Inspired by a Lovely Unexpected Gift

I was sent some wonderful cardboard monster finger puppets by a very dear friend. Then having watched too much TV about Appalachian men with extreme beards this was conceived!

I am now trying to perfect a nobly knees contestant and a smoking baby based on the same finger puppet idea. 

A Gorgon Tries to go Straight

With moving arm, moving hair snake and combing action trying to straighten hair.

Itchy Sweater Automaton

Dancing Queen Automaton Finished

I wanted her to do a little Cockney knees up but she does her own thing!

Here is a truly awful film of her. It gives you an idea of her moves but

I must get someone to help me film my work!

An Angry Cat

Two new characters but not from the same story.

Unamussed Unfinished Automaton

First Automaton in 2014 Finished!

I can't believe it has taken so long to finish one. This has been a long cold winter!
 So here is 'The Planned Sabotage of The Amazing Catso Bro's Trapeze Act.'

Olaf the dog menacing with scissors.

The Catso Brothers who's rather over swingy trapeze act is possibly about to end! 

More Puppet Progress

I have nearly finished my puppet for the Clive Hicks-Jenkins' Artlog Puppet Challenge.

The little girl puppet that transforms into an ogre is coming together well and seems like it may work. 

I had to make the girl's hollow head to fit the ogre inside. I decided to use non-slip shelf lining material to build the head shape and cover it with pieces of an old fine knit cardigan. Then use unraveled cardigan to make the hair.

I made the head in two parts and attached them at the neck, front and back. I made the neck from the neck of a plastic bottle to give a good rigid support to the head.

The two halves of the head are tied at the top with a ribbon and when this is loosened the two halves drop down and out comes the ogre!

After testing the head worked I drilled a hole under the girl's chin and stitched it to the neck and attached it to the ribbon at the top. I then stitched hair to the head.

I have made fabric hands and lower legs so now need to make a dress to finish the puppet.

Mr Punch is in Prison!

All the mechanism is strung and tested. Just a few little finishing touches to go and then I will make a film!

Mr Punch and Swimming Caps!

This is wonderful! Mr Punch and a swimming cap fashion show. 

Thank you PATHE archive!