Stop motion Puppet Tutorial

Holly's One Day Builds:

How to create a

stop motion puppet!

Introduction:

Learning Objectives: To understand the importance of stop-motion puppets and various traditional/modern developments in the process of making puppets.

Why make a stop motion puppet?

Probably the most prominent aspect of a stop-motion film is the characters.

They are the vehicle for story-telling and arguably the element of the film the audience find most memorable.

Over the years, many different puppet making techniques have emerged that have changed the face of

stop-motion animation. These changes can be technical, helpful to the animators or they could simply be artistic changes that allow for new and interesting styles to emerge. Leaps in technology have also helped to merge these into one, creating aesthetically pleasing and easily accessible models.

Different types of stop motion puppets

Facial replacement Technology using 3D Printing

Plasticine type puppets -Claymation

Silicone/Latex puppets

Felted puppets

hand puppet/ finger puppet

Stop motion Inspirations:

Laika Studios (Coraline, Kubo and the Two Strings, ParaNorman, BoxTrolls etc)

Aardman Studios (Wallace and Gromit, Pingu)

Barnaby Dixon's Finger Puppetry

Guldie's Youtube videos

Tim Burton Films (Nightmare before Christmas, Corpse Bride etc)

Using the pre-recorded session below:

Follow the step by step instructions to create a Jolly Farmer stop motion puppet

or create your own character using the same techniques shown in the video.

I'm looking forward to seeing your wondrous creations!

Video Tutorial:

Materials Required:

Pen, pencil, paper, tracing paper

Aluminium wire (1mm & 2mm)

Pliers

Metal Epoxy Putty

Polymer Clay

Scissors

Foam/Sponge

Protective Gloves

Hot Glue Gun and sticks

Tin foil

Acrylic paint

Brushes

Modelling/Mark making Tools

Old reused Fabrics/Clothing

Step-by-step instructions

Design your character!
Draw character to scale along with an armature design
Using aluminium wire create the armature to scale using the design as reference.
Mix the two part metal epoxy putty thoroughly using gloves.
Apply onto armature.
Use tin-foil to bulk up the head
Using polymer clay, wrap around the tin foil and start sculpting the head and feet
Bake in oven 130 degrees Celsius for 15-20 mins.
Remove from oven to cool down
Paint the head and feet using acrylic paint
Use foam/sponge to create the body and hands (optional)
Reuse fabrics for costume, using hot glue to apply onto the puppet.
Using acrylic paint, shade the costume to add depth, bringing out the textures in the fabric.