night out for man nor beast.” J   

Eight weeks in production from design to fabrication, the total weight of this Dragon costume comes in at just under 12 pounds meeting Express Mail requirements and assembles in about 15 minutes. The control rod to the head attaches to a flexible neck shaft that allows you to focus the Dragon, right to left. The wings  swivel and are mounted to respond to the body movement of the puppeteer. Who is that puppeteer?... Ssssh! It's me, take a look. >

July 20, 2007
BEFORE THE PARADE PASSES BY... I thought I would give everyone another behind-the- scenes glimpse at the giant Dragon-Parade Costume I was working on that wrapped for me this past week. This is an extended look at the Foil Mache process I utilized during week-6 in order to create the faux gold leaf finish. 

And speaking of parades I want to wish everyone currently attending the National Puppetry Festival, in St. Paul, MN an equally thrilling experience.

June 27, 2007
ALL THAT GLITTERS…IS IT REALLY GOLD? Well, just to keep everyone happy and updated I’ll give you a clue. I have been busy creating a ten-foot tall Dragon - Parade Costume that has successfully completed its 5th week of production. Based on an earlier design this creature has both riveted and fascinated my imagination in that I am combining some of my latest techniques to bring this character to life. The work just seems to be getting BIGGER and BRIGHTER all the time... or is it just me? J 

Happy Birthday! To my buddy, Scott… Hope this inspires you and all of my fellow puppeteers and dreamers out there. 

This has been a long time coming but I know many of you were waiting for this one. I am hoping to eventually add all your exciting suggestions to the collection as the site grows. Right now, take a look around. I am still tweaking things so if you run into a glitch let me know. In the meantime Mae says, "Why don't you come up and see me sometime?" Just click the button to your right.....Ahoooh! >

(The egg in the picture is about 2 and a half inches long and shows scale ratio.)

And while you are here be sure to check out the latest additions to our 'You Can Do It Page' to see some of the fantastic work being done by our customers including our next preview collection.  

Also be on the lookout for the next upcoming Red Carpet issue of DollReader, featuring our Hollywood Celebrity Caricatures, due on newsstands this July.  The BIGGEST surprise is yet to come...more on that later. J

Waiting until the last possibly moment does not make your project less expensive to produce but puts the quality of that work in jeopardy. And I will more often than not refuse your assignment if this happens. Experience has brought me great success in my ability to manage time efficiently. Click on my FAQ’s button for more information on Custom Order requests. Thank you. MB

...And remember...Goodness had nothing to do with it.... J

February 9, 2007
Pumpkins, Puppets, and Props Oh My!  My latest film project wraps today. Yeah!!! For this assignment I was given a little over 3 weeks to created two oversized Costume pieces for a small independent feature shooting here in LA, called Smother. The first item was the large Sultan mascot head you see to the right complete with prop specters. 

…Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!... J  

The specs for this character were fairly simple: Keep it simple, worn about the collar and light in weight. All of the detail work you see around the broach and feather is painted illusion. And an extra bit of fun was added to this character to make his eyes  and mustache wiggle.

The second item needed for this production was the biggest Pumpkin Costume you ever saw this side of Oz, complete with a little stem hat. The great part was I got to work with my good friend Emma, who I have dubbed my Aunt Em. (Scroll down to the Hotdog Costume.) Everyone should have an Aunt Em, looking out for him or her in Hollywood. She’s the best.  Thanks Em.

Earlier in the week I responded to yet another email request for the Elephant-Bird Puppet I created for a production of Seussical, and received a reply stating the Producer did not allot enough money in his ‘prop budget’ to cover the cost of creating this puppet.  

I studied and worked alongside Bil Baird, the man who wrote The Art of the Puppet (circa 1965). He was one of our country's premier master puppeteers of the last century. In Europe, Puppetry is still considered an Art form. The Elephant-Bird from Seussical is no more a prop than Audrey II is from Little Shop. This publication should be required reading for all producers before they decide to finalize budgets for productions that require puppets and special characters. 

Wishing Everyone Peace, Happiness and Continued Success.

January 25, 2007
Never underestimate the Power of Kindness Both my parents taught me to be kind and for that I am rich in their legacy. Major changes will be taking place this year both on a business and artistic level. Some as early as the next week as I wrap up my current film assignment and debut the cast for Amahl and the Night Visitors. One of these changes will be a full color Puppet Parts catalog. For a sneak peek at what that might look like, click on the button to your right to see my newly released poster art.

December 7th, 2006
BIG BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL BIG MOMMA, is the first and newest in our series of Vaudevillian Caricature Puppets to enter our Gallery Spotlight. Standing over four feet tall, Momma features 5 separate facial animations, and two elbow rods controlling rotating wrist movements. Her body is constructed of state-of the-art industry grade sheet foam with cast neoprene head, hands, and feet. 

Her costume design encompasses a sheer red metallic Austrian pleated sequin gown and matching jewelry over a nylon Lycra skin covering. Eight weeks in production, Momma weighs in at only an amazing 11.5 pounds. If you don't believe me click the button to your right and check it out yourself.  Happy Holidays! J

Postscript: Do to current health problems Sandi Kilpatrick had to retire her Bobbles and More website. However, you can read this article by clicking on the button to your right.   My prayers and Well Wishes are with you Sandi. 

To help offset the cost of bringing this production to life  I have set up a special Paypal Donation page for those of you who would like to assist me in the project. Click on the Amahl and the Night Visitors button to the right to find out more.

Or, contact me using the email link below and place 'Amahl' in the subject line. Thank you MB

imago3d@juno.com 

As a Special Tribute to the puppeteers who inspired my career such as:  Bil Baird, Paul Ashley, Gerry Anderson, and Michael Myerberg, my Hollywood Bobble-Stars Collection is expanding. Click on the button of Madame, to the right to find out more...>>

 You Can Do It! is a new page showcasing some of the many wonderful and creative puppets that customers and clients have made using my standard Puppet Parts Catalog items. You can view this page and some of their unique work by clicking the Bard's Photo to your right. That should give you a clue. And as an added bonus I have posted a sneak peek at my Beast Mask design for my upcoming Beauty and the Beast I promised you at the beginning of the year.

You will also be happy to hear this mask will accompany a How-To article discussing my thoughts about life, love and sculpting... Okay mostly sculpting but I do hope you enjoy that.

There will also be another summer publication due out in August, featuring some of my Celebrity Caricatures for all you doll collectors. I haven't forgotten you.

Jan 04, 2006
Happy New Year! And what a great New Year this plans to be. Last year we wrapped up the holidays with several new additions to our site and managed to finish both  trimming the tree and a number of bids on some promising new and exciting commissions. There is a new FAQ's page for frequently asked questions to help you clarify your thoughts before making that all important decision to  buy a piece of commissioned art.  Barbra Streisand entered our Gallery Spotlight for the month of January, wearing an original  dress design based on the famous sailor dress she wore in her 1965, special 'My Name Is Barbra'.  Babs... She's just like butta. J 

Many new highlights are planned for this coming year so here is a preview of what to expect: Several new articles are slated for the Puppetry Journal following my last years series on Papier Mache techniques that will follow my thought process on sculpting the head in clay. And, two new additions to our Puppet Parts Catalog, that will include the long awaited Beauty and the Beast and the Nativity  just in time for Christmas 2006. There are a few more surprises. More to come later...

October turned out to be a very busy month. First I completed the refurbishing on the Hot Dog costume you see to the right for Universal. There was no opening in the back of the Hot Dog so I had to insert an internal Velcro lap one. Unfortunately, I couldn't do more to stop the bun from crumbling but the job completed successfully and they were able to get this girl out for the holidays. lol

Next, it was on to the Evil Squirrel puppet for an Indy short film shooting in Louisiana. Using my wire frame armature technique I was able to pull a muslin draft which fit nicely over the black hand puppet sleeve you see in the pictures below. This is the very same technique I use on my Special Costume characters and it works like a charm. After the foam muscle-structure was secured I was able to cover the form with Faux Fur and add the final details.

Overlapping this  was a call to create the elephant-bird for the Dr. Seuss stage musical Seussical. The hand puppet had a moving mouth and flapping wings. The surface of the face was Flocked and then airbrushed to achieve the electric blue color.

I also wrote Deborah N. Landis, at the Costume Designer's Guild, which was suggested by costume designer Pete Menefee after he saw some of my illustration work during a meeting I had with him earlier in the month. The initiation fees are still a little steep for me at the moment. I am saving for a car, a Scion XA, and I like to pay cash for them. Right now that is much more a priority for me.

This past week I just completed two 8 inch tall Wedding Toppers for the upcoming Comedy's Central's, Last Laugh - of Tom Cruise and his soon to be but very pregnant bride Katie. Everything was sculpted, tuxedo, bridal gown and hairstyles. Oh and I had to animate Tom so he could jump up and down on a sofa like he did on the Oprah show. J 

Last Laugh 05 - Premiers 9pm Sunday, December 11th.

All in a day's work I guess. I am looking forward to a quiet Thanksgiving. I will keep you posted. And Yes, I am still scouting opportunities in Vegas and a possible studio relocation there. 

And speaking of opportunities a long-time dear friend alerted me to the fact that... A Q-uirky Broadway show was giving a contest. The winner to receive a all expense paid trip to NYC, to see the show and meet the cast. All you had to do was create a puppet and have the puppet submit a profile. Well, it was a real dash but I completed Baby Goo, and we made the deadline. We didn't make the cut. Nothing ventured, nothing gained they say. On behalf of Baby Goo and myself I do want to take the time to congratulate the lucky finalists. Baby Goo adds," Make sure to wear a hat. It will keep the pigeons in NYC, from shitting on your head."

imago3d@juno.com