
Master puppet building with essential tools, from sewing machines, scissors, and cutting mats to glues, wires, and fasteners. Learn safety, material choices, and hands-on techniques for hand rod puppets.
Learn to prepare puppet patterns and materials, including print formats (US 11x17, EU A3, A4), and assemble with sintra, foam, dowels, safety eyes, fleece, and faux fur.
Prioritize safety when handling sharp tools, prepare puppet patterns with rough cuts, mark fabric with a sharpie, and cut foam, Sintra, and fabric pieces for mouth plates, arms, and wires.
Construct the puppet mouth plate and foam skull by sanding edges, attaching gaffer tape hinges, applying fabritech glue and contact cement, aligning seams, and letting pieces dry under weight.
learn to install snaps on puppets using socket and stud with prongs, set with a hammer, then sew head and body patterns, turn inside out, and finish with zigzag stitching.
Apply a 16-inch dowel to assemble a puppet hand and rod, bend and mark at one inch, glue with epoxy, hot glue, and contact cement, then finish with foam hands.
Finish the skull and arms of a foam puppet by aligning center lines, gluing and turning fleece, shaping foam with inserts, and sewing hands securely.
Assemble the puppet head by installing the mouth plate, felt mouth insert, nose, and tongue, aligning patterns and applying fabric tac glue with care to hinge clearance.
A comprehensive introduction to the tools and materials used in puppet building and creating one from a simple pattern for beginners and a quick easy build for experienced builders. Building puppets and creating shows for my puppet company Up In Arms over the years, I've learned how to make engaging, functioning, professional-style puppets. I like to teach new builders to simplify the process, allow yourself to make mistakes and enjoy the journey as I break down my methods in an easy-to-learn course. Step by step, we'll explore the tools, materials and best practices in building your very own professional-style hand/rod puppet. Students are provided downloadable pattern PDFs for both US and EU standard paper sizes. While suggestions are made in what tools and materials to use, students are encouraged to be creative in using alternate methods and materials. All of the building methods are covered including cutting and gluing foam, machine and hand sewing fabric, installation of snaps and the proper placement of eyes and attaching a tongue and hair. When using toxic materials like contact cement, students are always encouraged to use proper protection which includes wearing a fume rated respirator mask, working in a well ventilated area and using protective disposable gloves.