Hey all. Just got into puppetry weeks ago, and I'm experimenting with pieces of info gleaned on Google searches!

I have a big problem with the second puppet I've made, and need some help. I can't seem to keep the lower jaw of this puppet attached to the head! I've tried everything: glue, duct tape, even drywall screws!! A trio of photos:

The Head

The head is made from a hollowed out styrofoam ball. I used a "orange peel" technique from a christmas tree ornament project instruction to lay the fleece. Its cut into several sharp oval pieces, and glued to the styrofoam.

Underside

The "underskull. You can still see my final frustrated "drywall screw" solution stuck in the styrofoam head!

Lower Jaw

This is the lower jaw. the duct tape and other stuff is covered by the black felt of the lower mouth when assembled.

Anyway, I need advice on how to keep the lower jaw connected to the head. The "edges" of the jaws give me the most problems, because the puppet looks best when this jaw is tightly connected, like a human jaw to a skull. Any comments or critiques welcome.

Welcome to P&S.

I've never build a puppet with styrofoam.  It's a little too fragile to work with in my opinion.  That being said, the work you've done looks great.

Have you tried using hot glue to attach the mouth lining fabric to the head and bottom jaw?  It might give you a little more holding power than the tape you have been trying. 

Perhaps there's someone out there that has had success building moving mouth styrofoam puppets that can give you advice.

If you want to try and work with polyfoam there are a number of P&S members and resources that can help you get started. 

I am not sure I follow what the problem is but if you have used the "orange peel" method for your head covering it should be one piece with an opening to get your hand in right?  What if you used white glue (elmers) to glue your "skin" to the styrofoam. That along with your connection of the mouth plate should do the trick I think.

Like I say I may not be following what the problem is.

As I was posting I saw this image in the Gallery box of a raw Poly-Foam head.  I think looking at it might help.

Notice how the mouth plate is connected in with the upper part of the head?  If you applied this same idea (only you are useing styro-foam and the visor mouth plate) and then attach the bottom jaw to it, it should work. 

It may be your hinge at the back of the mouth plate is too loose if you are still having issues.

Welcome to P&S.

Thanks!

I've never build a puppet with styrofoam.  It's a little too fragile to work with in my opinion.  That being said, the work you've done looks great.

Have you tried using hot glue to attach the mouth lining fabric to the head and bottom jaw?  It might give you a little more holding power than the tape you have been trying.

I've had very limited success with hot glue, but then again, I gave up quickly. I think I'll look into it again this weekend.

As I was posting I saw this image in the Gallery box of a raw Poly-Foam head.  I think looking at it might help.

Notice how the mouth plate is connected in with the upper part of the head?  If you applied this same idea (only you are useing styro-foam and the visor mouth plate) and then attach the bottom jaw to it, it should work. 

It may be your hinge at the back of the mouth plate is too loose if you are still having issues.

Actually, that does give me an idea. I'll have to kick back at my local Carl's Jr with paper and pen to see if I can come up with a similar solution!

NOOOOO! Don't use Glue Gun on Styro-Foam!!!!!!     Ok sorry for yelling but as a rule hot glue is just going to burn away your styro.    I try to use white glue or Tacky on styro-foam.  There are some contact glues that can be used on styro but be real careful and read the instructions and warnings.

Just to beat the point to death..... Styro and Poly Foam are two very different beast. Stryo is like the little peanuts used for packing and Poly is like what you find in your mattresses and pillows.

Some folks do use Glue Guns on Poly foam although I prefer not to.

I've used a hot glue gun on styro without too much trouble, (a little crackling) don't let the hot tip touch though. If you HAD to use contact you need a waterbased low fumes non toxic contact. I've seen it and the pack says styro ok. I've never used it before myself, I use good old high fumes, toxic contact with Poly foam. This glue on styro just eats it away (I tried a test strip recently)