I'M in the process now to make a puppet. In the foambook the make first the mouthplate and build than the head. In video's and other patterns I see that the make the mouthplate somewhere in the end. In the foambook they say it is stronger to make it first. My puppets are going to play and talk with kids sitting on my lap. Kids are going to hug him and touch him, he will be there friend.......... (at least I hope)
What is stronger or does it depent for the us of the puppet  

The mouth plate can be built several different ways. It depends if you are using a pattern from
http://www.projectpuppet.com or using the method Drew Allison http:greayseal.com from the foam book uses.
Mouth plates are as strong as you make them. Use good materials (example: foam board vs Wood) As you experiment you will find a comfortable style of your own.

Billy D.

I don't think it matters if you make the mouth first or later on as long as you get it installed securely.  That being said, I start with the mouth.  I personally make the mouths for my puppet with foam reinforced with 6 mm Foamy craft foam.  So far they seem to be strong and comfortable to use.  I describe the process near the begining of the Joshua Junbug tutorial.  Here is a link to that post http://puppetsandstuff.com/community/index.php/topic,2882.msg24256.html#msg24256

A general rule (even though I don't like rules) is you start with the mouthplate.  If not the mouth plate could change the look of the face in the end....if you add it near the end. 

I use painters plastic or gasket rubber.  It seems that you will be using the puppet for a few hours at a time and often.....so you may want to make sure it is very durable and will last for a long time. 

I hope this helps you out.

Daryl H

I often build the head of a puppet first then base my mouth plate off of the shape I end up with it. As far as strength goes as Billy said it depends on the materials more then when you make it.

I really like Joshua but I have a question about the black material you glue on the foam. What I can see it is what we call here "rubberplaat" in all kind of colors and 2 or 3 mm thick
I tnink I'm going to use that........... but is it the same

No it's not the same.  But that doesn't mean that it won't work.  What you have to ask your self is:  What kind of rigidity do I want the palate to have?  How durable do i want the palate to be?  If you think the product you have available fills your need give it a try.

The 6mm foam I use is pretty rigid.  But thats the kind of action I'm going for.  I also think that this product is similar in durability to the rest of the materials I've used.

the mouth must be strong because I going to use it for my daughter (who is autistic) to learn her things, talk about things I think it is easier for her with a Muppet (and I like it too)
I would like that the mouth can make some different movements something like kermit.... what do you suggest as a mouthplate then........ I was thinking about foam and the rubberplaat where I was talking about. I can look for thicker but I don't know where....

If you want the mobility that Kermit has then just make the mouth plate fabric.   That is what his mouth is made out of.  You could use two layers of fabric if you want. The "outside" that shows could be felt and then the "inside" could be a sturdy cotton material. It could even be the rubberpalten that you found.  Just make duplicate your mouth plate pattern on each material and then sew them together around the outside edge. 

I personally wouldnt recommend the coloured foam which was mentioned. If it is the same stuff that I know of this is a type that will tear easily and will not be durable or easy to operate. As stiqman said, I would go for gasket rubber which has great flexibility, whilst being sturdy enough for you to operate the puppet easily.