Hey there so,
Since I started to build Puppets I saw a really huge mass of "How Tos"
on the Internet and Youtube.

And I know there are a lot of ways to build a Puppet.. as just for Example:
- Some build with Pattern, Some without.
- Some Builders do have a exact Imagination of how the Finnished Puppet will look like
  somebody work into the Blue and look like what came out and so on.

As for me, I think building a Puppet is like Drawing a Picture.. You have something in your Mind and start to 
bring it on Paper.

How do you build your Puppets? 

I have an idea what I want my puppet to look like but I never make sketches or anything.  I use a pattern and make any adjustments I may need, otherwise I just go for a basic look and see what happens.  I've only had one puppet so far not work out in this method.

As a rule I don't build using a pattern but start from scratch. No real drawing to start out with but do have an idea in my head unless it happens to be for a client who has provided a drawing or pictures to follow. There has been a few times when I've used a pattern when the look of the puppet I was going for was not specific i.e. generic male or female.

It varies for me. Sometimes a pattern, sometimes just some objects and see how they fit together, sometimes something specific in my head, sometimes not.

I sometimes use patterns, sometimes make my own.  I usually know what it is I am going to build and it's a bit of trial and error to get it to turn out like I want.  Sometimes it doesn't turn out like I wanted, but I use it anyway! LOL  Sometimes, and it is the best moment, it turns out exactly like I envisioned.  I don't always sketch but sometimes I do. 

Yes.  Or I mean all of the above.  Some times I start with a pattern that I have.  Sometimes I start by making a pattern.  Sometimes I start with a general mouth shape and just put foam on it until I get what I want.  It all depends on what I am looking for - Something specific, something new or just to play and see what happens.

I am working on one now that initially turned out TERRIBLE.  I had no idea on what I'd ever use this weird, squished head I had created until I tried to dye some white fleece green.  The dye job didn't work and I got this light aqua.  What the heck am I going to do with a light aqua??  So i combined the two and have a super cute alien puppet. 

Like I have said before.  Mess ups aren't really mess ups.  They are just puppets wanting to be something other than what you had planned!

Ha ha ArthurS. Yep, that is the way it goes sometimes. Cool logo update by the  way.