Puppets with Mark Parrett

Materials

2 cardboard shapes; one big, one small to form the mouth plate.

duct tape

brown paper tape

white paper tape

plastic bag

Newspaper

markers

Extra cardboard for appendages

Wool for hair (if required)

Steps

1. Hinge the two cardboard shapes together with brown tape.

2. Get some newspaper and scrumple it, not too tight into a bun shape. Tape down to the large bit of cardboard, but leave a space for your hand.

3. Do the same at the bottom. Make sure all the newspaper is covered in white tape.

4. Cover in brown tape, but leave space for hand and thumb.

5. Attach the bottom of the plastic bag in a loop.

6. Stick the bag to the head.

7. Attach appendages and eyes.

8. Make a mouth by colouring the inside with markers.

Inspired by my love of penguins, I decided to make a penguin puppet. You can make pretty much anything out of the materials! This is definitely a project that you can do with children. Why not post your creations in the comments below?

Me with my penguin puppet, Gilbert.

Marc is a UK-based puppetry director, designer, performer and maker. A few years ago, he made the puppets for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Leeds Theatre. Check out more of his work on his website, https://www.objectproject.info/gallery.