Hello Everyone! 

I was just wondering about building mouthplates.  I've built many puppets, but all have been from patterns, or adjusted patterns.  I have made a monkey  that had foam pieces added to shape the head.  Unfortunately, it seems that the mouthplate is kind of difficult to move...stiff (?).  Has anyone had that problem building a puppet from your own design, and what am I doing wrong?
I've used everything from fun foam to foam core, etc. to make the mouthplates.  I've also sewn them to the head fabric, then glued down onto the mouthplate, or I've simply glued the mouthplate onto the foam head and added fabric later.  But now, since I've tried making my own design, the mouthplate is so stiff, and difficult to work.  Do you think that would work out and loosen up?  Or should I simply scratch him and move on.   :'(
Anyways, here are a couple pics of him.  I was hoping to sell him at one of my upcoming seminars, but now I'm not sure that I can. 
Thanks, Sara

What did you use to hinge your mouth plate............... Some use hardware tape or the silver colored type. I have used fabric and contact cement. some folks use pieces of leather..................... so they are different ways to hinge........... but you have to give a little gap between the two plates. Usually if I can put my finger between the two mouth plates and there is usually enough room.

Billy D.

I'm trying to remember now how I did this one.   I usually leave at least a pencil width space between, but I used one of the Project Puppet patterns for the basic head, and then customized it.  I'm pretty sure that it has a space, because you can move the jaw back and forth if you need to.

What type mouth assembly did you use............ finger grips, foam,tubes,etc.......... ? sometimes what you put on top can restrict movement a bit. If I was using it for myself I would bet it would loosen up with time but if you are selling it I would make sure that it is workable 

Billy D.

I agree.
I usually use those foam pipe covers cut in half for a grip on top.  Then on bottom, I simply made a pocket for your thumb to slide into.  The whole thing was then covered with a soft material for comfort.
It is workable, but your hand gets tired after just a few minutes.

I don't think it's the mouthplate. Upon inspection ... Could it be that the foam you used ion the upper or lower muzzle be thick? Sometimes if you use thicker foam it will cause some resistance when you open the mouth causing it to become hard to open. If you are finding it hard to open the mouth and easy to close the problem I mentioned could be it. Hope this helps

Sorry for my last post having errors...still getting use to this Ipod touch. LOL

Thanks!  I don't think that's the problem though.  It's actually stiffer to close the mouth, not open it.  I used 1/2" reticulated foam, so it's not thick.  Unless, it's just because of the foam that's built up onto the jaw. I don't know...oh, well, guess I'll keep working on it to see what the answer is.
Thanks for your input! 
Sara

Hey Sara and all that have replied to this post ,
can i offer some input ?? i have had this same problem in the past and it could possibly be the same as mine, the main problem at one point was when the mouthplate was attached to the head there was just a little bit too much (even with thin foam) in the 'Crease' of the mouth (where the lower lip and upper lip join) and so it made it really hard to close the mouth as there was resistance preventing it from closing easily, my puppets where always made with really loose mouthplates so i knew it had to be something else and when i finally realised and trimmed down the areas near the hinge of the mouthplate there was an amazing difference and Ive never made the same mistake again !!
i usually try to make the lips (depending on the look and character) really pouty and big, then gradually level (so that they are almost the same level as the mouthplate) them out the nearer they get to the crease or corners of the mouth and it usually ends up with a mouth that is a joy to operate . i make all my own puppets and sell an awefull lot of custom puppets too and could never bring myself to sell a puppet that could not be used comfortably without fatiguing the hand or arm.
i hope this helps, good luck ,
Ben.

Thanks, Ben!  So, are you saying where the lips come together, near the cheek area?  By looking at my picture of him...is that what you think?  It does sound like that could be the answer.  I built up many places of his face to get the shape I wanted, and because of the teeth, the lips are built up a lot too.
Oh, brother!  Now what do I do, since he is already covered with fabric?! :-((
If you can, check out this picture, and let me know if you think that's it. 
Thanks so much...as much of a pain that it is, I will be thrilled to find out the final answer to my problem! 
Sara