I use FIMO (Polymer, you'd probably have an easier time finding sculpey -did I write that correct?). I do pretty detailed work, I have the feeling some airdrying stuff is hard on details, even if you can carve it later on. On the other hand the airdrying material (a woodbased clay) I used is much lighter and cheaper. Then again- it took several days to dry. I didn't get to try any other material yet.

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.

Welcome to Puppets and Stuff !!

Thanks for your responses, I would like to find the lightest and strongest...it is a tradeoff, I guess. Clay is not cheap!

I purchased Super Sculpey Firm, to see how detailed I can get on a 5 inch high rod puppet head. What thickness would you use for strength and manageable weight?

I wasn't able to really find any hard documentation on thickness but these links may be helpful to you.
http://www.danperezstudios.com/workshoppages/polymerclay.htm
http://www.garieinternational.com.sg/clay/shop/tension_test.htm
http://www.paint-sculpt.com/tutorials/sculpting-tutorial/building-out-your-forms.html
http://www.elvenwork.com/tips.html
http://www.casemodgod.com/modguides/SculptCompounds/sculpting_compunds.htm

I use the inside of a toiletpaper roll (that at least is cheap) and crunch it into a ball, more or less. Then I cover it with tin foil, to get it out more easy. This is covered with 0.5-1 cm (about a quarter to half an inch) material. Because the material is so thin I need the something stable to build upon. Since I need a hollow head for internal strings I cut the material (before baking!) along a line that goes high on the forehead (to be covered with hair later on), behind the ears and the neck. Basicly the back of the head is being made removable. After the baking process I take off the back of the hear, take the foil (it sticks!) and toiletpaper roll out with a pincer and glue it back on- after I put the eyes in, of course.

I am right there with you (being new and all) and am excited to learn.

Unfortunately for me I live in Orlando not Kansas City so I, at least, am still looking for a foam supplier.  So far that is the most difficult thing to find for me.  Ah well, back to sketching and searching. lol

Good luck with your puppet! =0)

I am right there with you (being new and all) and am excited to learn.

Unfortunately for me I live in Orlando not Kansas City so I, at least, am still looking for a foam supplier.  So far that is the most difficult thing to find for me.  Ah well, back to sketching and searching. lol

Good luck with your puppet! =0)

Do you live in Orlando, Florida?? I used to live near Daytona.

For Orlando see if this Goggle search does you any good. Google Search: Upholstery foam in Orlando Florida The search does reveal some links that look like they may simply be upholstery shops like Jim's Fabric & Upholstery Inc but often even if those companies do not sell the foam itself they may be able to put you onto a company they use. They also may have scrap that is not big enough for them to use but perfect for you. 

I have ordered from Garys foam out of Tampa but not from Orlando area.

http://www.garysupholstery.com/upholstery-foam.html

http://www.bing.com/search?q=orlando+florida+foam&go=&qs=n&sk=&sc=8-19&form=QBRE