Round Head Building Video Tutorial

Several have asked questions regarding the construction of the round head puppet pattern. Below I have uploaded a video briefly describing how to put the head together and measure the mouth.

If this does not answer your questions send me an email at bashfulpuppet@gmail.com and I'll be glad to help you further.

Microphone Problems

I started building the next two puppets today and was recording the whole process with my web cam. I had recorded the assembly of the entire foam construction before I realized that the microphone had been turned off. So I had video and no sound.

This is what I have decided to do. I am going to be building a wood chuck next and the body is very similar to that of the prairie dog so I will now record the build process for the wood chuck.

Sorry about the change of plans but that's the way the ball bounces some times.

1st Prairie Dog Puppet

Over the last few days I have completed the first of the prairie dogs for the Prairie Dog Parables show I am working on and he is cute. I haven't come up with a name for him yet so if you have any suggestions I'm open to ideas.

I intentionally didn't take any pictures of the build process. Since I had never built a puppet this shape too much of the whole thing was trial and error for me to feel comfortable committing any of the process to picture or print. Now that I know what I'm doing I'll let you in the the process for the next one.

As I already mentioned I have two more prairie dogs to build. What I am planning to do is set up my web cam and video the process. I haven't decided if I will simply make the videos and then post them or record the process live on my blogtv account. I'll have to get back to you on that.

Ordered Foam For Prairie Dogs

I've decided for my prairie dog puppets, and the boy puppet, that I want to use a higher grade of foam than I have previously used. I have ordered some reticulated foam from an upholstery supplier in my region. I have been told by some other more experienced builders that reticulated foam is the most durable foam for building puppets. So I'm hoping that in a few days I'll have the foam in hand and can get started on building those critters.

I have already designed the prairie dog puppets and I have purchased the fabric for two of them. I'm going with terry cloth and I believe that it is going to be a challenge to get the fabric to fit right because it does not have any stretch. Always before have I've used fleece that has some stretch to it which made fitting fabric significantly easier. But the principles of covering are the same I'll just have to fuss with it till it comes out right.

For the colors I'm going with some cartoon type colors. Greens for one, purples for another and I haven't decided on the others yet.

I'll have pictures as soon as I get some actual construction done.

Puppet Theatre Build Update

The frame for the puppet theatre I've been working on is completed. The Base for this theatre is a large bin called a "Smart Bin." The frame work for the theatre is 1/2 inch copper tubing and the necessary fittings. I chose copper for three reasons. One, low profile when transitioning from fitting to tubing. Only about 1/8th of an inch. Two, ease of availability. In every community across the country I can get material to repair or modify the stage. And three, cost. Some may think that the copper would be an expensive alternative. The entire frame, excluding the bin cost me about $35.00. If you compared that cost with other options it's a pretty good deal.

The over all stage height is about 7 feet. The stage opening is 54 inches off the floor and is about 40 inches wide and 30 inches tall. The back drop will hang about 15 inches back from the front and the puppeteer(s) will stand behind with the drop hanging between him and the puppet. There are two arms extending out the front that will support the stage lights. All very securely supported by the smart bin. One thing I really like about the frame is that it is constructed so that you can still open and close the lid of the bin.

At this point I need to acknowledge that I based my stage design on the stage that Swazzle is currently using for their shows. I really like the versatility and and simplicity of their stage layout.