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Make a push puppet

duration: 40 - 60 minutes

age: from 7 years

Make a little puppet that collapses when you pull the lever

Make a push puppet

tools

  • Laser cutter
  • Wire cutter
  • Scissors
  • Glue gun
  • Marker

materials

  • 3mm plywood
  • 2 loom bands
  • Beads
  • Dental floss
  • Thick skewer

downloads

step 1 - Cut out the parts

  • Cut out the template with the laser cutter.

step 2 - Sides

  • Assemble all the sides, but wait with the top.

step 3 - Thread the string

  • Cut about 35cm (14") of dental floss.
  • Thread the string through the holes in the top and the lever as shown in the photo. Pay attention to which side the hook should be.

step 4 - Put the lid on

  • Insert the lever through the slot. Make sure the opening of the hook points upwards.
  • Cut a skewer to size and insert it through the holes on the side and the lever.
  • Glue the lever in place with a little glue from the glue gun.

step 5 - Drill a hole

  • Use a clamp or pliers to hold the bead while drilling.
  • Drill a hole straight through one of the beads.

step 6 - String the beads

  • String the beads until you have a little puppet.
  • Tie the dental floss to the 'hand' bead on one side.

step 7 - Pull tight and tie the other arm

  • Pull the loose end of the dental floss tight.
  • Tie the second hand. It should be fairly tight, but not so tight that no movement is possible.

step 8 - Add the loom bands

  • Place 2 loom bands over the hook in the lever and the hooks on the sides. This should keep your puppet upright.

step 9 - Head, done

  • Use the glue gun to attach a round bead on top of your doll.
  • Use the marker to draw a face.
  • Done!