Building a simple, professional, hand-rod style puppet for practice or performance.
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.
What you’ll learn
- Use a simple building method to fabricate a professional style hand/rod puppet..
- Reduce toxic fumes in puppet building with alternate gluing techniques..
- Learn best practices in handling and working with various puppet building materials..
- Create an engaging character for practice or performance..
Course Content
- Introduction –> 1 lecture • 2min.
- Introduction and Tools –> 1 lecture • 6min.
- Puppet Building Materials –> 1 lecture • 3min.
- Downloadable Puppet Patterns –> 1 lecture • 1min.
- Prepare Your Materials –> 1 lecture • 8min.
- Begin Assembly –> 1 lecture • 5min.
- Let’s Get Snappy and Sew –> 1 lecture • 11min.
- Hand & Rod Assembly –> 1 lecture • 6min.
- Inserting the Skull & Finishing the Arms –> 1 lecture • 9min.
- Let Your Puppet Breathe –> 1 lecture • 7min.
Requirements
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.