Jon here is the pattern you might be looking for,
http://bashfulpuppet.blogspot.com/2008/07/head-pattern.html
Titere the pattern on that link is better than the wedged pattern, it doesn't have a mouthplate pattern and it does have a little bit of a "nose" rather than a perfect sphere.
Or try this, though printed on A2 it's a bit small, it is more perfectly round and has a mouth a plate pattern...
http://puppetsandstuff.com/community/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=6352
Make the head and add the body after if you want it.
For a novice I'd say the project puppet pattern as Shawn suggested, it has comprehensive instructions and would keep the learning curve in reach. Though you should buy it and also buy the fabric pattern if using the rotondo pattern.
Frankly I think you are on the right track in offering a commission, especially for a professional result in a short period of time (then join in the fun and learn how for yourself for next time!) If I lived in North America I'd take it on in a second! I'm sure one of the talented people on here will get past there shyness soon...
I'll be interested to see what happens!
Scoob

Thanks scubasteve for the links. I downloaded the patterns, and I already started to play with the forms, in paper only.  YES,  I will commission this project whatsoever. I want this puppet to look good. What difference does it make that you are far away to send a quote for how much will it be for you to make this puppet? Is it outrageous prices in the Australian international post services?? 

Here are some musical note puppets to give you some ideas



http://www.sonshinepuppetco.com/item184869.ctlg

http://www.onewaystreet.com/product/568/puppet_building

billy d.

ScubaSteve.  That is not the pattern I was talking about.  The sphere pattern is just that.  A sphere pattern.  When put together it makes a perfect sphere.  It was designed for paper but works even better with foam.

BTW - The pattern you posted is actually on my blog, BashfulPuppet is me, so I know the pattern very well.

I use your pattern all the time, jon.
I have even modified it for a taller head and a pointy snout.

Actually, now that I look at it again, maybe it's not the one from you, but one from somewhere else, that looks just like yours.

Jon, yeah i knew it was you, Same logo etc, that was the gag, lost in translation to txt but I think it would be ok for this project, next time I use it I want to put  tiny dart in the top lip to jut round out the shape. It looks great on your ant and termite ( the green one in particular) it gives the hint of a nose without making it too human. I'm a bit of a fan of your stuff, and like the Prairie Dog a lot, quite a departure from your previous puppets in look but he's really cute too. I also really like the way the tongues look in your puppets, really have a bit of depth in them, looks good.

...quite a departure from your previous puppets in look but he's really cute too. [/color]

My first puppet was actually a Bulldog, After that I built a Pig.  Then I built Joshua Junebug, the green bug.  After that I got started building bugs and I wanted them to have a similar feel to their look.  I'm really glad that you like them.

I also really like the way the tongues look in your puppets, really have a bit of depth in them, looks good. 
[/color]

It's probably just me, but thin, flat tongues just don't look right.  So instead of just adding one layer of material I sew two layers of fleece together  so it fills out the tongue.  Of course if you do that you have to make the mouth so that it can still close fully with a thick tongue inside. But if you plan for it it works.

I also carve out of Reticulated or regular foam a tongue which can easily flatten when you close the mouth if your plates are close together....I quickly dye them,  they are very easy to carve from 1/4 inch foam a heart shape with a small indent part way down the tongue.....I like the 3-D look as well to tongues.

Daryl H