Marionette dolls are generally large and expensive dolls made of wood, cloth, or other materials. Making traditional marionettes by hand is a skill that takes years to perfect. However, making marionette dolls from scraps or scraps of paper is easy. You can even make one out of clay yourself, and it will look similar to a more elaborate marionette doll.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Paper Marionette
Step 1. Draw the design
Lay out cardboard or posters on a flat surface. Draw each part of the doll's body separately. The doll consists of two hands, two legs, and the upper part of the body that is attached to the head.
Step 2. Cut out the body pieces
Decorate the design with markers, crayons, or paint, then cut out.
Step 3. Arrange the dolls
Arrange the doll with the image face up on a flat surface. Place the upper body, then arrange the hands and feet so that the joint points fall on the upper body.
Step 4. Make the joints
Press the tacks at each joint of the doll. Press into the holes if you feel the need to. The joint must remain loose and flexible so that it can be moved easily.
Step 5. Create the handle
Arrange two chopsticks or pencils in a crossed position. Attach the two with tape.
Step 6. Attach the thread
Prepare a needle and fishing line. Make a hole in the center of the shoulder and tie one end and pull the thread. Also make holes right at the knees and wrists of the doll and pull the thread, then cut. Make sure the threads for each hand and foot are long enough to reach the wand, which is about 15.2 cm from the shoulders (longer if the head is big). Don't forget to tie the joints together with twine.
Step 7. Connect the threads
Tie a long thread from the shoulder to the center of the cross of the stick, and four threads at the ends of the hands and feet to each end of the stick. Tie and glue the thread so it doesn't come off.
Step 8. Done
Method 2 of 2: Marionette Professional
Step 1. Prepare the ingredients
You'll need FIMO clay, aluminum foil, strong wire, twine, and something to hold onto (chopsticks can be a great option).
Step 2. Create the outline
Bend, cut, and straighten the thread until you have one frame for each body piece. You need to leave a little hole at the end which will later become the joint.
For the head, you need the holes to appear on the top of the head as well. For this guide, the head won't move, so the head must be attached to the upper body if you wish
Step 3. Add the inner structure
Roll up the aluminum foil and attach it to each piece of wire that forms the framework. This will serve as the flesh or muscle, giving the doll a defined shape. Don't use too much and don't worry the texture isn't too smooth as the clay will cover this.
Step 4. Install the clay
Shape the clay for each part of the body, then attach and adjust until it reaches the desired shape. Keep the wire holes visible.
Step 5. Bake all the body parts
Bake the body according to the clay packaging instructions.
Step 6. Join the doll's limbs
Connect the holes to make joints for the doll.
Step 7. Create the handle
Purchase a ready-to-use handle, or make a handle by combining two chopsticks into a cross.
Step 8. Attach the thread
Attach the thread to the knee and wrist of the ball, right at the joint. Attach the other end of the thread to the end of the handle. Then, pull the thread from the center of the handle connected to the hole in the head.
Step 9. Add the final details
You may want to dress or add other details to your doll. This will give it a nice final look.
