Hey all! I am totally new to puppetry but I've got some some BIG ideas and figured here is where I should start. The first puppet I am imagining is sort of like those fiery guys from "The Labyrinth", but just the head. Ultimately this will be a floating head puppet (sort of). It's going to be a skeletal head with a big mane of uv reactive red fur (probably dyed). I would like the eyes to move and blink (which means I would have to add "skin" to above the eyes). I also plan to install a uv reactive spinal column to hang down from the skull and the fur. Also a "T perch" so that it can sit on top of a staff.

This results in many questions such as:
1.) for a real looking skeleton I was thinking about buying a replica skull which would be light enough and could fit my fist in the skull cavity (I am looking for an animal with forward facing eyes, a long snot, and fangs, so I'm looking at a grey wolf replica skull) OR should I just build it myself? Out of what materials? This has to be really sturdy.
2.)  Any tips on where to buy eyes and make eye moving mechanisms?

This is just the first in a long line of puppets I want to make, but he's going to be really special. I am really open to any advice. Please help me!

-Aidan

Welcome Aidan to Puppets and Stuff! 

Your first puppet idea sounds interesting. Doubt you are going to be able to find a pre-made skull that is going to work for you unless maybe you can find something that would work from a taxidermy supply company. Check out this post though. http://puppetsandstuff.com/community/index.php/topic,8462.msg77916.html#msg77916 Tioh has created a 3d model of a fox head that he is using.  Something like that could work if you have graphic design experience or could hire him to help  you out.

In regards to the moving eyes, first check out the rest of the post that Tioh has made in the above thread. He also designed a model for eyes that can be printed out. Do a search on "moving eyes" here on the site. You'll see a ton of past discussions on this subject. Check out Hobey Fords' Download page. http://www.hobeyford.com/downloads it has some info on eye mechs.

I found some cool skulls at Halloween time at the Family Dollar for 5 dollars.  With a moving jaw.  Eyes that lit up.  I used it in my Halloween episode this year.  If you ever could find those, they  look very easy to  add skin to.