Fine Arts teacher Lyubov Briginets has a secret talent. She makes puppets. Since she was a little girl her interest in puppet-making has grown from a simple desire, to a pure love of puppet making of any kind.

 Q. What started your want to make puppets?
A.  I always loved puppets since I was a little girl. In Russia it’s a cultural thing. There were lots of puppet shows.

 Q. How do you make the puppets?
A. Anyone can make them, because there are so many types of puppets. It could be a simple puppet made out of a glove, or you could complicate it. I’ve found that making a soft sculpture works well. I make a mask for the head through a casting technique with paper pulp, than I use filled pantyhose to make the hands and body. Then I paint the hands and face and cover the body with clothes that I usually get from Goodwill.

 Q. Where do you use your puppets?
A.Hopefully I will use them with Ms. [Natasha] Toro next year for a theater and art gallery. Other than that I use them at my church a lot for plays. I am hoping that I will get to use my puppets more.

 Q. Does your family get involved with your puppet making?
A. My sons enjoy making very simple ones, especially the little one. He loves puppets. To him they are magic.

 Q. What is your favorite puppet that you have made?
 A. I did enjoy making that angel for my church, but I don’t get to make as many as I want. Hopefully I will get to make more. I think my favorite puppets are in future plans.