Thanks for the suggestions.  I was looking at patterns from Project Puppets one day one, but got hooked on the Paul Luis Muller video.  Not sure if that was laziness or ambition...  In my head, I was getting a better understanding of the mechanics by not using a pattern... Yeah... not so much... I should probably buy one.

My other favorite videos is of this guy ; I love the head shape and roundness of what he calls the crown.  I guess I should rip that vid from youtube and print screenshots of those patterns like he suggests.

Shawn, that Brazillian puppet head also looks promising.  I'm gonna give that a try.  Since all the characters will have unique looks, I'm sure it one I'll be able to use for one.

Welcome! I'm also in Texas although in the DFW area.  You are doing great for a beginner!

Joel,
I tried to respond to you in the personal email, but I never used that part of website, sorry. Will try again.  Would you be interested in a copy of the Foam Book DVD,it is very cool puppet construction? It will get you excited about making puppets.

Have a puppet that has a tall head and is top heavy, tries to fall off my hand while I talk.  I found that if I wedge foam square behind my hand in the neck area it helps keep that puppet on my hand better and hurts less. Whichever way you go, think lightweight, your hand will thank you.

Hi and welcome!

Looks good so far.  I have only one suggestion for the "performance" aspect.  Try moving only the lower jaw of your puppet to get a more realistic appearance of speaking.  As you notice looking into a mirror, our own lower jaws only move when we speak and not the tops of our jaws/heads.  A great way to practice puppeteering with this sort of puppet to get the realistic look from your hand is to just make eyes that fit on your bare hand (much like Oobi from Noggin).  Most professional puppeteers will work with these to get the "right" performance.  You can see Henson workshops teaching this style of performance as well before diving into a full puppet.  So don't forget the performance aspect of puppetry while you're making the puppets.  Knowing how to perform with them will help your building as well to get the full use out of the lower jaw.

Keep up the great work!

xoxo,
N

Snail, I will email you later today.  Thanks!

Nickole, thanks!  I was just thinking about that today.  I think I can fix that when I get that head form right.  Planning to extend it down from the back of the head like a spine so that jaw is the main movement.  It'll probably also be helpful for support during choreography-heavy songs.

You may want to turn the head, or look down. Too much support down the back could make it stiff.  Your arm will be like a spine supporting the head.

Maybe to just behind the puppeteer's wrist for stability? I've got one puppet that needs to do a heavily choreographed where she's tossing her hair around and basically getting all stripper-like.  Was thinking of adding that support there and maybe stronger grips at the mouth.

It seems like part of the problem may be the overall size of the puppet. It's pretty big. Again the Project Puppet patterns, particularly the Forma and Monster series would be useful. Don't get me wrong I'm a big fan of Paul Luis and all of his work. It's great stuff and very useful! I'm just thinking you could get the result you're driving towards a bit more quickly with a little help from the gang at Project Puppet. I SWEAR I'm not being paid to say these things! I'm just a big fan of Pasha's work. Something to think about.

There is an extremely useful video series that one of our members (The Creature Works) recently completed showing you how to build a puppet using one of the Project Puppet patterns. Whether you end up using one of their patterns or not you should absolutely check out the videos he has. It's worth it for the mouth plate instruction alone. Again, best of luck and have fun building!

http://www.youtube.com/user/stewart1973?feature=watch

I know that Shawn recently put up the series in one nice tidy little package. I couldn't find that though (queue Shawn!) but this could get you started.

That is another one of my favorite videos!

As for the size, I think you're right.  I just got a round head pattern from Bashful Puppet's blog which I'm experimenting with make a higher forehead.  Also, in the archives here, I found a feminized body by PuppetLady.

I really would like to buy the PP patterns but I won't have a budget from the theatre company until I can show them a completed working protocol.

Also, part of the fun for me is the research and experimenting.  I'm having a blast doing this.  My dog's feeling a bit ignored, but she hasn't attacked the foam or fabric yet, so we're cool.

Here is the link to the playlist I made up of the series. http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75912549D8606DCB