Where do I start?

[WiGgY]

I want to make a Muppet type puppet but where do I start? I was thinking of carving it out of a big block of foam but what do I cover it with and stuff like that? Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[BorkBork]

Hi!

Take a look at my guide, the link is in my signature.

/Anders

 

[Luke]

There are also puppetry classes and companies in lots of different areas. Maybe you can get some experience or info from that and your local library might tell ya !

 

[Buck-Beaver]

There are also some good patterns available that - while not perfect - will get you off on the right foot.

One basic free pattern is available here. I'd recommend ignoring the instructions about the weird paperclip/button thing on the hand though. A very similar "starter" pattern can also be found over here.

Good luck!

 

[BorkBork]

you could also buy the foam book, which explains thinks in a good way. you can go buy it on www.amazon.com

or you could go to www.armslength.com and buy the "creating custom puppets" video. It's a really good video by David Pannabecker.


/Anders

 

[WiGgY]

Cool thanks.

I don't really want to take a class though. I'm more like a trial and error type learner. I've made two puppets before that came out ok but now that I'm a little older and a little wiser I want to see if I can make a huge one. Is the foam carving thing a good idea or should I try it the way Bork Bork did and use flat foam to make a 3d head? Personally I want to try carving the foam

 

[Buck-Beaver]

I've never been in to carving foam, but that's just my preference. Most of our puppets are patterned out of sheets of 3/4" and 1" foam. If you are going to carve, check your Yellow Pages to see if there are any Foam Stores in your area where you can buy a block of foam. Some dressmaking supply stores also sell blocks of foam, usually about 1 ft. cubed.