Name: CleverPatch Crafternoons: Hand Puppets
SKU: 92562L
Price: 152.20 AUD

Before starting, think about the character that you wish to create. We are going to be creating a cat, but you can create any character you like!
Step 1First, we want to create a base to model our puppet’s head on. Carefully cut a cardboard roll in half to make it shorter. Adult supervision is recommended when using scissors. Inflate a balloon to create a small round sphere to sit on top of the roll. You don’t want the balloon to be too big or small. Think about what size would suit the character you wish to make.
Step 2Use masking tape to attach the balloon in place on top of the cardboard roll as shown.
Step 3Prepare the Mod-Rock by cutting into various sized strips and making sure you have a bowl of warm water on hand ready to use.
Step 4Wet your pieces of Mod-Rock one at a time in a bowl of warm water. Squeeze out any excess water and then drape over the balloon. Layer the Mod-Rock over and around the balloon and onto the cardboard roll, making sure to smooth the pieces into each other using your fingers. Continue until the balloon and cardboard roll are completely covered.
Step 5Think about the features of your character and use the Mod-Rock to build these up on the face. We are making a cat so have added in ears, a nose and mouth. Build up the Mod-Rock on the bottom half of the face to create the mouth area. Once you have added the features, allow the Mod-Rock to dry completely.
Step 6While the Mod-Rock is drying, you can start on the puppet’s body! Cut approximately 3-4cm from the head section of a cotton hand puppet. This will create a hole that we will insert our puppet head into when complete.
Step 7Decorate the cotton hand puppet using paint. We are creating a ginger cat, so have painted it orange and added some paws and a belly. Allow to dry.
You can use anything to decorate the cotton hand puppet! Depending on the character you are making you may wish to add extra collage materials such as felt, chenille stems or pom poms. Get creative!
Step 8Once the head has completely dried, carefully pull the balloon out of the open end. You may need to use scissors to pierce the balloon.
Step 9Bring the puppet head to life using acrylic paint! You may even wish to add in collage materials such as wiggle eyes. Allow to dry.
Step 10Once the head and body are completely dry, it’s time to assemble your puppet! Slide the cardboard roll neck of the puppet head into the cut, open end of the cotton hand puppet. Add tacky glue around the neck and pull the fabric tightly around it. Allow to dry.
Step 11Your Hand Puppet is now ready to put on a show!