Things You'll Need:
- a balloon
- paper-mache paste
- newpaper (preferrably black-n-white)
- paints (acrylic paint works well)
- different sizes and colors of felt
- scissors, needle, and thread (fabric glue works just as well)
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Step 1
Blow the balloon up to the desired size. This will be the head of your puppet. Once the balloon is tied off, you can start laying the newspaper strips covered in paper-mache goo on the balloon. Make sure to leave an opening, say by the tie-off end of the balloon, so u have a neck hole. To make this hole, use about an inch-long circular section of paper towel roll. You could use this as a guide, and even build a neck using the paper towel tube to build onto. Once the paper mache is complete, hang it up to dry. (You'll want a couple layers of newspaper on your puppet-head)
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Step 2
Once the 'head' is dry, use fabric glue and felt to construct an outfit for your puppet. Make sure that the 'legs' are actually an opening for your arm. A triangular shaped outfit, with just an opening where the legs should be, would work.
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Step 3
Once the outfit is complete, now would be a good time to paint the head. Paint it according to your 'vision'. Kids love this activity. It may take a few days, but they really end up with a sense of accomplishment. Adhere the head to the clothing, using the same fabric glue. Lay down carefully to dry.
