Doll world. It could be said to be a better world or a very diverse one. We'll explain how to make a doll out of paper, socks, felt, and a Jim Henson-style doll. You too will have a real puppet stage as soon as you read this article!
Step
Method 1 of 6: Making 2D Paper Puppets
Step 1. Choose a figure
Try to choose a figure with a different identity or description, so you can reuse them in other puppet shows. You can find figures anywhere, but the Internet has many options to offer with just a tap.
Step 2. Create the figure
Trace the figure to the desired size on a piece of paper. You can reinforce the paper with cardboard, or draw the figure directly on the cardboard, so your drawing doesn't wave around during the show.
Think about the back side too! Will the doll turn around during the show? And when the doll turns, does the doll need fins or a tail?
Step 3. Use a paper plate if you prefer
If you need circular shapes in your work, use this strong, textured object. This object is suitable for the shape of fish, crabs, shells and other round creatures.
The volume of the object will increase greatly if you use two paper plates. Cut a slit towards the center and then glue it back together with some of it overlapping. Pull up some of the paper to bend it into a shallow cone. Glue the two sides together to form the body of the animal
Step 4. Color it
Color is an important part of puppet shows. Make the character you create bright and attractive, so that the eyes of the audience will be spoiled with it.
Step 5. Make the handles
Find a clear plastic straw and attach it to the back of the doll with duct tape or a blue tack. Make sure that the straw is long enough so that there is some space between the arm and the doll. Don't let your arms show during the show!
In addition, you can also use a fishing line and attach it to the doll, so that you can hold the doll from above. However, you have to stand up during the show
Step 6. Add other decorations
For the eyes, use false eyes (glue them together). If you are making puffer fish, like the one in the picture, use a piece of straw cut at an angle of about 5 cm and then glue it all over the fish. Cut a few small fins out of paper or a paper plate. Tada!
Method 2 of 6: Making a Doll with Socks
Step 1. Choose socks
Try and find a sock that can be worn up to the knee, so that when you use it as a dummy, some of your arms won't be visible. Do not wear socks with holes or stains.
Choose a color that matches the nature of the character. Striped socks give the character a bright and happy feel, while the plain black color makes the character look mysterious or criminal. If the sock is playing the role of an animal, choose a color that matches the animal's body color
Step 2. Insert the sock into your arm
When you are using the doll, pull the cloth into the gap between your thumb and forefinger to make the doll's mouth. And try to keep your wrist perpendicular to your arm, so the audience can see the doll's head and body.
It's the fastest way to make a sock doll. If you want to make a sock doll even more creative, you can visit Making a Sock Doll
Step 3. Give the eye decorations
You can find many different types of eyes at craft stores in your area. Use 'big' eyes to make your character look unreal. Make sure the object matches the character. Glue one by one with adhesive glue
''Pom pom'' eyes can be a cute addition decoration. It can add more shape to the silhouette of a normal sock. It's also easier to use
Step 4. Add additional features
The sock doll can be simple or very special. Add a tongue, a bunch of string for hair, a ribbon, tie or other decoration that the character can use.
Method 3 of 6: Making Finger Puppets
Step 1. Measure your finger on a piece of paper
Leave an extra 1cm or so on each side, stopping just below the second knuckle. This is the pattern for your finger puppet.
Step 2. Cut the pattern
You will need two patterns (front and back) plus another piece. Wings for the butterfly character? Nose for elephant character? The beak for the chicken character? Ears for bunny characters? Make it as complete as possible.
If at the time you couldn't fully visualize the doll's shape, look to regular cartoon drawings for detailed inspiration
Step 3. Sew additional decorations
Before you sew the base of the doll, sew the small decorations first. When the thread used has run out, sew the thread by means of a back stitch.
A stick stitch is the best way to sew the eyes/nose/beak/wings/other decorations. If sewing isn't your thing, you can use hot glue to attach most of the decorations. But be careful – if you use too much glue on the felt, it will result in an unfavorable surface
Step 4. Lay the lower and upper body overlapping then sew together
Sew the entire body of the object by means of a feston stitch; if you've added something that doesn't allow you to do a feston stitch, change it to a basting stitch.
Now it's your time to use the doll. Unless you want to make another 9 dolls
Method 4 of 6: Making a Puppet Figure
Step 1. Find a large ''styrofoam'' ball and start carving
You can use a soft foam. However, ''styrofoam'' is more malleable. The most difficult thing in this stage is that you have to carve the face. The easy thing at this stage is that the doll can be shaped into any shape and size so the object is most likely successful.
- All you need to do is make an indentation for the eye sockets, make a bulge for the nose and remove the lower jaw (if you want the doll to talk).
- If you want the doll to talk, make a hole for your hand to go in!
Step 2. Use a woolen cloth to cover the doll's head
Start from the center of the face and then work your way up to the rest, sticking with hot glue. You can use a spray adhesive, but it will be more difficult for you to do so. Rearrange and stretch as you apply the glue, so the wool will stick firmly to the ''styrofoam''. Make the curves (such as eye sockets) as natural as possible like the skin.
You can use the material for the nose like you would make a head, stick it on top of a “styrofoam” ball, or cover it with a woolen cloth and apply it to your face. Whichever way you do the result will be the same
Step 3. Add decorations on the face
Bottle caps can be used as eyes. Or you can use beads, balls or whatever you can find at a local craft store. Cover the lower jaw with a woolen cloth up to the very tip of the lower jaw. Make sure the "styrofoam" jaws are movable after the wool is glued with hot glue and attached to the head.
- The doll can wear a wig or a hat, depending on the size of the doll's head. You can't find a hat or wig? Put on a hood! Problem solved.
- If necessary, use felt for the ears and eyebrows. Every doll is different, so if your doll doesn't have something, it shouldn't be a problem.
Step 4. Dress the doll
A naked doll can be judged as a strange object. Put on the clothes you don't want to wear anymore and then tape the top to the "neck" of your doll (in this case, you could wear a scarf or collar or turtleneck).
To make the body shape of the doll, you can insert newspaper, foam or cotton. Don't wear short sleeves so you don't have to make doll sleeves
Step 5. Make the doll's hand
Since your one hand will move the face, make one that can be moved to make the doll look more alive. All you need to do is trace your hand over the felt, cut it twice and then sew the two together (from the inside out to hide the seam crease).
- Allow about 2 cm more space on each side of your hand to create a wiggle room. To make a puppet with four fingers (including the thumb), place the index and ring fingers together while tracing the hand.
- Place your hand into the doll's hand through the doll's collar. Now your doll can talk and move!
Method 5 of 6: Making Paper Bag Puppets
Step 1. Gather the required materials
Look for a paper bag, eye decoration, cardboard, wool, marker and glue or tape.
Step 2. Glue the eyes with the pockets
If you don't have decorations for the eyes, you can make eyes with cardboard, make small black pupils and glue them with larger white balls. Regular glue can do this – you don't need to use a stronger adhesive.
Step 3. Glue the mouth with the pouch
Cut the cardboard for the red mouth piece and glue it.
Step 4. Secure the hair with a bag
Use a piece of cardboard or wool over the hard bag. Wait for it to dry.
Step 5. Draw the nose
Use a black marker to draw the nose on the paper bag between the eyes and mouth.
Step 6. Play with the doll
Once you've made the faces and made sure they're all made, you can play with the dolls!
Method 6 of 6: Creating the Stage
Step 1. Create a stage
To create a standard stage, cover the table with a loose cloth. The table used should be high enough for your child (or you) to kneel behind it without being seen.
Step 2. Create a background design
Make a mural on a large piece of cardboard and hang it on the wall behind you. The mural that can be made can be in the form of a garden, beach, etc. background. or simply write the name of the show in big letters. Remember that a sign must be placed in front of the tablecloth to tell the form of the show. If you do this step, then the name of the show on the mural is not important.
Also make some things to play with the doll. In a few moments, you can set up a tree, a rock, some flowers or anything else that can be found in the setting of the puppet show
Step 3. Do the show
What song is used as the opening theme? Will you improvise or have a storyline? Does the story contain a moral message or is it just for fun? If you're doing a show with kids, make sure they have a show section with their favorite doll – every child has one favorite doll.
Tips
- Continue by taking part in events. Find an audience to see your child's show. The more you are involved, the more fun you will get.
- Make the doll look real, eccentric and even a puppy!
