How to Stuff the Head of a Puppet

Making a puppet just right requires careful stuffing of the head, particularly around the mouth. You need to make sure that you stuff the head correctly and smoothly so the puppet isn't lumpy or lopsided and that the foam you use is the correct size and shape for your specific puppet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Foam
• Scissors
• Puppet body
• Cardboard mouthpiece

1. Cut an average-sized square in a piece of half-inch thick foam. The size of your square depends on the size puppet you are making.

2. Make a small triangle cutout at the bottom of the foam square. The sides should be even so fold the bottom points together.

3. Fold the top edges of the foam square so they are touching. Pinch the bottom corners and pull the top corners together. This gives the foam a rounded appearance. Keep this together with your right hand.

4. Hold the puppet with your left hand. Stuff the foam into the puppet, round side up, while still pinching together the folded piece of foam. Press the foam firmly into the head of the puppet. Make sure the triangle cutout faces the back of the puppet.

5. Work the puppet material over the foam. Smooth out any wrinkles and adjust the puppet as needed. Carefully let go of the foam inside the puppet and examine the head. Keep your right hand inside the puppet.

6. Place the four fingers of your right hand in the top of the puppet's mouth and place your thumb in the lower portion of the mouth. Your four fingers in the top should be comfortably between the foam and cardboard mouthpiece. Move the mouthpiece to see how it looks and adjust the foam and material if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have trouble using regular foam you find at the craft store, consider upgrading to reticulated foam. Reticulated foam, also called Scott Foam, is the industry standard and can generally only be purchased in large quantities.