I started working on a new hand-puppet for the Eurofurence Pawpet-Show. If you would like to support the show, go to https://www.patreon.com/pawpetshow/overview

This time it will make a rabbit hand-puppet. I modified the 3d-model my bunny costume head base (added a plate in the upper jaw for the puppeteer's hand).

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2805975

The model was 3d-printed with Amazon Basics PLA.

The lower jaw was connected by making a peg with Plaast (the company making plaast is no longer in business - I'll switch to another manufacturer).

The teeth and tongue were hand-sculpted. I designed a rotatable hinge for the ears that have holes for cable ties - I used those to attach felt ears.


The eyes were made with ping bong balls and my 3d-printed movable eyelids.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:402281
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:198945
They are assembled like this:


The body was made using my usual body pattern with a cheap camping mat and hot glue.


The hand-rods end inside a 3d-printed disc that can rotate inside the hand of the puppet.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2885073



It's now ready to put the fur on.

That rotating hand disc is brilliant! Is that your own design?

I'd love to get a 3D printer but whenever I go to research one the comments usually say 'wait another few months - there is a better model coming!'

The progress in that space is just moving so fast..

What 3D printer do you use? Could you recommend a system for a newbie to use?

I'm mostly interested in printing things like teeth, eyes, noses and maybe some props like little mobile phones, glasses and gadgets.

Yes, I designed the rotating disc.

Currently, I print with an Alfawise U10 (it's a Prusa i3 clone) - a very cheap machine from China with a bigger build volume than the original. It arrived with many faults - I had to change a lot to get it working. It's ok for people that like to tinker and know how to fix the problems (from electric to mechanic, to firmware).

I would suggest a Creality Ender 3 for beginners with a small budget.

Painters tape was used to make a pattern for the fur. The pattern is symetrical - so I only had to make one side of the head.


I hand sculpted the nose with Polymorph around a piece of plastic that reaches thru the hole at the front of the muzzle. Aluminum foil was used to prevent it from sticking to the PLA. The puppeteer can reach the plastic strip inside and use it to wiggle the nose.

Fur-cover for the head sewn together:


Fur-cover attached to the 3d-printed head base:


Puppet body with fur:


Eyelashes added: