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We set the stage with our Puppet Theater tutorial and now it's time to introduce the players! This project turns ten of the biggest names (and faces) in fairy tales into dreamy Felt Puppets that can be used in hundreds of stories and skits. The puppet construction is simple and leaves plenty of room for personalization. It's no coincidence the crafter of our Princess also has red hair. What special touches will you add to this all star cast?
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: Less than 30 minutes per puppet
Additional Supplies:
Puppet Template (click to download)
Metallic and Glitter Felt Scraps
Wool Blend Felt Scraps
Directions:
1. Gather materials from Supply List above. Puppets were made in same color palette as the Puppet Theater to utilize leftover scraps, with the exception of Silver and Smoke wool blend felt and some assorted felt scraps.
2. Download and print Puppet Template onto cardstock. Cut around perimeter of each shape. Trace full shape onto stiffened felt. Stiffened felt gives puppets more structure and durability for play. Cut out.
It might be helpful to lay out cut cardstock shapes on stiffened felt sheets before tracing to maximize space.
3. Trace full shape onto wool blend felt for main color. Cut out and use tacky glue to adhere colored felt to stiffened felt for puppet base.
4. Cut individual pieces from main pattern shape to create additional layers for puppet. It is up to you how many layers you'd like. For the Poison Apple, I made two layers - first is full shape and second is poison and leaf.
For the Cyclops, there are four layers - first is full shape, second is head, third is eye ball and mouth and fourth is inner eye. Trace each layer onto desired felt color before cutting into cardstock shape for subsequent layers.
5. Trace second layer (and so on) onto desired felt color and cut out. Glue to main color to create layered puppet. Once all layers are added, press under a book and allow glue to fully dry.
Here are the finished puppets with some glittery embellishments: King, Princess, Knight, Cyclops, Magic Mirror, Poison Apple, Wizard, Fairy, Money Bag and Tower.
6. Once puppets are set, hot glue 1" of wooden dowel to bottom center of puppet.
Just look at these fun puppets ready for their debut performance!
Have children reinact their favorite fairy tales or encourage them to write an original script. It's time to dust off those imaginations!
Thanks to Camille for designing and writing this tutorial! You can follow her on Instagram @notsomodernmillie or visit her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials!
