How to String Marionette Puppets

Marionette Stuffed Toy

Marionette puppets are fun and exciting to play with. Children will be amazed and fascinated to learn that they can turn any stuffed animal toy into a marionette, just by adding a few well placed strings. Everything you need to transform a stuffed toy into a marionette can be located at any craft or arts supply store. Here is a step by step guide to help you string your own marionette puppet.

Things You'll Need

• 2 Wooden Dowels, 7 inches long, 1/4 inch wide
• Small Tack
• Hammer
• Nylon String
• Hot Glue Gun
• Hot Glue Sticks
• Paper Plate
• Scissors
• Stuffed toy

Instructions

1. 

   Prepare the hot glue gun by inserting a hot glue stick into the base, and plugging it into the wall outlet. Make sure you keep the cord and the hot glue gun out of the reach of children. Place a paper plate underneath the glue gun to prevent any damage that may happen to furniture. Let the glue heat up at least 10 minutes before using it.

2. 

   Place the 2 wooden dowels perpendicular to each other. Place a small tack onto the center of the dowels, where they cross over one another, and carefully hammer the tack into the dowels.

3. 

   Cut four pieces of nylon string, each measuring 18 inches long. Place a dollop of hot glue onto the end of one dowel, and quickly attach the end of a nylon string to the glue. Hold it in place until the glue cools and hardens. Repeat this process with the other 3 dowel ends.

4. 

   Place a dollop of hot glue on the top of the foot or paw of the stuffed toy, and quickly attach the other end of one nylon string. Repeat this process to the other foot or paw, making sure to attach to it the nylon string of the opposite dowel. Repeat this process with the hands of the toy, attaching the last two nylon strings respectively.

5. 

   Cut a piece of nylon string to the length of 7 inches. Place a dollop of hot glue in the center of the perpendicular dowels, and quickly attach the end of the 7 inch piece of nylon string to it. Hold it in place until it hardens. Place a dollop of hot glue into the center of the stuffed toy's head, and attach the other end of the nylon string to it, holding it until it is cool and hardens. Your stuffed toy marionette is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep hot glue gun and hot glue sticks out of the reach of children.

Resources

• Blick Art Materials