I have started toying with the idea of doing puppet shows at my church. Not to be negative, but I've seen some pretty bad ones in the past, and would like to do a quality puppet show. Something the kids AND adults will enjoy, kinda like the Muppet Show I'm even toying with the idea of doing a youtube series.

It would be perfect for me, as it's a great combination of acting and creating characters, both of which I love doing

Before I get to far ahead of myself, I need to MAKE a puppet, and I'm going to try and start small. "Puppetainer" over at the muppetcentral forums suggested I start with the "Glorified Sock Puppet" pattern at Project Puppet.

The pattern looks perfect for the dog character I'd like to do. My next puppet would be an owl, and I'm already playing around with rough sketches.

http://haroldjennett.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/owlpuppetsketch.jpg

This is SUPER rough, but I'm just working through his basic shape, and whether he'd have an "Ernie" type mouth, or a small beak. The Ernie mouth doesn't seem to work for an owl. The small beak could maybe be made out of plastic or cardboard, and I could manipulate it through a small hole behind the beak maybe? I think it would look the most like an Owl if the beak started in a down position, and the top part of the beak moved up and down, and the lower portion stayed down, if that makes sense.

Hey! Welcome to Puppets and Stuff!! So glad I get to be the first to welcome you!

By the way I think an "Ernie" type mouth could work as shown in your profile sketch at the top left. I think that there was a link to a dog puppet pattern or tutorial somewhere around here too. I'm sure someone will be by with that link before I manage it.

Again welcome and can't wait to see pictures of your work!

Well, are you sure an Ernie mouth would not fit an owl?
Welcome here, by the way!

Welcome to Puppets and Stuff

I'm reminded of the owl on Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. Do you remember him?

And welcome to P&S!!!

Also, I have a puppet team at my church, so maybe I can help you.  Just ask!!

Welcome.  The neat thing about connecting with so many puppet makers and puppeteers is you don't have to reinvent the wheel! You can just tweak it to fit your needs.

As for performing, there are a lot of good, and yes some bad performances.  Mostly it has to do with proper technique and practice (or lack of). We attend lots of things simply for ideas.  I am constantly amazed at how several different groups can take the same song or skit and each performance is different. 

You've come to a great place for help on building. It seems like there isn't a problem or puppet that a member of P & S has not encountered. LOL.  You will enjoy this group!

Thanks everyone! Rikka, I'll check out the youtube post soon.

Maybe the owl's mouth doesn't HAVE to move? Maybe I can make moving eyes instead. That might be tricky.

Right now, after talking to my wife, I need to do something pretty simple and inexpensive, so I might try this method: http://www.expertvillage.com/video/1287_building-a-moving-mouth-puppet.htm

Only issue is figuring out the exact pattern he drew on the fleece. I also can't seem to find a place that has small inexpensive pieces of foam, like he's using

Glad you've joined us.  Here's an Owl I made several years ago. http://www.outoftheboxpuppets.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=175. The base of the mouth is about 4-5" wide, but then I sloped the to make it look smaller.



This is a trigger operated Owl rod style.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Julie

Welcome to Puppets and stuff.... again LOL