Even today, with the proliferation of fancy electronics, computers, and video games, people are still enchanted by the simple, funny movement created by a flat, two-dimensional paper puppet; they are automatically, and inherently, amusing. This book teaches readers how to make a wide variety of moveable paper puppets, charming toys, and novel, artful gifts. The projects are beautiful, magical, whimsical and will appeal to readers with many different craft interests. There is something very childlike about puppets, yet they are not easily dismissed into something strictly ‘for children’. Paper puppets are versatile, easy to make, and can be used with many types of artwork such as on cards or in shadow boxes.
Some things in life are slick, polished and blatantly obvious. But for Norma V. Toraya, who's also known as Crankbunny, these are exactly the things she shies away from. Instead, she's more inclined to explore timeless concepts like subtly, curiosity, texture and awkwardness. Her hand-drawn and computer-animated creations are often described as dark, sometimes noir and always magical.
Norma V Toraya lives in NYC and works as an animation director for Curious Pictures / Electric Company Toronto. She animates commercials, TV intros, music videos, projections, works on personal films, builds mechanical paper puppets, and runs a small shop. She has have a big fancy schooled fine-arts and film/animation background - yet ironically has a fear of movie theaters.
