Itsy and Bitsy were spider friends and regular stars on tv's "Paperplay" series.
     The show was presented by Susan Stranks, of "Magpie" fame. Itsy and
     Bitsy would assist her in the construction of simple craft designs, models,
     and pictures - although their enthusiasm would frequently overrun their talent...

     This lively duo were created by Norman Beardsley. They were nothing more
     sophisticated than bright coloured hand puppets operated against a jet black
     backdrop but they were brought to life by some wonderfully adept puppeteering.
     The yellow one was Itsy, a girl spider with big fluttering eyelashes. Bitsy was
     the orange one, a mischievous fellow, who frequently had to be restrained
     by his friend. They didn't talk, as such. Rather, they chatted and gabbled in
     their own unique spider tongue.

       

     It's often forgotten that there were other critters making regular "Paperplay"
     appearances alongside this duo. Boris was a big, sluggish, ladybug. Cardew
     the caterpillar would wriggle into frame as well, and then there was a fussy
     bird called Katie...

     In all, these two spiders made 182 appearances on "Paperplay" and back
     in 2003/2004 they popped up again, via a series of high-profile licensing deals
     made by LicensingByDesign. Greetings cards, beanies and chattering
     toys (above) were all available on British high streets, and much-desired.

     Simple creatures, for sure. But simply brilliant, none the less...

 

     On the web


     No links right now....










 
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