Hi all, My son and I are building a chameleon vent puppet. We are thinking about making it appear to hang off the puppeteer with its legs and arms.
Also, I am working on a way to make the eyes independently move! If you have any thoughts on that feel free to post.
Finally I am looking for interesting "skin" to put on this. Any ideas?

I will upload some sketches soon.

That sounds great.......can't wait to hear more.

Billy D.

See if you can find an iridescent Lycra for the skin. If you could find it in a base green it would be really cool. I've even seen something like this in scale patterns. Here is a picture of a Leotard that is made with what I am thinking about. http://www.gymdivas.com/image/product/large/LEO-4113R.jpg

Are you planning of making a fake arm for the puppeteer?

For the eyes I would keep it simple.  You have already found the clear acrylic balls.  So one of those split in half for each eye.  Then find a styro foam ball that fits inside of it and cover with paper mache'.  Paint it white and put a pupil on it. Now cover the back with some Lycra so it keeps the eyeball inside the half plastic shell.  You may be able to simply shift the ball by running your index finger back and forth across the back but if not put a small post through the Lycra into the styro egg.  Now you have a control you can use to nudge with your index finger. This is very clear in my head but if you don't understand just ask and I try to do better.

See if you can find an iridescent Lycra for the skin. If you could find it in a base green it would be really cool. I've even seen something like this in scale patterns. Here is a picture of a Leotard that is made with what I am thinking about. http://www.gymdivas.com/image/product/large/LEO-4113R.jpg

Are you planning of making a fake arm for the puppeteer?

For the eyes I would keep it simple.  You have already found the clear acrylic balls.  So one of those split in half for each eye.  Then find a styro foam ball that fits inside of it and cover with paper mache'.  Paint it white and put a pupil on it. Now cover the back with some Lycra so it keeps the eyeball inside the half plastic shell.  You may be able to simply shift the ball by running your index finger back and forth across the back but if not put a small post through the Lycra into the styro egg.  Now you have a control you can use to nudge with your index finger. This is very clear in my head but if you don't understand just ask and I try to do better.

Thinking about the arm still. Not sure. This will be for my son so I have to take that into consideration.
I get the idea about the eyes. I will post some of my sketches for eyes too to see what your thougts are.
John

something like this Shawn?



Billy D.

Well that diagram is actually for blinking eyes and John want's to actually move the eyeball itself.  The bent wire off the back of each eye separately may be an option though for moving each eye indecently.

This will be interesting............................. Lets see a drawing of your idea Shawn when you get a chance.
Thanx

Billy D.

Ok here is my "Complex" idea for eyes. They would be made with a mixture of modeler's styrene and coat hanger wire.

Very nice!  I think it well work.  This is exciting! 

I agree.................. hope you will let us peek in while you are building !

Billy D.