Puppet Design and Fabrication - Building a basic puppet/intro to materials

ACE – Technical Workshop Descriptor
Mary Murphy 

Technical Instruction Area:
Animation - Stop Motion Studios

Academic Programme/Level/Workshop code:
BA1- Action Analysis

Room Number:  1G10 

Maximum Numbers Possible: 15


Key processes/Technologies covered 

• Armature building - working with wire, ploymorph and milliput
• Basic techniques in allowing for repair and replacement

• Low cost skinning using latex and foam build up

2 Technical Learning Objectives:
Through demonstration and supported practical exercise, this two day workshop aims to guide students through key design and fabrication issues when making a fit for purpose lightweight stop motion character. You will be guided step by step through the key materials, tools and processes used when producing a low cost and lightweight pin down puppet.

On completion of a basic wire and polymorph armature, you will incorporate a basic repair and replacement system, and skin the character using low cost latex build up techniques.




This workshop will cover the following key topics: 

1.  The importance of concept design and scale drawing
2.  Interpreting a design and sourcing materials
3.  Key Health and Safety considerations.
4.  Basic armature building principals and techniques
5. Basic skinning and finishing techniques
6. Key design and fabrication principals in stop motion puppet making.

Duration of Workshop

2 days

Links to Associated Learning resources

Extension Materials

Examples

Materials & suppliers