Saggy Mouth Question

[ShiveringCactus]

Hello! I'm new here, so I wanted to say hi. I've been making/performing puppets for just over a year now, and I've really appreciated being able to read all the info and advice on this forum (even though I've never been brave enough to actually sign up and post before!).

Anyway, I was wondering, whenever I make my mouthplates to be non-stiff, i get a little sagging at the edges. (at the corners of the mouth) Anyone else had this problem or is it just me? Any ideas on how to fix it?

Thanks you guys, I'm really excited to be here!

Deb.

 

[SesameKermie]

you might try reinforcing the outline of the lip with cardboard or other stiffer material while having the rest of the mouthplate as gasket rubber or whatever. Basically you cut out the mouthplate and then cut out an 'o' of the stiffer material that's about the same size and shape of the more flexible mouthplate. glue one on top of the other, and score the stiffer material at the 'hinge'. Then attach the mouthplate to your puppet in the normal fashion.

Hope this helps!

 

[ShiveringCactus]

Ahh, I see. I'll definitely try that next time.

Thanks very much for your help!

Deb.