I've heard of different ways of providing more structural support to the foam structure for puppets. I was thinking of applying this to my sheep puppets since they sometimes sink in a little and also, since the foam is 1/2", I'd like to give the roundness of the head and bodies more support.

What are different ways to give the puppets foam body parts more "support" to help them keep their shape?
One thing I've heard of is using gasket rubber to help it keep a round shape. (only thing is, I haven't found any gasket rubber in my area)

But I was also wondering what about shapes that aren't rounded? How could you give them more support?

Thanks everyone for your help!

I forgot are using 1/2" or 1" foam for the body? I have found that using a firm foam instead of regular poly foam will work well for bodies.
I have a whole drawer of just foam samples from all over the place. You will be surprised at the different types of poly foam.

Billy D.

I used 1/2" polyfoam for the current puppets. I've used 1" but it's harder to cute nicely and always adds a bit more weight.
And I know there's different kinds of polyfoams. The main thing is the price, it's expensive!

But what are some of the "firmer" foam types available?

Generally I look for a Medium type foam with a 2.6 density and 35LB compression. For a firmer foam look for 45lb compression/ 2.6 density.

This is where I buy my foam................ They will cut it any way you want. If it says a two inch sheet (2"x30"x108"). They will cut  one piece 1" and two pieces at 1/2" if you like. They even cut some 1/4 " for me.
http://www.ausinc.net/2008/05.asp

Billy d.

I got my gasket rubber from my local auto parts store. It was approximately $5 for a 10" x 26" piece, if you decide you want to try it. Kragen Auto Parts stores should carry it.

HI, Friends. Just wondering! HOw does a gasket rubber look?

Thanks!, Its just to have an idea what you talking about

HI, Friends. Just wondering! HOw does a gasket rubber look?

Thanks!, Its just to have an idea what you talking about

Hi Miguel!

I tried taking a couple pictures, and I doubt it would tell you a thing. What I have is a rectangle, 10" x 26" x 1/32" thick. It is pretty stiff, the color is dark grey. In the auto parts store it is rolled up and wrapped in plastic.

Here's what the roll might look like in the store

Thanks, Mr. Chris

And Does it work on a puppet?

You make "support beams"  out of your foam.  1" would be better for this but even your 1/2" would help some.  Say you want to keep a shape round, then you would cut a half moon shape out of your foam and glue it to the inside curve of your foam puppet.  Adding support for other shapes is really the same idea. You figure out what shape you want to retain and then cut that shape and glue it into the inside of your puppet.

I understood, thanks Mr. Sorrel. But , Where the gasket rubber goes on the puppet?