How to Make Paper Bear Puppets
Project and how-to make instructions by Emma Jones
One of my heroes as a child was Frank Oz. I have loved puppets in all forms since then - finger, shadow, hand etc.
This is such an easy project to do with your children, why not make a puppet show for the family this Christmas?! You could add a paper backdrop with pieces cut out or hand drawn. I've chosen to make a bear called Bryn who has a friend called Biba, who loves ballet!
If creating this project with your mini makers don't be afraid to come up with your own templates for whatever characters you like! My son made a dinosaur puppet when he was younger and I cut out the shapes he'd drawn. We still have it today as it's such a fab piece of art, all the more because no leg or arm looks like the other!
You will need
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How to make
I started by drawing out templates for the two bears onto paper and then transferred these onto white cardstock. As a general rule of thumb you'll need a head attached to the body as well as two legs (these could be created in two parts, dependant on how much movement you would like) and two arms (these can also be made in two parts).
You could also add a tail!
Next it's time to illustrate each of the pieces that make up the bear puppet. I love markers as they are easy to use and are ideal for adding a splash of colour quickly, however you could use paint or even colouring pencils.
Once all of the pieces have been illustrated it's time to add any embellishments you like. Gems, buttons and sequins all work well, or you could add a little bit of glitz with glitter glue.
The most important thing is to have fun while you're doing it!
For Biba, the ballet loving bear, I created a little crepe paper skirt which I added some detail and colour to using markers.
Next it's time to start constructing each of the puppets by using split pins to secure the pieces. Carefully align each of the connecting pieces (i.e. legs and body) and use a screw hole punch (fitted with the smallest circular attachment) to create a hole for the split pin to slot through.
Insert the split pin into the hole and open out the two legs on the back of the puppet to secure the pieces in place.
I love finding things that can be used in a different ways, lollipop sticks are perfect for creating a handle to hold each of the puppets. Simply position on the back of the puppet on the body section and use a piece of strong tape to secure it in place (you could use a hot melt glue gun if you prefer, but this will need to be done by an adult).
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