CONTACT:

Folkmanis, Inc.

Elaine Kollias

800-654-8922

 

Teresa Klein

415-377-8557

 

Folkmanis Introduces New Puppets

With New Low-Tech Innovation

 

(EMERYVILLE, CA – November 10, 2005)  Proving why it has been king of the puppet jungle for three decades, FOLKMANIS introduces another stellar lineup to kick off its 30th anniversary year in 2006.

 

Recognized around the world as the leader in wildlife puppets, Folkmanis continues its award-winning tradition with new core wildlife puppets as well as entering its first full year as a Sierra Club licensee.

 

“Year after year we receive coveted industry awards for our wildlife creations,” says Judy Folkmanis, co-founder and creative director of the company. “We built our company around animals and continue to offer new, innovative ways to present them in puppet form.”

 

Folkmanis’ low-tech puppet innovation adds a new dimension to puppetry in 2006 with the introduction of the pull-ring animator, a patent-pending device inserted into puppets that gives them a more realistic appearance with a very simple finger movement. Three puppets in the spring lineup have the new pull-ring animator: ELEPHANT, SWAN, and FLAMINGO.

 

Measuring 20--inches long, the new Folkmanis ELEPHANT is a majestic pachyderm that incorporates the patent-pending pull-ring animator to lift and move the trunk to give this mini-version of the jungle's biggest beast very realistic motion. The Elephant is designed for ages 3 and up and has a s.r.p. of $44

 

This waterfowl is no ugly duckling, but a beautiful work of creative art. The Folkmanis SWAN has silky smooth plush fabric, wings that can flap free or be brought together with hidden mini magnets at their tips, and a easily moveable neck with the patent-pending pull-ring animator puppet technology. Designed for ages 3 and up, the Swan measures   14”-long and has a s.r.p. of $33

 

Folkmanis designers have created a marvelous FLAMINGO that flies well beyond the popular lawn ornaments. Soft plush, vibrant colors and the easily moveable neck with the patent-pending pull-ring animator puppet technology make this long-legged bird fun to operate. Designed for ages 3 and up, the Flamingo stands at 22’’-tall and has a s.r.p. of $30

 

 

Folkmanis has been an award-winning producer of specialty puppets since 1976. Most Folkmanis® Puppets are recommended for ages 3 and up and are available at specialty toy and gift stores, including: science/nature museums, zoo and aquarium gift shops, thousands of independent toy and gift stores, and specialty retailers nationwide and in over 15 countries around the world.  You can also find Folkmanis® Puppets online at Amazon.com. For more information call Elaine Kollias at 800.654-8922 or go to www.folkmanis.com.

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