New puppet making group on Flickr

I have set up a group on Flickr for puppet making tips.
As a discussion topic, there is a step by step on making papier mache parts:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1430656@N25/discuss/72157624895267282/

Judy's head

Judy's head
Originally uploaded by rosemarybeetle

Making boots for Judy

Puppet Boots in Plasticine
Originally uploaded by rosemarybeetle

These are meant to look like old 17th/18th century boots, the sort that crop up in old woodcuts. Using the tried old method of laminating over a positive modelled core. For anything large scale, this is simple and effective. At this scale it requires a lot of care when applying the laminates.

For corners in particular, the strips of paper need to be very narrow or you get creasing which causes ridges. The fibres at the edges of overlapping laminates need to be pulled out with either a fingernail or a pointed tool, to soften the "step" between each laminate. It is good to use a very contrasting colour for the model too (e.g. red, as used here) because it is easy to see if there is a patch missed.

Judy gets some hair

Judy gets some hair
Originally uploaded by rosemarybeetle

Glued on with hot glue gun

Crocodile back legs

Crocodile back legs
Originally uploaded by rosemarybeetle

From the spray base coat, marker pen scumbling now done. Needs
lacquer, but otherwise done

Crocodile claws about to be painted

Crocodile claws about to be painted
Originally uploaded by rosemarybeetle

In the shed about to apply a yellow base coat.

Crocodile puppet legs

Crocodile puppet legs
Originally uploaded by rosemarybeetle

Have been fitting up the new back legs (brwon unpainted) and new tail to the crocodile puppet. Getting there...

Constructing the crocodile puppet body

The basic sleeve for a glove puppet can be made easily by cutting the sleeve of a black jacket. You can pick up tatty old jackets with good silk linings quite cheap. Each jacket makes 2 sleeves!

The head is fitted into the sleeve hole, which needs making smaller

The cloth arms with hands fitted are sewn into holes cut in the sleeve. The silver duct tape here is holding stiffening rings into the cloth arms, to prevent them collapsing, which makes it easier to get the fingers into them

The body is pre-stuffed, then sewn onto the sleeve to hang down in front of it.

Crocodile costume design

Having realised I have only designed the head of the crocodile, I thought I had better look at costume design. This is interesting, but too staid i think. It needs probably to be more flamboyant, as the character is a spoiled/pampered endangered species. Suit or bling...?