I want you to meet two of my oldest friends. Bunny Rabbit and Llama Mama. Both sit on a shelf in my studio reminding me of my childhood and how much a simple little “lovey” can mean to a kid.
Bunny Rabbit has been mine since I was 4 years old. My family lived in Canada but were about to move to California. My best friend at the time, Nancy Orr, GAVE ME her Bunny Rabbit puppet as a going away present. Bunny Rabbit was my favorite. He doesn’t just have 2 arms, like a lot of hand puppets, he has all 4 legs. His fur is worn, his face is dirty, but he is still the same ol’ friend.
Llama Mama was given to me by another Nancy…my Aunt Nancy. Since Llama Mama came from Peru, I (of course) pronounced her name “Yama Mama”. She has a coarsely knit body with a wire armature inside. She was fun to bend and pose. I hate to admit this, but I am quite certain that Llama Mama participated in Barbie rodeos before Barbie got her own horse. At any rate, I love my Llama Mama.
I’m currently working on some new kids items for my collection. I’m going to let the past inspire the future.