Here is the continuation of the making process of my vampire rod puppet. This is following on from my previous post. I am using the Beverley Puppet Festival making video by Merlin Puppet Theatre as my starting point but I have made one or two small changes. As you will see the puppet is finished and I’m going to have a go at making a little video which I will put in my next post.
Puppet videos are not something I’m used to as I am generally a live performer, so it will be interesting to see what I can come up with. Having had a little play, I have found so far that the length of the kebab skewers for the hand rods are a little short if you want to keep the puppeteer hidden. Just for extra atmosphere we have had a thunder storm today – which (of course) finished just before I started filming!
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- Yoghurt pot for making fangs – the leftover pieces from the hat got recycled so I’m using a different one.
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- Fangs cut out.
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- Fangs attached with glue gun.
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- Painting head control black after giving it a little sanding down. I used a sponge this time.
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- Painting the other side
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- I use 2 coats for both sides.
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- Attaching fabric to neck and hands
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- The puppet is complete
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- I assemble various scraps that could be useful for embellishments.
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- I choose a scrap of (what I think is) polyester organza to make a cravat/scarf plus 2 old clip on earrings and a red plastic tear drop shaped bead.
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- I find a shape I’m happy with for the fabric and glue gun it in place.
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- The earrings and bead are also secured with the glue gun glue.
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- I trim off all the loose threads with my recently acquired hair dressing scissors!
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- The puppet is completed and embellished.
Puppet Lady 
I have to say I just love your new puppet’s cheeky vampire face. It’s brilliant – so full of character! I hope you will be creating a show for it to star in!
Clare
Thanks very much Clare! – It’s amazing what you can do with a milk bottle isn’t it?