K-4 children create puppets

It's not so much about following a pattern, as being inspired by one. 

Youtube:  Sing along to "This Little Light of Mine."  There are many versions to choose from.  

See additional puppet making  posts on HollyhockJunction

"Do you have any more freckles?" asked the young artist. 
  "I have freckles too."

One Pattern Many Different Puppets To Make

Puppet bodies are sewn by machine or hand stitched.  

Basic Puppet Pattern
Cut 2 pieces from 2 squares of felt that measure approximately 9" X 12". This will make one puppet.
Felt yardage can also be used.
 Puppet size is 8 1/2" wide X 10 1/4" tall.

Machine or hand stitch the puppet body.  Use  a permanent glue to attach embellishments.

*Hot or low melt glue gun.  

*Elmer's permanent glue stick

*Elmer's glitter glue 

*Eileen's Tacky Glue - may take several hours to dry.

(Keep in mind that on humid days,  most glues take more time to dry.  Maybe overnight.)

Provide colorful embellishments.

*Felt piece shapes- circles, triangles, ovals, hears, strips, and squares.

*Sewing trims such as lace, ric rack, ribbon and string.  

*Large sequins and craft pieces.  

*Buttons

*Foamies

*Wiggly eyes or felt eyes.  Size 1/2"  is most realistice.  A 1" felt circle behind the eye makes it look bigger.  

Keep in mind who will handle the puppet-if small pieces are not securely glued, they may become detached from the puppet and  cause a choking hazard for a toddler. Use felt eyes and non plastic pieces instead.

Find supplies at Craft, Dollar,  and Discount stores.

Consider donations from Grandma's sewing cupboard and local thrift shops.

CHECK BLOG  POSTS HERE ON asmallrain.blogspot.  FOR CHARACTER IDEAS AND EXAMPLES OF PUPPETS CREATED BY YOUNG CHILDREN AND ADULT DAY CARE PARTICIPANTS.  

  

Find more puppet examples and ideas on  HollyhockJunction 

Jungle Animal puppet to make.

Elephant and Monkey
Felt scraps and pom poms of all sizes.

Bird and Alligator
Felt scraps, feathers,  and rick rac

Woodland Animals PUPPETS to make

Raccoon and Frog
Frog with extra large wiggly eyes.

Bear and Owl
Blue felt fish and feather

Two rabbits with pockets.
Buttons on the hands that will clack when the hands touch.
Small white button for teeth.  

See Oct. 30th 2012 post on basic hand  puppet making on HollyhockJunction  

pirate crow hand puppet

Rrrrr  Matey!  Happy Valentine's Day!

Hand puppet characters created at Adult Daycare

Hand puppet characters created at Adult Day Care.

FISH PUPPETS too!

See basic hand puppets to make on Oct 30 2012 post.  There are many puppets posts on   HollyhockJunction  2012

God Be With Us As We Go

Bless this Day by Anne Kitch

      I like this little hard book, Bless This Day,  by Anne Kitch.    My granddaughter had a copy when she was a toddler a dozen years ago.  She  spent much time in the car as her parents commuted  to and from  all the places they needed to go--  The library, the grocery store,  the beach, the work place, and off to her grandmothers. 

I'm sorry to say, it's probably  out of print.  But one  little verse still comes to mind whenever I see a toddler in a car seat: 

 "Buckle buckle, buckle up

 Diaper bag and sippy cup

     In the car and off we go..." 

Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you."  Psalm 16:1 

Hand puppets to make- people and pets

                                                               

Pets:  Cat and Dog

Lots of ways to embellish:  Pipe cleaner whiskers 

See basic hand puppet making directions on Oct 30 2012

Variation of people and pets 

 hand puppets for very small children.  

Hand puppets to make - "Frozen" Elsa, Olaf...

See basic hand puppets to make  on 2012 posts