Kermit the Frog Puppet Crafts for Kids
Kermit the Frog is one of the oldest Muppet characters. He began as more of a comic character, then took on a more neutral, straight-man role in "The Muppet Show." If your child doesn't know him from the show, she may have seen one of the Muppet movies or one of Kermit's appearances on "Sesame Street." If your little one wants a Kermit of her own, you can craft a very simple puppet using several methods.
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Kermit Sock Puppet
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Jim Henson himself stated that Kermit's one of the simpler Muppets. His face and head are primarily made of the puppeteer's hand being moved to make different facial expressions in the soft fabric. His eyes are also basically ping pong balls cut in half. Make your own Kermit sock puppet with a bright green sock, or dye a white one green using fabric dye. Glue foam or plastic half-spheres on for his eyes, and draw in his black eyes. Draw a red tongue where the inside of this mouth will be, and if you have scrap green fabric, cut out a collar with star-shaped points for a final touch.
Cable-Rod Puppet
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Kermit's also operated using cable rods. While perfecting this type of puppet and operating skill takes time, you can make your own basic cable Kermit puppet to practice with. Glue two paper plates together on one edge. They're going to be Kermit's mouth. Cut the plates so they have a narrow triangle shape, like Kermit's. Paint the plates green, and glue a piece of red or pink construction paper on the bottom inside plate for a tongue. Poke a hole in the bottom plate, and string and tie off a piece of fishing line through it, or thin wire. Loop the other end of the wire off for a safe handle. Pull on the cable to move Kermit's mouth.
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Marionette Kermit
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If you have strong sewing skills, you can sew a larger Kermit doll, then make it into a marionette puppet. Marionettes are traditionally made from wood, but you can make a simple one with a soft Kermit doll. Glue two small pieces of wood together perpendicular to one another. This is your marionette control. Sew long, skinny tubes for his arms and legs, and an oblong shape for his body. Make him a head, and cut out flat pieces of felt to glue on for his hands and feet. Sew fishing line onto each extremity, then attach that fishing line to one edge of a your wooden control. You'll have four lines total going to the four edges. Tie or staple the string to the wood, then experiment with your new marionette.
Kermit Finger Puppet
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To entertain your baby or younger child, make a tiny finger puppet. Cut a piece of felt that fits around your finger. Glue it closed on the sides and at the top. Draw Kermit's triangle-shaped mouth on, and draw his neck collar, or use a lighter piece of green felt to glue it on. Glue on small googly eyes, or draw them. This finger puppet isn't safe for children under 3 to handle because of its tiny parts. You can create other Muppet characters as well, like Fozie Bear, Miss Piggy and Scooter. Use pictures, the show or one of the movies as a guide.
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