Beyond Knitting
Making It: Meeting a Puppet Master
“Do you want to come see my puppet studio?”
When you get an email like that, there is only one correct answer: “Absolutely, I do.”
And so, on a bright spring morning, I found myself journeying to Soho to visit Zack Buchman at the Furry Puppet Studio.
Even as a child, Zack was fascinated by faces—their expressions, quirks, and unique isms that often go unnoticed by others.
As he demonstrated, he held up his hand and squished it together, instantly creating a face out of nowhere. Like magic, his hands formed a character I could never replicate. Now I find myself seeing faces in light posts, wood planks, and even piles of yarn.
But that’s just how Zack looks at the world. Imagination runs wild in the Furry Puppet Studio.
At one point, during our talk I looked up at a corner of the room and realized we weren’t alone! A bat with an expressive face hung from the rafters, watching over us. And that wasn’t all. There were puppets hidden away in every corner that wasn’t filled with books.
Like many of us, Zack was inspired by cartoons and illustrations as a child, specifically Grover from Sesame Street. He still treasures his collection of Grover books, and as we flipped through them, he pointed out his favorite faces and expressions among the children’s book sketches.
Zack’s creativity was nurtured early on, he remembers visiting fabric stores with his mother and imagining elaborate stories about the fabrics and prints.
Today, he performs the rare feat of merging passion with profession. At his puppet studio, he works with clients to develop mascots, toys, and puppets for commercial use.
I’m always fascinated by creatives who can bring a client’s two-dimensional ideas to life. It’s not always easy to find a balance between what sparks joy and what pays the bills but Zack has done it.
Most of Zack’s puppets are crafted the old-fashioned way: by hand. While he experiments with AI in his free time for fun and to make sure he’s staying up to date on the world of tech, he believes nothing compares to the handmade approach. This gives his puppets a unique, human touch.
At this point in our conversation, Zack’s passion for puppets was clear. But I didn’t fully grasp it until he took me on a full tour of his studio. He pointed out the various puppets I had noticed and ones I had not.
While I stared at them with wonder, I kept my distance. I think I was nervous that museum rules applied.
Sensing my hesitation, Zack encouraged me to touch and move them. As he demonstrated their movements, something unlocked inside me. Watching a puppet come to life is like a time machine to childhood; I was instantly transported back to sitting cross-legged on the paisley rug of my childhood home.
Even though I could see Zack maneuvering them, I found myself believing in magic again.
I eventually became brave enough to maneuver the puppets myself. The intricate workings made it all look effortless, but the craftsmanship was undeniable.
The highlight of my visit was meeting Power Puppy Lydia, a stuffed dog that uses a wheelchair—one of the first stuffed toys to include a wheelchair in its design. Zach and his team helped to develop the toy and his attention to faces and personality were clear even in this medium.
In a full circle moment it occurred to me how many children would have their imaginations sparked by this toy. What will they go on to create? Zack’s imagination has reached beyond him, inspiring the next generation of creatives.
As I stepped back into the elevator to go home, leaving childhood behind once again, I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself.
When a stranger asks you if you want to visit their puppet studio, the answer will always be “absolutely I do.”
What a great place! Thanks for your story.
And great photos of those amazing, beautiful puppets. Thank you Samantha!
What a magical talent! So glad he can make his living at it. This doesn’t always happen. Thanks for the fun close-ups! I got a kick out if Purritos.
I will never look at a puppet in the same way again!
I loved the puppets and the continued smile on my face. What a great place to visit. Thank you so much Samantha for sharing this with us.
What a wonderful opportunity – I’m so happy for you. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful article and story! I’ve got my right thumb in brace, temps have been in 90-108 range for weeks, now we are engulfed in smoke from wildfires. Reading Samantha’s description of puppets made me ! Thank you! Diane Bailey
That must have been an absolute wonder!
Thank you for the view into Zach’s studio! Puppets and marionettes have always fascinated me. Sherry Lewis and Lambchop were a favorite when I was a little kid. When I was a music therapy student, my practicums included working with autistic children and adults with dementia. My puppets always went along and provided an easy way into activities and/or conversation — who doesn’t want to sing, dance, or play drums with a puppet?! Later, when I was working in tech support for a large school district, my child-sized puppet, Lulu, and I hosted a “how to” tech show for faculty and staff over the in-house TV network. Lulu was, of course, the star of the show, totally overshadowing her human counterpart. She’s much quieter now, sitting in an antique high chair in the dining room, waiting for a visit from my granddaughter … and then the high jinx take center stage again!
I absolutely love this–thank you!
Oh my goodness YES!! Thank you for the fabulous outing.
I would love to see a photo of the puppet in a wheelchair – what a thoughtful man to bring all children (and adults) into the picture!
Fascinating. I longed to touch them.
Years ago as a plush toy designer I was able to visit Jim Henson’s Creature Shop in London. It was such an amazing experience – so I know how much you enjoyed your visit to this puppet studio! Thanks for reminding me!
These are just amazing! How lucky you were to be able to see them.
This story makes me wish I was with you. What a remarkable talent and a gift to children of all ages.
Joy joy!