I added legs to Joshua.  One pair is full length.  The only function the legs fulfill is to complete Joshua's look as an insect.  The full length legs really help to furthur define the shape of the body.  These legs are simple tubes that extend to a point.  The second pair is short, about 3 inches long.

I've also included a picture of a hand with the arm rod attached.  As you can see the appearance is similar to a permanent arm rod but the rod is removable.

Also, I've included a picture of the eyes with the highlights painted on.

A little more tweeking and I think Joshua will be done.

Wow what a great lively looking bug!!

He really has a cute look to him, I don't want to take my eyes off of him.  I think the atena's are unique and really keeps your attention on the puppet.

Thanks for sharing all of the progress you made on this wonderful project.  I hope that he will be a hit where you take him...

Daryl H

Thanks Daryl.  When I'm done with Joshua then I have another member of the cast to work on.  I figure that I need at least 5 or 6 characters to illustrate one of my stories.  Then I need two back grounds.  Maybe in about a year I'll be ready to put on one of the shows.  Can I wait that long?

It's a lot of work but I'm having fun so the work is worth it.

Beatiful puppet!
Foam puppets amazes me. I wish some day construct one.
Thanks for the detailed tutorial.

THats so intersting that you say that Gui.
Speaking as someone who has worked in both foam and other materials such as paper mache, I have always hoped to one day construct something out of carved wood, like your marionette.


Again, John, It looks great, and thanks for the tutorial

I am declaring Joshua June Bug done.  Today I picked out all the seams in an effort to hide them as much as possible.  for those not familiar with the seam picking process I will describe it.

When you are working with fabric that has a nap to it like fleece, terry cloth, fur, etc. some of the nap gets caught into the seam during the sewing process.  You can hide the seam by gently picking the cloth to lift up the nap that is caught in the stitching.  Some fabrics hide the seams better than others.  I am told that Antron or Muppet fleece is very good for hiding seams, fur and terry clothe are also excellent for hiding seams.

In the picture that is a close up of Joshua's antennas the antenna one the left has already had it's seams picked the antenna on the right has not had its seams picked.  As you can see the seams were not completely hidden but they are less obvious than those that are un picked.  It's up to the puppeteer to decide if its worth the time and effort.

The tool that I've found works best for picking seams is a pointed clay carving stylus.  It fits comfortably in the hand and catches the nap easily.  If you don't have one of these any pointed object will do, even a needle.

I've also included pictures of the completed project.  Yes,the human in the one is me.  It's been fun lettng you in on the build.  You've all been very encouraging and in some cases very helpful.  Thank's Shawn and Bill for your advise.  And thank you Shawn especially for making this forum available.

He looks great! Job well done!  I tell you what, you should be very proud of yourself. You have created a clean, professional looking puppet the first time out!

I want to thank you for sharing the process with everyone.

well done!

Having made a couple-three puppets myself without a pattern, I congratulate you on such a fine, professional quality looking puppet and in such a short time.  Joshua is fabulous.  Can't wait to see your other characters. 

Susan

We will look forward to watching the process on all your other bugs!! Thanks for sharing.

Nice job looks realy good, very inspiring.

Hey guys thanks so much for your very encouraging and kind words.  the P&S community is the best.  You have made the building of puppet #4 and very memorable experience.

WOW! Did he ever turn out great. I agree with Shawn very cleann look. The tutorial was great. Many will learn from you thanks for sharing.

Billy D.

I thought since we had so many new puppet builders in the forum that I would push this tutorial to the top.  Honestly, I think I've built better puppets since I made Joshua but for the most part the techniques are solid. I just thought some of the new builders would like to see another new builder build a puppet build from start to finish.