Building Muppet Labs (Muppet Show Version)

One of the greatest toy lines ever was the Palisades Toys Muppets action figures series.  It was thrilling to have action figures that match the integrity of the puppets for a change.  Such beautiful sculptures with which one could play.

Photos found Online

When they made Muppet Labs with Beaker, it resembled more of the Disney theme parks' MuppetVision 3D (which ceased in 2025).  I always teased that it was the "dark lab" where the even MORE secret stuff would be created!  This alone has so much playability that it is a marvel of playset joy!!

 

But, I always wanted the playset of the actual TV show.  So, I decided while creating this paper diorama stuff I would also create the labs of my dreams.  After a LOT of work to mimic what was on TV between those 5 seasons, I created what I felt would work perfectly.

And it did!

Of the things I've made this year, this is the biggest!  

I didn't know what building was in the window of the labs on TV, so I used Rhodes College from Memphis.  I did mimic the tiles of the "dark labs" playset for the tiles here, and it works great.  Also, They used both a round clock and a square clock over time, so I used both here.

Again, I enjoy how airy and spacious the place looks, and it's only about 12" tall in the back!

Building Ernie and Bert's Apartment

In the beginning, as a kid, I was always resourceful with cardboard.  My first build was the Ghostbusters Firehouse for my Real Ghostbusters action figures.  You could flip a lever and let the Ecto-1 burst out the doors, the side opened up to 3 floors of living space, including an unflushed toilet.  They had beds with their spaces decked out to match their personalities.  I even built a multi-tiered Gozer Temple with swinging doors!  All of it lit up by plug-in (white) Christmas lights.  Maybe I'll find photos somewhere in the archives!

Another project I've sat on for a long, long time is creating the interior walls, Big Bird's Nest area, and Oscar's area, for the Fisher Price Little People Sesame Street Playset - pics coming soon!  All images created by me from studying the TV show, printing, gluing...

So, it is only natural that once Super7 released their Sesame Street action figures, to create some dioramas for them.  After much, much research from the TV show, I was able to create parts of their apartment in my computer for print-out and then glue that to cardboard to piece together for their living space.

"Excuse me, Mr. Hoots..."  IYKYK

Everything is printed on cardboard except for the chairs and lamp (Temu 3D print orders) and other 3D props.  I don't have the breakdown image before I built the set, but I did take those photos for the bedroom set (pictures coming soon).

All the paper-only parts of the diorama!

The unpainted chairs.

"We both have birds, Bert!"

"I have a neat bottle cap collection!"

"I love the view of the trash cans, Bert."

"Hey, Bert."

"Oh, Bert!"  "Ernie! I'm trying to read."

"Then, I'll play with my toys, Bert."

"Fine, Ernie. I just want to read about oatmeal in peace."

To show scale, this is tiny but looks atmospheric in the photos!

The original TV set.