Hello all!
I am a first-time puppet builder. Well technically, I haven't started the building yet, just the concept sketches and some research. But I figured this would be a good place to get some help as a beginner- I actually already have, just from browsing the forum.
I decided to take on this daunting task because my boyfriend is completely obsessed with Jim Henson (in fact, obsessed is a serious understatement) and it's one of the many things we share a love for. So I decided that for Christmas I'm going to attempt to make a muppet-like puppet for him. I've done a lot of research the past few weeks and found out a lot of helpful things, but there's still some stuff I'm trying to understand. First of all, attaching the fabric to the foam body. Do you just kind of drape it over the foam, or do you actually have to sew/glue/something it to the surface? Also, what are your personally preferred materials, and where do you buy them? And I guess just, if you have any helpful tips or advice for someone just starting out, they'd be greatly appreciated. Anything you guys can offer is awesome. :P Thank you sooo much!

Welcome to PandS! Daryl who is a member here has some great videos over at BlogTV. http://www.blogtv.com/People/StiqpuppetsLive He also has some videos he has moved over to YouTube and the link to his account there is on his page above. He has one video session that shows how to drape and "attach" the fabric to the foam. You do a bit of hand sewing as you go along to get the fabric to fit.

Head to the fabric or craft store and check out their no-pill fleece. That is what you are looking for to cover your puppet. There is a fabric called Antron fleece that is better grade and what the muppets used but it is expensive and hard to get. You can only get it a couple places on-line and it is not always available. We have a few members here that sell it in their shops. Then there is also Georgia Stage in Atlanta that sells it.

Make sure to check out Daryl's video's they will give you a ton of tips that help you out. If you have questions about anything in his video's feel free to ask for clarification. One of us can help you out or perhaps even Daryl himself might answer.

P.S.  Here is anther good site for information on draping fabric over your puppet. This comes via Steve and another post here. http://puppet101.blogspot.com/2006/03/puppet-building-tutorial-ratchet.html

Welcome to Puppets and Stuff............... You are going to do just fine. There are some good folks on this forum with great experience.

Welcome here! You are right- both in your opinion on this site as well as on this site...

Oh, Shawn, thank you so much! Those links are really helpful, and I was actually trying to find a substitute for antron fleece so thanks for that too. Oh, and where do you usually find your foam? I'm also from Kansas City, and I've been looking for inexpensive suppliers, especially if I don't have to order it from a website.

I'm super excited to get all my materials and get started, and I'm sure I'll be checking back here quite a bit for questions along the way. Thank you for all the help.

Comfort Felt and Foam is where I get my foam. It is a warehouse down around 31st and Cherry. I am pretty sure it is in the phone book. They sell in 4' x 8' sheets which may be a bit much for you but they also have a scrap bin that you can sometimes find smaller stuff in. You can also pick up foam and Hobby Lobby or Michale's though and it works just fine.

Welcome Louise! You're going to have a blast and your boyfriend is going to be thrilled! The gang has already done their usual great job of jumping in with great advice, and links. I might add that Project Puppet is another GREAT resource for a beginning builder. For a pretty small investment you could grab one of the Simple Series patterns (which are currently $5 off) http://www.projectpuppet.com/servlet/Categories?category=All and I'd recommend the alternate body pattern too. You'd only have about $35 invested and that pattern will serve as not only a great educational tool but a great starting place for many puppets to come. Which ever way you go have fun!!

Can anyone recommend the clays that can be used to make heads for rod puppets? I have read of polymer, but need to hear the pros and cons of different products. Thanks.

I use Creative Paper Clay over a styrofoam base covered in thin layer of paper mache'.  You can see part of the process I am talking about here. http://carnival.puppetsandstuff.com/  The puppets in this section are hand puppets but I've used the same method on rod puppets and on my marionettes.