Hot Puppetry How-Tos
How To: Make a puppet's mouth move
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a puppet's mouth move. Begin by inserting your hand inside the puppet and bring it into frame. The four fingers will operate the top part of the mouth, and the thumb will operate the bottom part. When moving the puppet's mouth, only use the thumb to make the talking motion of the puppet. Do not flap the top for fingers up and down to move the puppet's mouth because it will make it look unrealistic and unnatural. This video will benefit those v...
How To: Make conventional shadow puppets
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make shadow puppets. Users will need a good, strong light and good positioning of the light. It is recommended to use white or any bright colored walls. Users learn how to do 2 types of shadow puppets in this video. The first type is a swan. Simply hook the arm out. The forearm will be the neck and the biceps will be the body and feathers. Then flap the 4 fingers and thumb like a beak. The second type can be a variation of animals. Simply stick out...
How To: Operate a gloved arm puppet
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to operate a gloved arm puppet. The puppet is operated by the user putting one hand inside the puppets head to operate the mouth, and the other hand into a glove to operates the puppet's hand. Users may have a second puppeteer to the other hand. The puppets are able to use their hands to pick up objects, make contact or show emotion. These puppets require a special amount of skill and patience to be able to operate both the head and hands of the puppe...
How To: Make a puppet lip synch
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to properly make a puppet lip sync. Begin by putting your hand into the puppet's body and bring it into the frame. When lip syncing, do not just open and close the puppet's mouth as you talk. It will make the puppet look more robotic and unrealistic. Instead, open and close the puppet's mouth upon every syllable. This will make the puppet look more realistic and make it look like it can speak dialogue fluently like a human. This video will benefit tho...
How To: Professionally operate puppets
In this video, Paul Louis, a professional puppeteer and puppet builder discusses the difference between puppets intended for theater and television and how they are different both in appearance and operation. For a puppet on stage, stitching is acceptable to be seen on the outside of the puppet and large, exaggerated movements for the puppet are acceptable and encouraged for easier viewing by your audience. For a puppet which is shown on a television shown, the puppet should be cleaner and th...
How To: Make puppets from foam rubber
You, too, can make an adorable, bug-eyed foam-rubber puppet. And this free video guide will show you how. For a complete, step-by-step overview of how to make your own puppet from foam rubber, watch this crafty how-to.
How To: Put on a puppet show
Whether you use shadow puppets or marionettes, put on a fanciful puppet show with these tips. Step 1: Decide on script
How To: Make a voodoo love doll
Although very strange, after watching this video, you'll know how to make your very own voodoo love doll!
How To: Make a claymation puppet
In order to make a claymation puppet, you will need the following: clay in various colors and pipe cleaners. You will need to choose clay colors for clothing and skin and eye and facial features. If you want hats or accessories, you would need to keep that in mind.
How To: Give personality to your puppets
In this tutorial, we learn how to give personality to your puppets with Paul Louis. Personality is everything when it comes to puppets. Your design should give the puppet a certain type of personality. Create a voice when you put the puppet onto your arm and use it to become a new character. Use different styles of clothing and jewelry accessories to make the character different. Give the puppet the look of the voice you are going to give it. If you want it to look tough, give it a leather ja...
How To: Practice ventriloquism
You're standing right in front of us, but your voice sounds like it's coming from over there! Color your friends impressed by learning the fine art of ventriloquism.
How To: Make spooky Halloween shadow puppets with Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/how-tuesdays-spooky-shadow-puppets-by-crankbunny-2827/
How To: Make a creature puppet that bites and wags when held
If you're in the mood to make a horror movie, complete with creepy creatures and all, then you could make your dreams come true. Just check out this video tutorial on how to make a creature puppet that bites and wags when held. You can make this mechanism using string, craft wood, and hot glue, the action can be controlled with one finger, so the puppet appears to be alive when cradled in your arms. A nifty horror prop for a "pet monster."
How To: Be a puppeteer
Want to be a puppeteer when you grow up? Watch this how-to video and learn as our host John Kennedy gives insider tips on how to develop your puppet character, make your puppet move and perform in front of an audience. All you need is a puppet, a huge imagination, and the helpful tips in this video tutorial. Be a puppeteer.
How To: Sew puppets
Learn how to make puppets with moving mouths in this free video series, including tips on making a puppet pattern, sewing and adding features like arms, legs and eyes.
How To: Make a silhouette puppet show
Is there a natural-born performer in your home? How would you like to have your own silhouette puppet show? Learn how to make a silhouette puppet show in this free crafts video series.
How To: Be a ventriloquist
Learn the definition of ventriloquism with expert voice throwing tips from a professional comedian in this free online ventriloquism lesson video clip. Be a ventriloquist - Part 1 of 13.
How To: Use the Bunraku Puppet's wrist controller
How are puppets controlled? Learn about the function of a Bunraku Puppet Wrist Arm Control in this free puppetry lesson from an expert puppeteer. Use the Bunraku Puppet's wrist controller - Part 1 of 20.
How To: Perform with a puppet
for kids and adults! Our expert puppeteer will teach you basic puppet performance with expert puppeteering tips in this free online performance video series.
How To: Start your own puppet company
Learn how to start your own puppet company home business, with tips on where to get puppets, what equipment you need and how to train puppeteers in this free video series.
How To: Throw your voice for dummies
Watch this instructional voice video for dummies that breaks down the basics of throwing your voice. This humorous tutorial reveals the ancient secret techniques you will need to be able to throw your voice. Fool your friends into believing your hand can talk. This video is great for aspiring ventriloquists and puppet enthusiasts.
How To: Make shadow puppet joints
Check out this instructional puppetry video that explains two methods to make shadow puppet joints. You can use any puppet pattern. Using the Mr. Stripes puppet as an example, this tutorial video shows how to create shadow puppets with joints. Beginners will enjoy this shadow puppet video demonstration on how to make joints.
How To: Fix a broken armature puppet for stop motion animation
In this puppetry tutorial, learn how to fix a broken stop motion animation armature that suffered massive limb loss. This how to video is done by an amateur for amateurs who need help repairing their damaged armature. Instead of rebuilding from scratch, watch this video and fix your armature puppet to continue filming your stop motion animation piece. Don't forget your your eye goggles!
How To: Build a puppet from scratch
Check out this video to learn how to build a puppet from scratch,
How To: Make a puppet from stuffed toys
Watch this video to learn how to make puppets from stuffed toys. In this video, Barbara Dewey converts Pink Panther, Bugs Bunny and several others into ventriloquist figures. Barbara also gives some tips for caring for your puppets and some ideas for modifying them. Stay tuned for the amazing performance in the last video of this three part video series!
How To: Make your own puppet
Watch this visual demonstration to learn how to make your own puppet. Make your own puppet.
How To: Make a puppet with foam
Watch this two part video series on how to make your own puppet. This provides a great visual demonstration which will inspire you to make your own. Learn how to form the different body parts out of foam.
How To: Make a puppet theater
Barbara Dewey demonstrates how to make your own puppet theater in this four part video series. Part 1 of 4 - How to Make a puppet theater.
How To: Make soft sculpture puppets and ventriloquist figures
In this four part video series, Barbara Dewey teaches viewers how to make soft-sculpture puppets and ventriloquist figures. Email her for free patterns.
How To: Make cloth and foam puppets and ventriloquist figures
In this four part video series, Barbara Dewey teaches viewers how to make cloth and foam puppets and ventriloquist figures. Email her for free patterns.
How To: Make a wooden spoon puppet
Make a wooden spoon puppet. Turn an old wooden spoon into a fun puppet that will entertain you and your friends! Make three or four to create a puppet show!! Make a wooden spoon puppet.
How To: How Ventriloquism Works
In this video series, our expert will show you what, how, and why a number of steps are taken to perfect the illusion. You'll be shown how to pronounce problem letters, how to practice your technique, and how to develop unique voices.
How To: Make sock puppets
In this video series, our expert will show you how to make your own homemade sock puppet. This is a great craft to share with children because it is fun and easy.
How To: Master the art of puppet theatre
Paul Louis, professional puppeteer listed with the Jim Henson Company, will show us the difference between several moving mouth puppets and go over how to hold and work a puppet as well as ways to engage the audience and in a sense "act".
How To: Make a $10 stop motion puppet
Don't have any friends to act in your movies? No problem! This week on BFX, we'll show you how to build a miniature puppet to star in your next project. Don't have any friends? We can't help you there.
How To: Start your own puppet company
In this video series for puppeteers, learn how to start your own puppet company home business, with tips on where to get puppets, what equipment you need and how to train puppeteers to put on a successful puppet show. Also learn how to market your company to schools and corporations, and how incorporate yourself.
How To: Get all the information about marionettes
In this video series, watch as freelance designer Emily DeCola teaches all about marionettes. Learn how to work the strings, the different types of marionettes, how to string a marionette, how to build and operate a marionette, and how to control the puppet's face.
How To: Make a puppet
Erik Beck from Indy Mogul shows you how to make a Jim Henson-style puppet for about $25.
How To: Make shadow puppets
Learn how to make monster shadow puppets with paper and polycarbonate. Paper puppets are cheaper and faster to make, but there is a professionalism about polycarbonate shadow puppets that can't be matched. Go and create a show.
How To: Sew cute Puppets
Gigi works with Margaret and Melissa to sew Blinkey, a green fuzzy hand puppet. Sew cute Puppets.