Paper Puppets for Kids or Just for Fun

So I had this idea.  I wanted to make a personalized puppet for each of the kids.  I started looking up the different types of puppets out there, keeping in mind it needs to be simple, cheap, and kid-friendly.  

This one would be awesome to make for an ornament.

I found a few different options.  One being a paper puppet.  Do not get this confused with the paper bag puppet.  The one I'm talking about is a puppet, usually made out of paper, that the legs and arms are cut out and attached so they can move.  Here's a picture of the legs for a Day of the Dead skeleton paper puppet.

Not very Christmasy, but still it's good to explain how it works.  http://www.inside-mexico.com/titere.htm

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76415944/3-piglets-circus-movable-paper-doll-set

These are actually for sale for $22.  They're so cute.  The shop is called ArtistinLaLaLand on www.etsy.com

I think I may use some cardboard to make some of these little paper puppets.  I have a few cereal boxes I can cut up and they will do nicely.  Then I will cut out my pieces and paint them white, so I have a blank canvas.  Then I'll paint them up and attach them with brads.  I'll make a few accessories, and voila.

A fun and easy present for my lil kiddies and their cousins.  I think I'll need to come up with a theme.  Something fun like the circus theme that ArtistinLaLaLand used.  I'll post pics when I have something together.  Happy Puppet-Making!  LOL

Newspaper Beads

I found this tutorial maybe a year ago.  Basically, it's papier mache beads.  You take some newspaper, rip it into tiny pieces, then you pour boiling water over them to break it down.  Drain the water from the paper.  Use a clear drying glue (like Elmer's, they suggest) to form small balls.  Roll into balls, squeeze out excess moisture. Let them dry.  

Sand em, Drill em.  And then, my favorite part, paint em.  I like how she used multiple colors.  I think it gives it a nice look. Then varnish, let dry, and you're ready to create.  You should check out the tutorial.

http://www.astorybooklife.com/how-to/paper-beads/

Slippers from Sweater

I know I posted a while back about something similar, but i found this other diy tutorial on it.  This one is just hand sewing techniques.  It is very easy and would make a great  gift.

http://www.homemade-holiday-gifts.com/felted-slippers.html

You use an old wool sweater, make a template of your foot, cut out the pieces, blanket-stitch around, sew on the cuffs (making sure you pull it tight), and add buttons.  The slippers have also been felted.

The tutorial is very well written.  Check it out.

Newspaper Purse

I made this newspaper purse a little while back, and I thought I would share it with the world. It is pretty simple to make.

Step one: Find a newspaper you can cut up. Either cut it into strips like the one shown or just use the whole page. I like the comics section but sometimes the other sections have cool pictures and just the words make a nice pattern, too.

Step two: Decide on your pattern, and what your going to use for the handle. This purse's handle is made from recycled shopping bags that were made into yarn then crocheted. Also decide if it's going to have a closure, or flap.

Step three: Weave strips if using this method.

Step four: Cover the inside both sides of the paper with clear packing tape.

Step five: Tape bag together. For the sides you can use two strips of leftover newspaper that you cover with tape and then tape it to the sides (inside and out) and tape it to the bottom of the bag. This will create a curved inside of the bag.

Step six: Add your flap or strap, sew your button, and add your handles.

Have fun, and I hope you enjoy your new purse!