How to Make Shadow Puppets
Adults and kids alike can build shadow puppets and direct their own shows or just entertain each other. All you need are a few household items and some imagination.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Cardboard
- Stick or rod
- Glue gun or tape
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Screen or wall
- Light source
- Wires and brass paper fasteners for joint movement (optional)
- Colored cellophane (optional)
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-
1
Cut the puppet out of cardboard. Draw the puppet shape directly onto the cardboard or outline it on a piece of paper to use as a pattern. To create a stained glass effect, cut windows into the puppet and cover them with pieces of colored cellophane.
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2
Using a glue gun or tape, affix a stick or rod to the back of the puppet. Optionally, fashion joints for the puppet using wire or brass paper fasteners. Attach additional rods to the joints to facilitate movement.
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3
Prepare a surface for reflecting the shadows, such as a wall, screen or the side of a tent. When using a wall, remove pictures, mirrors or other items that could obstruct the shadows.
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4
Choose a light source like a spotlight, flashlight, lamp, lantern, candles or a fire. A strong light source will prevent backlight. When using a weaker light source like candles or a fire, dim other lights in the room. Angle the light source from above to shine over the performers' heads and reduce extra shadows.
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5
Construct the performance area. Include an area for the puppeteers to maneuver the puppets between the light source and the shadow surface.
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6
Open your show. Act out a storyline or script. Play background music to accompany the shadow movements.
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1
Tips & Warnings
When performing behind a screen, use cardboard, furniture or some other obstruction to hide the shadows of the puppeteers.
If you add joints to a puppet, do not add more joints than a single puppeteer can manipulate.
When using fire or candles as a light source, keep a fire extinguisher, wet towel or sand nearby to douse any flames. Puppeteers should wear non-flammable clothing, tie back long hair and coat all materials with flame-retardant spray.
