Re: Tube (pool noodle) puppets Posted by Angel in Tx on Aug 27, 2010
I made one last year, but the other day it broke during a show (the rope came undone somehow)!
I have a new plan to try again, but haven't finished it yet. I'd be glad to share my sketch - not sure it would do you any good.
I would also like some tips from others on what works and what doesn't.
Here's what I know so far:
The one I made last year took 1-1/2 pool noodles and I just used rope to string it together through the hollow portion. I covered each individual piece in fleece and just strung them together. (Why, oh why don't I have a photo??? I don't have it here, it's packed away at church.)
I made some black bands and put Velcro on the ends and attached them at the joints. Later, I took the strap off of the arm and added a dowel instead for a bit more control in the elbow area.
I made a small head sort of oval shaped it was detached and worked by another puppeteer.
I didn't really like the way it worked so this is the idea I have now.
This time, the noodles I have are not hollow. My husband gets these FREE from work.
Just the other day, I began working on it. I used some really thick coat hanger (also from hubby's work uniforms) and used them as connectors by cutting them straight and sticking them through the middle of the foam lengthwise, then using pliers to bend them into a hook, hooking the two parts together at the shoulders, or elbow area.
I do not know if this will hold up when worn. This is as far as I've gotten. I think that dowel or small pvc pipe inserted through the foam tube may hold up better, but then again, the wire may do fine once fabric is over it. I also have some of that small tubing that is used for ice makers in fridges. That may also help. I'm afraid the wire will wear the foam through. I just don't know. This part is not my forte'. It's all trial and error for me.
The one pictured would have to be taken back apart to cover with fabric, but this is just my test. I didn't want to waste fabric on it yet.
I hope this helped you even just a little.
I have a new plan to try again, but haven't finished it yet. I'd be glad to share my sketch - not sure it would do you any good.
I would also like some tips from others on what works and what doesn't.
Here's what I know so far:
The one I made last year took 1-1/2 pool noodles and I just used rope to string it together through the hollow portion. I covered each individual piece in fleece and just strung them together. (Why, oh why don't I have a photo??? I don't have it here, it's packed away at church.)
I made some black bands and put Velcro on the ends and attached them at the joints. Later, I took the strap off of the arm and added a dowel instead for a bit more control in the elbow area.
I made a small head sort of oval shaped it was detached and worked by another puppeteer.
I didn't really like the way it worked so this is the idea I have now.
This time, the noodles I have are not hollow. My husband gets these FREE from work.
Just the other day, I began working on it. I used some really thick coat hanger (also from hubby's work uniforms) and used them as connectors by cutting them straight and sticking them through the middle of the foam lengthwise, then using pliers to bend them into a hook, hooking the two parts together at the shoulders, or elbow area.
I do not know if this will hold up when worn. This is as far as I've gotten. I think that dowel or small pvc pipe inserted through the foam tube may hold up better, but then again, the wire may do fine once fabric is over it. I also have some of that small tubing that is used for ice makers in fridges. That may also help. I'm afraid the wire will wear the foam through. I just don't know. This part is not my forte'. It's all trial and error for me.
The one pictured would have to be taken back apart to cover with fabric, but this is just my test. I didn't want to waste fabric on it yet.
I hope this helped you even just a little.
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