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

Inspiration in Strange Places

The other day I was looking around the house, trying to find something to use as a pattern for a little doll. I ended up finding a long cardboard tube. I thought , hmm, maybe. So I wrapped it in felt and pinched one end. That is basically how I came up with the shape of this little doggy I made. Obviously it has come a long way from a cardboard tube, and actually that was only the pattern template, but yes that's the basic idea. It's been shortened too. I think I'll make him some friends in a few days. I already have plans for a kitty cat, that will be for may daughter. I will also attempt to make a bear, owl, and panda, and anything else that pops into my head, or is requested by my daughter. The doggy is for my son, he likes to slober on it. He also likes to throw it on the floor so I can get it for him only to start the whole game again.