Make Finger Puppets from Felt or Construction Paper
This is a fun project to do with younger children making the paper/stick puppets. Hand stitched felt finger puppets are ideal for older kids to learn and practice the basics of hand sewing. We chose Woodland themed animals for this project.
Instructions for how to make paper stick puppets and felt finger puppets.
CONSTRUCTION PAPER PUPPETS
SUPPLIES
- Construction paper (orange, white, pink, blue, green, brown, black or whatever colours you like)
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Fine tip permanent marker (black)
- Wooden sticks (we used bamboo shish kebab skewers and cut the pointy end off, chopsticks work too)
INSTRUCTIONS
The patterns are the same for both felt and construction paper puppets. We used a craft stick (tongue depressor size) for the guide for the basic shape/size and added the ear shapes for each animal at the top. The rabbit is approx 1 1/2″ (6.5 cm) w x 3 1/2″ h (9 cm), the others are 1 1/2″ w (6.5 cm) x 3″ h (7.5 cm)
Use the photo below as a guide to create your paper pattern.
For the Fox: from orange construction paper cut out a body shape, 2 paws, tail. From white construction paper cut out the muzzle, belly and tail tip.
For the Rabbit: from white construction paper cut out a body shape, 2 paws, tail. From pink construction paper cut out muzzle, inside ears, belly.
For the Owl: from blue construction paper cut out body shape. From a different colour cut out 2 wings; from black paper cut out large eye disks. From orange paper cut out a beak (we used a diamond shape).
For the Bear: from brown construction paper cut out body shape, 2 arms, two feet. From white paper cut out a muzzle and oval belly.
Using a glue stick glue the body parts onto the body shape, starting with the bellies. Then glue on the paws/wings. Tails are glued from the back of the body shape.
You can use black construction paper bits for the eyes and noses but they are tiny and a bit more difficult to cut so a fine tip marker would work well too.
Tape a wooden stick to the back and viola! Your stick puppet is done!
Bear and Bunny are ready to perform in their very own Puppet Theatre Made from a Cereal Box. Find instructions on how to make a puppet theatre here: http://getcreativewithnana.com/puppet-theatre-made-from-a-cereal-box
FELT FINGER PUPPETS
SUPPLIES
- Craft felt (orange, white, pink, blue, green, black or whatever colours you like)
- Scissors
- Sewing needle (use a large darning needle for younger kids or beginners)
- Sewing thread (assortment of colours)
- Seed beads, googly eyes or bits of black felt
INSTRUCTIONS
The patterns are the same for both felt and construction paper puppets. We used a craft stick (tongue depressor size) for the guide for the basic shape/size and added the ear shapes for each animal at the top. The rabbit is approx 1 1/2″ w x 3 1/2″ h, the others are 1 1/2″ w x 3″ h.
Use the photo below as a guide to create your paper pattern.
For the Fox: from orange felt cut out 2 body shapes, 2 paws, tail. From white felt cut out the muzzle, belly and tail tip.
For the Rabbit: from white felt cut out a body shape, 2 paws, tail. From pink felt cut out muzzle, inside ears, belly.
For the Owl: from blue felt cut out body shape. From a contrasting colour of felt cut out 2 wings; from black paper cut out large eye disks. From orange paper cut out a beak (we used a diamond shape).
For the Bear: from brown felt cut out body shape, 2 arms, two feet. From white or light brown felt, cut out a muzzle and oval belly.
Thread the sewing needle with the colour of thread that either matches the colour of the felt piece or stitch the whole thing in a bright contrasting colour to add some extra character. We tried both.
Once all the bits are stitched in place add the back body piece and stitch them together, sewing around the outside edge, make sure to leave the bottom open though for your finger to operate the puppet.
Tadaa! The finished Felt Finger Puppets
Here’s the whole cast of Woodland Animal Felt Finger Puppets ready for their big debut on the tiny stage.
The Woodland characters are ready to perform in their very own Puppet Theatre Made from a Cereal Box (find instructions on how to make a puppet theatre here: http://getcreativewithnana.com/puppet-theatre-made-from-a-cereal-box
If you try this project we’d love to see a photo of your puppets and theatre. Post a picture of your masterpiece on Nana’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/GetCreativeWithNana
Get your creative on!