Julie, this is exactly what I had been thinking and I did a test with the L200 foam. I think this is the way I'll go, but I'll need to color the foam as it showed through slightly. Hopefully, I'll get to it today.
Many thanks, friends.
Chris

What color is the foam.  What I use is white.  Are you using Antron? or is the fabric thinner?

The foam I have is gray and that's the problem. I am using Antron. But I'm hoping to try a few difference things today and work it out.
Chris

The L200/EVA foam I use is also grey.  If the fabric I am using is too thin and shows thru I often give it a lining.  Spandex/Lycra makes a good lining for fleece since it has about the same stretch.

Great idea, Shawn, thanks.  I tried a couple of techniques today. The first two were unsatisfactory. I wound up simply sewing fleece over poly foam. Some of the form was lost, but I think these should be ok for my "first" puppets (of this kind).  I'm not convinced I'll be able to create the puppets I want using fleece... Unless I can actually master the technique.

Na, I think I came across some photos of the drawstring technique here in the gallery. Is there a tutorial hidden here somewhere? It looks like an extremely handy technique.

Well I was going to reply but the others got here first! I have made noses and included instructions in one of my patterns, but as yet haven't posted (the nose part of) it online for free use. ... It's on my to do list.

But you should find plenty of info via the links Shawn gave to figure it out.

Did you think of airbrushing the nose white first?  I think if you were going to cover it with another fabric first then something thin such as the spandex, so you don't loose the details.  You could use contact cement or spray adhesive.  Normally I don't suggest spray because of the mess, but with the details on the nose that would work.

You'll get it.  Just keep making noses until you get one you like.

Julie

Julie they're great!
Shawn a variation on theme for those of us that like to model a shape rather than carve it (so much more forgiving) such a great cross pollination of ideas.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
Scoob.
P.S. gotta get some photos up my self, worked out a way to make it a bit easier...

Well, finished these two up today. Not thrilled with either of them, but I especially messed up the boy. His face is completely crooked. Oh, well, chalk it up to experience.



After I took these shots, I switched the boy's tooth to the other side to balance him out a little more. At least now I have Hand/rod puppets to start practicing with!
Chris

I Love them Chris........... I think the not "sew" perfect face gives him character.

they look great! and I agree, his face is his own. not a perfect face but one with a lot of character. nice job!