Also, so excited about what I used for the tail and fingers.  Can you feel the suspense? LOL

Hmm... you've peaked my interest! Can't wait to find out!  So if this was a TV show I guess that would be a cliff hanger.  Always leave them wanting more. 

You may not "feel" like an artist but honey you ARE one! And I should know I have an art degree and everything!

So there.

That is a cool idea, artistic knighting. Tell me when I am ready to get my ear chopped off...

You may not "feel" like an artist but honey you ARE one! And I should know I have an art degree and everything!

So there.

Thanks.  I guess that makes it official. LOL

Okay....the back of the Opossum

 The grey that you see inside is a fleece bag filled with plastic pellets to give the bottom some weight.
 Ignore the shape of the t-shirt. It looks weird in this photo but only because I didn't stretch it out to the correct shape when I laid it out for the photo.  The arrows on the t-shirt fabric are so I remember which way the nap of the fur should lay.


Again, keep in mind nothing is attached.

Julie

The good stuff!!  This is plastic armatures.  I can across it a year or so ago, but didn't think about using it until now. http://www.crscraft.com/products/vProduct1.asp?pid=Armature&L1=1&L2=8&L3=0&L4=0&L5=0&V2=1&V3=1&V4=0&T2=Category&T3=Style&T4=&cat=doll+supplies&sub=Fasteners&class=&searchOffset=x I am using the 1/8" size.  It seems larger than 1/8" and I've inquired about getting it in a smaller size.  Because of the ball and cup design it moves every which way you can imagine and it stays in that position.  I believe it will last much longer than just wire.  It will be very nice if they are able to carry a smaller size then I think I might be able to use it in human finger.  If you notice it has a slight skeletal look to it, so I look forward to using it in my Road Kill version of a possum next....Shhhhhh it's a secret.  I'm building that one for my husband in my spare time. LOL  

The first layer is headliner to give it some cushion.   Second layer is Antron Fleece.  I left about 6-8 sections uncover, so I could thread it through a hole in the back of the puppet.  This isn't show in the photos, but on the outside of the foam as well as on the inside I attached at 45mm plastic washer from a doll joint to give the hole security.  Inserted the uncovered end of the tail and secured to the inside of the foam structure.  At this point most of the fur had been attached to the puppet except the back piece so I could attach the tail and neck sleeve.

Julie

Brilliant stuff, Julie! I never would have thought of using that stuff for a tail. It looks like it will work really well, especially for a creature with a prehensile tail. Can't wait to see more!
Chris

I also used it for the fingers.  Worked great as well.  I will add those photos soon.

The octopus is looking good.

Julie

So AWESOME! Can I come live in your shop and play with the puppety stuff?!

GREAT!