Ughhh. I should have checked here before I started working this morning.  I took the whole thing apart. The mouth would not go in and look right with the head/nose. I think that may be the problem.  You really don't see a mouth in the sketch, however there has to be one.
I've tried cutting darts and pinning them. Still not getting what I need.  I've never had so much trouble trying to make a puppet (and I've been doing this a long time).

I walked away from it today.  Spent some money, bought a serger. LOL
I've prayed about it, and will try again tomorrow. Hopefully it will all come together then.

I'm afraid I don't have enough experience with puppet building yet to offer much specific advice. All I can say is hang in there! I do know that as an artist in general I've learned a lot when I've been faced with a tough artistic challenge and pushed through till I found a way to do it. I also think it's a good idea to walk away for a bit when you do hit a wall. Put it down and do something else ANYTHING else that you enjoy. Work on another project that doesn't present many challenges, watch a movie, read a book, listen to music...whatever. Many is the time that I've found an answer to a particularly vexing problem by taking a break from the project and doing something else for a bit. I'm sure with all your talent and experience you'll find your way through and I can't wait to see the results!

On a side note I'd like to say that the link to Lisa Lichtenfels work that Rikka posted has BLOWN MY MIND!! WOW!! That is some AMAZING artistry! It's the kind of work that both humbles and inspires me. Wow. Thank you for that Rikka!

Here is what I have so far. Still not sure it is right.  The mouth and head/nose attachment are the biggest problems.

I think you are getting there. I would say the nose needs to be maybe almost half the size and moved up just a bit on the head. I say this because you want to be able to see the mouth move. Think of the "nose" as more of an upper lip or snout on an animal.

Thanks.  I happened (well, not just happened, I believe it was meant to be) to see Julie at an estate sale this morning. She offered to help me when she finishes her latest project, which is a real blessing.  I am putting this on hold until I hear from her.

Thanks Julie!

Thanks.  I happened (well, not just happened, I believe it was meant to be) to see Julie at an estate sale this morning. She offered to help me when she finishes her latest project, which is a real blessing.  I am putting this on hold until I hear from her.

Thanks Julie!

Can't wait to see what you two come up with.

I didn't realize you two lived in the same area. Ok am I doing the "man" thing and just not listening or was this a surprise to you two also?

Well...I was pretty sure I knew MsPuppet.  We've known each other for several years, but it was a surprise seeing her at the estate sale. If anyone ever needs help decorating Sunday school or school class rooms, she has amazing ideas.  Maybe she'll post some photos here.  I took a class from her several years ago and was greatly inspired.  Transformed our childen's church room.  Unfortunately we don't have any digital photos.  I only found out about the sale a few days before and wasn't sure what there would be.  Having attended many commercial warehouse acution you never can tell what you will fine.  The sale was from a man who lived in a near by community.  He was a costume designer for 25 years.  Funny thing is I even lived in the same town for a while and never knew about his shop.  It makes sense though, back then I wasn't into puppets or costumes (well maybe costumes), always a bit of a closet clown.  The shop had been setting for about a year since his death, so everything was quite musty and moldy, but it was an amazing site.  I love attending commercial auction, so I'm used to the crowds, but I was shocked at how frantic people seemed to get their hands on that stuff.  This was a large two story house with the shop on the bottom.  The house was in great disrepair probably because of time and multiple hurricanes.  There where piles and boxes everywhere.  People where creating more piles as the grabbed what they liked.  It was a site to see.

Julie