Hey fellow puppet makers,
I've been reading these forums for ages but never registered or posted.
I just wrapped up this project and wanted to share it with everyone:
How To Make a Python Puppethttp://www.thehelloworldprogram.com/how-to-make-a-python-pupppet-tracing-and-cutting-the-material/
This is the end result:

Any thoughts, feedback, suggestions are greatly appreciated.
J.

Welcome to PandS Jared!  So pleased you decided to join us. 

You did a great job with the Python puppet.  Thanks for sharing the link to the how to on this.  This made me smile from the tutorial.

Making your own python puppet is easy. Just follow these 66 simple steps and you’ll soon be entertaining and delighting audiences.

Very nice.  Have you thought about making a tail.  Perhaps it could be a separate puppet.

Very thorough instructions great for beginners.  Yes a tail adds so much to the performance.  Our snake had an attached tail but you have to make sure it is long enough to reach back up to the head, a detached separate tail would work too.  We used to hang the tail out over the stage and make snoring sounds and talk in our sleep before the show sometimes, the kids loved to shout to wake the snake up.  I think he was our favorite puppet. We put a rod in the tail and used it to clap against his head, salute and point.  One time we curled it around a bar bell so he could work out.

Very nice tutorial.  What software did you use to create the pattern?

Julie

Thanks everyone! Glad to see the puppet and the tutorial are appreciated.

What software did you use to create the pattern?

We used Inkscape. It's a free, open source vector graphics program similar to Illustrator.

Have you thought about making a tail.  Perhaps it could be a separate puppet.

Didn't think about a tail, but that's a great idea. Probably easier as a separate puppet.

Our snake had an attached tail

The Director, where did you use a snake puppet? Do you have images anywhere?

Thanks!

I had a feeling that Inkscape would be the answer to that question.   Hey folks check out the other articles at http://www.thehelloworldprogram.com to see how to use Inkscape. While it details how to trace a cartoon image I would bet the same process was used to scan in and make the pattern. Am I right Jared?

Aw, he's super cute. It's also very generous of you to share the pattern, so thanks!

The only suggestion I have is you might want to think about placing his pupils more toward the inside next time, so he has a slightly more defined line of focus. But, seriously, so SO cute!

Also, inkscape is totally the bee's knees. There's a slight learning curve, but it's really similar to illustrator. I actually prefer inkscape for my home computers, since it seems to run more smoothly for me when I don't have tech support to call on. (LOL)

Someone bought us a cheap green snake with crossed eyes here is the link but it does not show the tail.
http://www.thepuppetfactory.com/puppets/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=123
We had to make the arm pocket longer so our arm did not show by bringing out some of the lining fur.  We added a red forked tongue hanging to the side and put some extra thread around the forked tip to keep it from fraying. We found by accident that the extra weight the thread gave made the tongue swing and hang down so that it moved more.  We just threaded an arm rod thru the seam to stick it up the tail.  It is cheap and simple puppet but it was so versatile.  Sammy the Snake's character was sunny and excitable and he spoke with a lisp, could not say any Ss.  In my scripts I would use th for the s so that I did not forget. I discovered if I stuck my toungue out while I talked I lisped better too.His catch phrase was see you later alligator when he left.  He was our warm up before the shows and became the preschooler's favorite.  I will add a picture to my gallery of him for you.