When a video about the Body & Sol Women’s Expo didn’t turn out quite the way organizers Holly Baker and Barbara Peters envisioned, they asked Rose Mayer, owner of The Tucson Puppet Lady, if she had any ideas. She said, “Yes, I do,” and the spokespuppets Hollycakes and Babs were born.

Mayer used two of her personal puppets as Baker and Peters standins for the video and lip-synched them to the audio track. It is uncanny how closely the puppets resemble the real women, who love the whimsy and fun of the finished product.

The Tucson Puppet Lady also builds custom Muppet-style puppets. “I discovered that I love making puppets,” says Mayer. “It seems strange, but once I get an idea of what the client would like, the puppet almost builds itself.” A puppet can be made to resemble a person, an animal, a graphic or whatever is in the imagination. In fact, Mayer is currently building a superspecial puppet guest that will make an appearance at the Expo.

Throw a puppet buffet party. The Tucson Puppet Lady will come to a birthday party for kids or adults with everything needed for participants to create their very own sock or hand puppets. Depending on the ages and number of party guests, making a puppet takes about an hour to 90 minutes. She also encourages the adults at kids’ parties to make puppets at no extra charge. After the puppets are made, one of The Tucson Puppet Lady’s puppets will lead the guests in an impromptu puppet show.

“We have so many fun activities planned for the Expo,” Mayer exclaims. There will be puppeteering demonstrations, puppet improv and even a blank puppet with an assortment of facial features available that can be added to the puppet. Attendees are encouraged to take “selfie” pictures of themselves and their creation.

There will be a daily drawing for a $120 gift certificate for The Tucson Puppet Lady and guest appearances by Babs and Hollycakes, who will be making rounds on both Expo days.

To celebrate the Expo’s theme of saying “Yes”, Mayer is offering 50 percent off the Puppet Buffet Party for up to six kids. The party can be scheduled after March 10, but needs to be booked before then to receive the special pricing.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit TheTucsonPuppetLady.com.