Picture
If a worm puppet needs hair- what kind of hair does he get? Well, this worm is getting lively, wispy hair made from ostrich feathers. I slice the barbs off the quill with an x-acto knife, about 10-15 together. I hot glue these together at the very end, about 1/8 inch up the barbs. Then, after I have done this many, many times over, I take a piece of cloth (cap!) that is the same I will be using on the head. I cut a very small hole in the center of the fabric, which I slide one of the barb groupings tip through. I hot glue it on the bottom to keep it in place. I do this in a circular pattern around the cap. When the head has been completed, I will sew the toupee on to it. For more pictures of the progress of the squirmy wormy puppet so far, check out my facebook site, too. It is
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joy-Filled-Puppets/134935036520065
-Kimberly

 
Picture
The top hair is in place and wild!
Back into working on our furry little monster!! Time to work on the "hair". I created the hair from a feather boa that I sewed 4 layers of about 5" each together. I then sewed each end of the boa onto either side of fabric behind the eyes of the puppet.
Next, I take an ostrich feather and snip off a few pieces and glue the ends and insert it down into the boa. I do this several times until I get the look I desire. I keep my original illustration in front of me at this point, so I can match it as closely as possible.
Tomorrow, we'll talk arm joints! :)
Picture
Attaching the boa layers to the long haired fur fabric with upholstery thread.
Picture
Cutting off ostrich feather pieces to glue to head
Picture
A few feather pieces transplanted as monster hair!
 
Picture
Before I get into sewing fur- I'd like to show you a little bit about different types of materials that can be used for hair. This furry monster that I am working on will even have a "poof" of hair above his eyes. This picture shows some materials I have used to make hair. (L to R) Yarn, faux fur, marabou fur, doll hair. I've also cut fleece into strips, used wigs, and artificial cob webs. Your imagination is pretty much your limit! A fun thing I love to do is go to the thrift store, and sometimes the shopping mall and hit the clearance sales with puppets in mind (especially good after Halloween!). You'll be surprised what deals and inspiration you will find.
Tomorrow, we'll talk noses!!