How to Make a Puppet from a Paper Bag

This project is a fun way to keep kids entertained and to help them use their creativity. Making a puppet out of a paper bag is easy! There is no right or wrong way to make them. You can make them look as silly or as different as you want them to. The best part of this project is that it is used for two different things: You can make the puppets and you can keep the kids engaged by putting on a puppet show with your creations!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 brown paper lunch bag (the larger size works best)
• Glue-on google eyes
• Pom pom balls for the nose
• Construction Paper
• String or yarn
• Scissors
• Fabric Glue
• Double-sided tape
• Pencil

How to Make a Puppet from a Paper Bag

1. Take the brown paper bag and place it vertically in front of you so the open part of the bag is at the bottom closest to you. Make sure that the bottom of the bag is the side that is facing up.

2. Place the eyes on the bag and glue them down where you want them. Keep in mind that the flap on the bottom of the bag is going to be used as the mouth, so make sure not to place the eyes too low. Usually about a quarter of the way down from the top is appropriate.

3. Move on to the nose. You can use anything you want to, but things like cotton balls or pom pom balls are easiest to use. Place the nose where you want it and glue it down. Make sure not to use too much glue. You only need about a drop to secure the nose. If you are using construction paper for the nose or any of the parts, you can use double-sided tape as an alternative to glue.

4. Draw a set of lips on whatever color construction paper you like. Make sure they are big enough to be cut in half. You are going to need a top lip and a bottom lip. After cutting out your lips, you can glue the top lip on the bottom of the bag under the nose, just above the flap on the bottom. The bottom lip is going to be glued right underneath the top lip, but on the actual bag itself--so that when you put your hand inside to make the puppet talk, it looks as if his mouth is opening and closing.

5. Use anything you want for the hair and you can use as much or as little as you like. You can use things like string or yarn to give it a more 3-D look. Each piece will have to be glued on separately.

6. Put the finishing touches on your puppet by adding clothes to it or other decorations to make it your own. You can find decorations such as glitter, jewels, cloth, stickers and beads at your local craft store.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want an easy cleanup, construction paper and double-sided tape are the best materials to use, although you may be able to foster more creativity with more choices to decorate.
• If using glue and working with small children, make sure that you buy glue that is non-toxic.
• Make sure your glue is completely dry before performing a puppet show to ensure that your decorations stay put.