Shaping a hand or two creates silhouettes of people, animals, or objects on a blank wall. Shadow Puppets: These are shadow images of objects which are created by shining a light onto a clear screen.The Muppet Show introduced Kermit the frog and Miss Piggy. Rod Puppets: A singular rod holds the head or body of the puppet upright or rods may be attached to hands or arms to create movement.Pulling strings Moves the mouth, arms, and head. Words like “I love you” are spoken, or it could be an animal making sounds or speaking. The most popular version of a pull string is baby dolls which speak when the string is pulled. Pull-String Puppets: Dolls and puppets which work by pulling a string.Mechanical Puppets: The use of small or miniature machines to operate individual parts of the puppet or doll.Many of the characters seen on Sesame Street, like Big Bird, are other examples of body puppets. The Lion King by Julie Taymor, is a great example of this art form.

These puppets are taller and wider than human beings to make sure that they are noticed. Body Puppets: Human actors are in character costumes operating and activating the mechanisms into action.Today, Jeff Dunham, with his latest dummy called Achmed the Terrorist, area world-famous. Edgar Bergen and character Charlie McCarthy were one of the early television pioneers who introduced the art of ventriloquism. This is called 'throwing your voice.' The movements of the dummy are controlled by the ventriloquist's hand through an opening located in the back of the dummy. The skilled artist never shows his lips moving as he speaks. Ventriloquists: These dolls are usually placed on the lap of the puppeteer, and their character is brought to life by the operator speaking on its behalf.Ronnie Burkett and his marionettes, and Howdy Doody created by Buffalo Bob Smith were and continue to be popular for the American public. There are many strings to manage which requires skill and experience from advanced puppeteers. Marionettes: These are operated with strings attached to a wooden holder.Early television pioneers of these puppets for public performances were made famous by Barr Tillstrom who introduced puppets Kukla, Fran, and Ollie…Then Shari Lewis with Lamb Chop.

Sock Puppets: These are made from new or old socks.Adorn fingertip with a hat or yarn for hair. Finger Puppets: Paint the finger with a face.ScribblingGeek 9 Popular Styles of Puppets in America Universal Studios, Singapore, with a group shot of characters at Sesame Street Theme Park. The fabric sleeves of the garment may represent both the arms and the hands, or wooden spoons can be inserted at the end of the sleeves to represent the puppet’s hands. One or two center fingers will move the head, and the other finger and thumb will move the arms. Sew a piece of cloth that will serve as the puppet’s clothing and cover the hand of the operator.Apply yarn for hair or add other adornments. A cardboard tube may also be used for the neck. While the paper-mache is wet, adjust the size of the hole to fit one or two fingers into the head making a permanent hole in order to be able to move the head for gestures. The neck can be constructed by forming a hole where the neck would be located.If working with a balloon, pop it with a needle.

Combine the two halves and reapply paper and glue to make the two halves permanent.

Cut the paper portion in half in order to release the support object.

If you wish, form ears, nose, eye, and lips.

Dip one strip of paper into the flour paste and apply it to the round chosen object building up the layers until you are satisfied with the thickness.

Tear any paper into soft strips (we always used newspapers).

Mix one cup of flour with two cups of water.

Make the head portion using a round object or a balloon.

Second in popularity to the sock puppet is making a character from paper-mache. A puppet is oftentimes referred to as a doll especially when movements are operated by mechanical or electronic gadgets. The puppeteer brings it to life using his fingers, hands, strings, or rods.

Amazing puppetry