Recent content by practicecactus

Yeah like Andrew said, Security Camera TFT monitor testers but there's one 3.5" screen model that mounts to your wrist, and they can come in and around your budget. I'm keen to try one out, but they seem to be popular with FPV quadcopter enthusiasts, so resolution seems pretty good. If you're...

Also bear in mind how porous the foam is/it's density. All those little bubbles that make up the foam are gonna be even more obvious with lighter colour paints because they'll make lots of little shadows. I made a beak out of foam and then got a wonderful smooth, almost rubber, finish on it by...

Christmas Tree decorations are great for eyes and come in a variety of sizes. They do require a bit of sanding for paint but the bigger ones are usually thicker.

You'll need to use a fabric with a bit of stretch so it can curve over the eye and not scrunch up like you say.

Reading back what I wrote I realise I should've just said I hinge the mouth at my upper finger knuckles, like a jaw. Moving the head around a bit, also hides a bit any head flap.

I think the trick is to sorta push the words out, so your fingers stay parallel to to the floor while your thumb does all the moving. There's always gonna be a bit of head movement though but so long as the head isn't flapping up and back you're doin ok.

Try to have at least two of the casters lockable. You don't want your stage shifting around especially if there's gonna be kids in front.

I remember someone posting a link to a place that makes custom sized blocks of foam to order, but generally, you can find something roughly that muppet head size. Try asking about offcuts. My local rubber supplies place has offcuts out front for cheap but other places might even throw them out...

Not sure how successful it'd be having never tried myself, but have you tried looking for stuffed toy patterns? There's gotta be at least free teddy bear pattern out there that could be easily adapted for puppets. Or at least a good starting point to modify or learn how to make your own. I...

My sewing is still pretty hamfisted and basic- in one end, out the other, but I only use the ladder stitch when I can't turn the material inside-out, like the neck for example, which is usually smaller than the head. I only use the whipstich If I want to really strengthen a seam I know is a...

Oops, forgot to add, and can't edit the post, I always cut the backing, with the fur side down. You don't really need to brush the fur any, so long as you just cut the backing, when you're done, gently pulling your piece out, the hairs will untangle.

I like this foam backed vinyl stuff I was lucky to scavenge from the upholstery bin where I used to work. The foam on it gives you a little extra squishy comfort for your hand but also helps it hold it's shape. Easy to emulate though, just a matter of gluing a thin sheet of foam to vinyl.

I use scissors but I make very tiny snips. It's time consuming but ensures precise cutting and doesn't stretch or fray the edge of the material which is better for sewing. Also, remember when sewing fur pieces together [inside out], to make sure no fur gets trapped in the seam by poking any...

Aw, and I thought I was cynical and cruel. You guys are bein mean. Ok, so it's not particularly "professional" and accurate a replica, but I thought it was rather endearing. Sure, they probably won't be getting a 'cease and desist' letter from Disney anytime soon but it's not that bad a puppet...

If you're new to puppet making I wouldn't recommend making a replica as a first attempt but you can carve it out of a block of foam, cut it down the middle so you have two halves, hollow out the space for your hand, then glue the two sides back together. Covering it can be done by flocking, but...