How-To Make a Stick Puppet or Mask... Use Them to Tell a Great Story or Create a Lively Lesson Plan
Ranked #1,203 in DIY, #20,344 overall
Great Project for the Classroom....or the Bored Room!
Simple and fun...start with the basic mask, then watch your little artist's imagination soar as they give style and personality to their puppet or mask!
Self-expression is the greatest result of this project! Your classroom will come alive when turn your kids loose with some basic crafting supplies, and the assignment to go forth and create!
There's a Mask or Puppet to Be Made For Every Season of the Year
These masks are cut from balsa wood, and make a durable pattern for repeated use in the classroom.
Just use the purchased mask for a pattern, and trace onto craft foam or cardboard... use a dowel rod, craft stick or paint stick for the handles.
There's a story to be told about this troublesome trio... watch for updates!
Triple Trouble
Count Dracula
Here's a Safety Reminder:
Be safety conscious about using a hot glue gun when working with children.Hot glue sticks..and stays stuck...and keeps burning! Careful, Please!
(Despite every effort, accidents still happen...fingers that get hot glue on them really appreciate some cold water! Cools the sting, and prevents further burning!)
Despite Grandma's best intentions.....DON'T USE BUTTER on burns! It just seals the heat in, causing the burn to go deeper!
Craft sticks can also be used for pressing items into the hot glue...a good way to keep little fingers burn-free! The pointed end of a bamboo skewer works great for tiny items.
If you choose to work with paper, and forego the heavier ornaments, you can use craft or school glue. When you are working with the heavier items, the craft glue is frustrating...takes longer to dry, and the masks aren't as strong as when they are made with hot glue....so, parents; teachers...
Join the fun! Wield that hot glue gun and make a mask of your own!
Let's Get Started
Here's What You Will Need....
* Poster Board
* Pom Poms
* Chenille Stems
* Wiggle Eyes
* Clear Packaging Tape
* Doll Hair, Yarn or Jute
* Construction Paper
* Dowel Rods or Bamboo Skewers
* Hot glue gun
* Hot glue sticks
* or Tacky Glue
* Mummy mask is wrapped in gauze bandages, available in the first aid department, or by the yard in your local fabric store
(Wal-Mart kitchen section has the skewers...only
.99 for 100!)
Dowel rods come in a variety of sizes. The masks get heavy by the time you add hair, buttons, jewelry, so ½" to ¾" works best.
The small size of the bamboo skewers is perfect for the smaller, less embellished mask that is simply colored, or uses less decoration.
OPTIONAL: Assortment of buttons, costume jewelry, bandanas, feathers; crayons, markers, acrylic paint...anything that can be used to decorate, dress, and express!
Craft Foam
5 1/2" x 8 1/2" Foam Sheets for Arts & Crafts ,40/Pack Rainbow Assorted (FCM1508259) Category: Foam Boards
Amazon Price: $7.79 (as of 01/06/2010)
Craft foam is inexpensive, and is a good foundation element for mask making.
6 Inch Styrene Mask Form
Amazon Price: $1.99 (as of 01/06/2010)
Styrene mask forms are a versatile and durable foundation for mask making.
They are also a great time saver when you are working with small children!
DIRECTIONS
Cut a basic head and shoulder shape from the poster board or craft foam. The kids and I made these to be about the same size as the kids themselves...It was really interesting to see their ideas develop...I gave them the basic supplies and let them decide if they wanted to make their puppet look like themselves, a fictional character, possibly even a parent!
(For the stick handles) If you plan to make the puppets life size, you will need to use dowel rods; if you make them more doll size, you can use the bamboo skewers. It could be a lot of fun to do a family in the doll sizes!
Put 'er Hair....errrr....I Mean There!
: )
Let the kids decide if they want their mask to be flesh tone, a puppet color, or simply white. Poster board comes in a rainbow of colors, but your kids may want to color or paint if they choose natural flesh tones.Glue the hair in place first, it will affect the placement of the rest of the face!
You can use doll hair, yarn, or jute. Doll hair comes prepackaged, usually is very curly and kids love it! You can leave it in ringlets, or stretch and pull it to get a "fluffy" look!
Yarn or Jute Pom Poms Make Great Hair
Yarn and jute can both be braided, or made intopom poms for a spiked hair look. When you glue it
onto the mask, place your glue on the knot. You
can place it on the mask parallel to look like short
hair, or vertically for spiked hair.
Above: That's a piece of posterboard with the yarn wrapped around it....
Just tie it in the middle, and slide off the cardboard...and Voila...you're on your way to puppet hair!
For shorter hair:1. Wrap the yarn or jute around your fingers, keeping them slightly separated. Wrap about 8-10 times.
2. Slide the yarn off your fingers, and tie in the middle.
You can leave the ends in loops to look like curls, or cut them to make spiked hair
1. To make longer hair, or ponytails, wrap the yarn around a rectangular piece of poster board.
Note: The pom poms stay more secure if you place the glue where the knot is tied to hold them together...especially on the ones that you cut the loops open....
Those little pieces of yarn tend to come out if they aren't tied tight enough!
Also, in the photos above, the white pom poms are actually made from a twisted yarn that has gold thread woven into it...
A little more bling-bling for those who like bling-bling!
Using Wire to Make a Mouth...or Even Hair!
Wrap craft wire around a pencil, or a bamboo skewer; when you slide it off, you have a coil of wire that can be easily shaped into a mouth!This one is made from a double strand of wire, one each of red and gold.
Ears an Idea....
Chenille Stems make delightful ears!
Come on...you can do it, just bend me an ear! Chenille Stems
Accent Design Chenille Stem 12"x 6mm Multi- 25 pc
Amazon Price: (as of 01/06/2010)
Accent Design Chenille Stem 12"x 6mm Light Blue- 25 pc
Amazon Price: (as of 01/06/2010)
350 Assorted Pipe Cleaners
Amazon Price: (as of 01/06/2010)
More Chenille
The "Eyes" Have It
Craft foamies can also be used to make "parts." You can buy them wherever you buy felt squares.Felt squares make great parts too! Use the sparkly felt for bow ties, hair bows, or hair.
Pom pom noses
Feathers for eyebrows, mustaches, beards...even hair!
Bandanas can be used a tie, a headband, or neck scarf
Wiggle eyes come in a variety of sizes and colors...you may also use animal eyes!
For a different look, cut the plastic casing of the wiggle eyes open, and use the flat black disc by itself...it makes a great looking eye!
Wiggle Eyes
Wiggle, Wiggle...
THE CHENILLE KRAFT COMPANY Wiggle Eyes Assortment, Assorted Colors, 100 Pieces per Pack
Amazon Price: $1.15 (as of 01/06/2010)
Paste-On Eyes-5 To 30Mm
Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 01/06/2010)
Kids absolutely FLIP over great big wiggle eyes!
Finishing Touches
Well...let's see now; eyes, ears, hair, mouth...how about a nose?We all know where those all belong, so now it's time to give your puppet a face! Let yourself go! Wild and wacky or cute and sweet...the choice is yours!
Just glue everything in place, and you're almost done!
All that's left is to put the dowel rod on the back of your puppet so you have a handle on your "Self!"
Place the dowel rod close to the top of the head for stability
Glue in place
(This is where you DEFINITELY want to use hot glue...so, moms; teachers...watch those little fingers!)
Cut a rectangular piece of poster board as shown
Tape the support piece on top of the dowel rod using a heavy-duty tape for endurance!
I prefer clear packaging tape because it gives your project a nice finished look..it's a matter of personal preference!
Duct tape works well, too!
Balsa Wood For Handles
Bamboo Skewers
Steven Raichlen Best of Barbecue SR8080 Wide Bamboo Skewers 12-inch Long, Set of 25
Amazon Price: $11.66 (as of 01/06/2010)
Many children choose to make their puppets and masks on a smaller scale. Heavy duty bamboo skewers is a good option for smaller handles.
Crafty Ideas, Supplies and Where to Buy Them...
Feathers Make Terrific Design Elements for a Puppet Face
Feathers come in a rainbow of colors and sizes...use them for accent pieces, or create an entire face with them!If you are a busy teacher or childcare provider, you can save time and effort by purchasing ready-made kits...all the parts and pieces are included!
Feathers
THE CHENILLE KRAFT COMPANY Bright Hues Feather Assortment, Approximately 325 Feathers per Pack
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 01/06/2010)
Costumes For All Occasions BB07BU Indian Feathers Blue
Amazon Price: $17.03 (as of 01/06/2010)
Costumes For All Occasions BB08 Eagle Tip Feather
Amazon Price: $17.20 (as of 01/06/2010)
How To Make Masks
How to Make Masks (Rigby Literacy)
Amazon Price: $7.32 (as of 01/06/2010)
How to Make a Mask (Reading Roundabout)
Amazon Price: (as of 01/06/2010)
The Usborne Book of Dressing Up: Face Painting/Masks/Fancy Dress (How to Make)
Amazon Price: (as of 01/06/2010)
The Face Painting Book Of Masks
Amazon Price: $15.00 (as of 01/06/2010)
Oooo... what fun! The kids will love using their own faces as a canvas for their mask making!
Ready to Wear
See how much money you save by making your own!
ALLURING BLACK RADIANT PEACOCK MARDI GRAS FEATHER MASK
Amazon Price: (as of 01/06/2010)
Persuassion Fabric & Feather 1/2 Mask
Amazon Price: (as of 01/06/2010)
Venetian Gold Mask with Feathers
Amazon Price: (as of 01/06/2010)
Peacock Feather Glitter Face Mask Prop
Amazon Price: (as of 01/06/2010)
Ready to Wear Masks Are Great Inspiration For Creating Your Own
Crafts Are a Great Teaching Tool....
Enrich the learning experience with tactile teaching tactics!Creating designs that reflect the lessons learned in a history class can instill a lasting impression in the mind of your students...
This mask is called "Purim"...the perfect craft for a lesson on ancient Persia, King Ahasuerus and Queen Esther.
Here's where the story begins...
Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)
That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:
When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days...
Esther 1: 1-4 KJV, The Bible
What's Your Favorite Project?
Learn More About Hand Puppets
Use Felt and Fabric to Create Great Hand Puppets
How To Make Puppets
How to Make Puppets With Children
Amazon Price: $8.79 (as of 01/06/2010)
Hand Puppets: How to Make and Use Them (Dover Craft Books)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 01/06/2010)
Easy to Make Puppets and How to Use Them
Amazon Price: (as of 01/06/2010)
How to Build a Cheap & Simple Arm Extension That Makes Hand Puppetry Easy & Fun!
Amazon Price: (as of 01/06/2010)
Here's a Pop-Up Puppet Idea ...He Adds Extra Excitement to Your Favorite Pirate Adventure!
How To Make a Puppet Theater
Oxford Reading Tree: Stage 4: More Fireflies:Pack A: How to Make a Puppet Theatre
Amazon Price: (as of 01/06/2010)
More Ideas for Faces for Your Stick Puppets
Pre-Schoolers love animals! Here are some ideas to create a zoo for your little lion tamers!The BIG BONUS...
A busy morning creating their own zoo will guarantee a long afternoon nap for your little ones!
Buy the kit, or make them from scratch...
Brads and Dowel Rods Bring Your Puppets to Life
S & S Worldwide is loaded with great crafting supplies, kits and great ideas for all kinds of crafting!I love browsing their website... if you're looking for a world of crafting ideas, stop by for a visit.
Ta Da! So...How Many Puppets Did YOU Make Today?
Let's see....hair, eyes, ears...nose, mouth...Using your foamies for shirts, collars, and accent pieces....
Sounds like a face to me!....
So, that's it! You're all finished! Now turn your kids loose with their new toy and watch their imagination carry you to places you never dreamed possible!
Thank-you for crafting with me! I really hope you enjoyed this project! Stop back often...there's lots more in store!
I love to use Squidoo for expressing my love for all things crafty, spiritual and family friendly... I created this toolbar to reduce the Squidoo learning curve for newbies. When you use the toolbar, you can spend more time writing about the things that fan the flames of your passion!
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Whimsical Pups Painted On a Canvas Tote
Connie Walcott (c) 1993-2009 All Rights Reserved
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Thanks again for visiting... I hope you enjoyed this project!
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- peter9983 peter9983 Mar 25, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
- Very nice lense, keep it up !
Peter
magic of making up review
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- triathlontraining triathlontraining Nov 18, 2008 @ 9:12 am
- Wonderful subject and lens! Thank you. :)
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- a_willow a_willow Oct 17, 2008 @ 2:16 am
- Wonderful lens! I'm lensrolling it to 'How to Reuse Popsicle stick?'. Would you consider joining 'Reuse it all!' group? It's featuring all lenses that has something to do with reusing common items!
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- MsMorrison MsMorrison Sep 21, 2008 @ 11:56 pm
- interesting! thanks for sharing!
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- Pastiche Pastiche Aug 13, 2008 @ 6:51 am
- Love these puppet play and mask ideas! 5*s plus lensrolled to Paper Toys and Make Your Own Costumes, Masks and Face Paint.
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- Cyrano_Smith Cyrano_Smith Jul 12, 2008 @ 6:30 am
- Thanks for such a great lens.
5 Stars
4 you,
3 cheers,
2. Plus
1 lensroll at the Free Puppet Patterns Lens.
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- BFuniv.com BFuniv.com May 10, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
- A lot of fun to be had here. Stick puppets were action figures before there were action figures.
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- poddys poddys Apr 1, 2008 @ 11:11 am
- What a great lens. This should be sent to all the kids out there. 5 ***** from me for putting such a nice page together.
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- pyle_mountain pyle_mountain Mar 12, 2008 @ 9:22 am
- Cute lens - I wll try this with my kids during the summer. Good summer fun.
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- Evelyn_Saenz Evelyn_Saenz Jan 1, 2008 @ 7:02 pm
- Making Puppets is so much fun. My River Otter Puppets would love to have you come visit.<.
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- tonyab tonyab Nov 2, 2007 @ 11:56 am
- Great lens! 5 stars. I also added it to my lensroll on my Russ Puppets lens. Thanks!
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- DogWhisperWoman DogWhisperWoman Aug 27, 2007 @ 11:23 am
- 5 star Cool lens! My Mom loves Crafts!
DogWhisperWoman
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- LeslieM LeslieM Jun 8, 2007 @ 12:19 am
- 5 Stars! Great lens and craft. Have you ever thought about doing a "How-To" video and posting it? You could do it like this...
How To Make A Cruise Ship Towel Animal
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- flaminglacer flaminglacer Jun 7, 2007 @ 3:20 am
- Glad to have you as a member of the Crafts and Hobbies Group - drop by the Group HQ sometime and see what is there for you. Great Lens as always...
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