Starting a new puppet project........and well, I am at a loss on how to make the nose. I am trying the tuck method but it does not produce the effect I am looking for. I would like a feminine nose but a little larger. I am making a nosey neighbor puppet based on the 50's style female, with curlers in her hair, bathrobe etc. So if anyone has an Idea I would love to hear and see them.

This somewhat like , I am trying to create.

Well you could always do like Daryl does and shape a nose out of model magic then apply to foam and cover in fleece. Works pretty good. You put spray glue on the nose to make sure the fleece shapes to it.

Have a close look at the picture you posted. Can you see the shapes in the nose. This is a good example because the shading is so strong.  If I "remove" the nostrils for now from the equation, I can see 4 "sides" or shapes to the nose. The top is highlighted then you have the left and right sides of the nose which are the same. Then the lower part of the nose right above the mouth. If I wanted to try and make this shape out of sheet foam then I might start with the top highlighted shape cut out of foam. Then add strips down the side. They may even be full strips to start with that I then cut down to angle the nose toward the top of the head to ease it into the forehead. Might even cut them long and have them extend past the bottom of the nose to be shaped into nostrils. Cut a small rectangular piece of foam to start with for the lower part of the nose between the nostrils. Now the edges may be a bit sharp but you can always round them off with scissors. So that is the approach if you wanted to create it out of sheet foam and perhaps have a pattern for use again latter.

Could also do a variation on what Daryl does and "sculpt" the nose out of a single piece of foam. Block foam or two pieces of sheet glued together would work. Cut the basic shape. In this case we are talking triangle.  That is another reason I like the picture you posted. I can really see the triangle in the nose because of the shading although it is refined and smoothed out.

In this instance i cannot find a better idea than the one Shawn suggested, the magic foam/model magic stuff is great for creating the exact shape you want, then covering it in fabric, there is just nothing that can go wrong and you end up with what you envisioned!! you could always carve polyfoam, but it can take quite a knack to carve it and produce the intended outcome and the same can be said about the nip and tuck method, so i would give the model magic stuff a go, its light, easily formed and sandable if you need to remove a little or even add a little!!

I really want to reinforce what jeezbo said that the easiest and most likely best way is to use the model magic or something similar.  The reason I went into detail on the other "option" was because I hope it will help folks to realize that when you do have something to make out of sheet foam you need to first break things down into the base shapes.

Thanks guys. Do have a link where I can purchase the modle magic?

I really want to reinforce what jeezbo said that the easiest and most likely best way is to use the model magic or something similar.  The reason I went into detail on the other "option" was because I hope it will help folks to realize that when you do have something to make out of sheet foam you need to first break things down into the base shapes.

I really appreciate your help Shawn. I like the idea of breaking things down as well. I will try the model magic. My carving skills are not developed far enough yet.LOL. Again Thanks

Modle Magic is put out by Crayola so you can find it pretty much anywhere.  Walmart, ToysRUs Dick Blicks, Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, Staples ect.  So check your local craft store or "super" store. If you need to buy it on-line then you can go direct to Crayola if you want. http://www.crayolastore.com/category/clay-modeling/modelmagic  I imagine even the on-line stores for the others above have it also.

Modle Magic is put out by Crayola so you can find it pretty much anywhere.   Walmart, ToysRUs Dick Blicks, Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, Staples ect.  So check your local craft store or "super" store. If you need to buy it on-line then you can go direct to Crayola if you want. http://www.crayolastore.com/category/clay-modeling/modelmagic  I imagine even the on-line stores for the others above have it also.

Thanks again. I found some at hobbylobby. I also found something called airclay. I am going to give them both a try. Wish me luck.

Here is a link for Cloud clay. It says it is very pliable. http://www.amaco.com/shop/product-777-cloud-clay.html
I bought a pack today it is very light and easy to work with. I will keep you posted on how well it works for noses as well.Review on Cloud Clay