Just a few things to keep in mind while building mechanisms in a head is that any such devices do break or wear and will need to be repaired so you need to build it very well the first time....if you decide to use the YouTube video above you will have many problems and need to make sure you have an area you can get into the head and repair it. 

I am not a big fan of blinking eyes most people don't know how to use them properly and it looks awkward.....look at the Muppets barley any of them had any mechanics and they were still loved and believable.  Just my two cents on the blinking eyes.

All the best with this challenge...

Daryl H

Does anyone know what material these guys are using to paint over the foam. look at the links to the photos I included.

http://swazzle.com/wp/wordpress-content/uploads/2010/09/Randy-Puppet-Build.jpg
http://swazzle.com/wp/wordpress-content/uploads/2010/09/Aventuras-Saludables-Monsters-Puppet-Build-1.jpg

Don't know the specifics of what they are using but you can use pretty much any acrylic paint on styro-foam. I normally seal styro-foam with something like Gesso before I paint it.

I was looking back at other post you made in this thread and see you asked about foam latex puppets.  You can mix pigments or even acrylic/latex paint with the latex you are making foam latex puppets out of.  Some folks even coat poly-foam with latex.

Poly-foam is what most puppeteers are used to using and is the same as what you see in pillows and cushions. Styro-foam is what you see as packing material either in peanut form or shaped forms to hold the product.  Just thought I should point out the difference.

I'm using polytek f5 expandable foam that required an actual mold so its a little different. I've use latex from places like monster makers. Is it the same stuff? Can you suggest a good paint-able latex rubber? maybe you know a website to purchase from?

Scott,

I have not used latex in a long time so am not up on current products.  Sonny does a lot of work in latex so he would be the man to ask.  Don't see him around the forums as much but you might be able to PM him or contact him via his site. http://puppetsandstuff.com/community/index.php?action=profile;u=2413

I agree Sonny has the most experience with latex on foam......................... I just ordered two gallons of latex from FX Supply but have not used it yet. http://www.fxsupply.com/

Does anyone know what those tubes with the rods inside of them are called. You use them to move parts inside of a puppet. They have a tube with a round loop on the end and the inside part moves back and forth. I'd like to buy a sturdy flexible metal one but I don't know what they are call to search for them on google

Sounds like cable-control to me. Some people use bicycle controls (like for brakes).

Na is correct they are cable controls.  They are also used in remote control plans and cars.  You can find them at hobby stores that cater to model builders often.

Hello everyone. I just posted a cool tutorial for blinking puppet eyes if anyone is interested.

http://milkrockets.com/how-to-make-puppets-and-costumes/making-costume-and-puppet-eye-balls/

Sweet tutorial!  Love the talking eyes!  Thanks for posting.