Skip to main content

Puppet Prop Design: Head + Mechanics

Progress Report Time! The beginnings of the puppet are taking shape. The focus has been on getting the head infrastructure in place. 

3D model by Tioh

So this was kind of the "easy" part. I resized the models to fit the sketch size and then just let it print. I mean nothing too fancy. I've temporarily attached the lower jaw with zip ties but I'm not mad at how it's been working so far so I may just keep the zip ties on. 🤷 I did the same thing for the eye mechanics
Original by Tioh

The mouth was also resized and printed. These were so tiny but proportional so glad I didn't have to sculpt them. 


A beautiful fit!

Now the models still need some work. The eyes and teeth need to be the proper colors. The inside of the head needs a few things to prepare for internal mechanics. But before getting into all that, I will have to create a pattern for the fabric covering the head. I'll be taping down masking tape or painter's tape over saran wrap. The tricky part will be the jaw. I do expect and want to the cheeks to pucker or puff out when the mouth is closed. I also want to limit the amount the jaw opens. I'll show more detail once I do this.

The plan for the head's internal mechanics will be to use the principles for a weighted blink mechanic as this video outlines. 

So I'll need to make a wire rod to connect the two eyelid levers, make it more of a T-shape with a weighted object at the end of it. Tie string to it, feed it through thin tube casing or a series of beads secured to the 3D printed skull, then add a key ring/d-ring for my finger to manipulate it. I also need to make a mouth flap to manipulate the opening and closing of the mouth and to hide my hand. The plan is to keep it black. I'll also use black fabric to act like inner skin at the corners of the mouth to help limit how wide the jaw opens. 

Other little details I'm working on are making a silicone nose. I did 3D print the nose as you see, but I want it to be squishy and shiny. So I made an impression from the model in polymer clay and baked it.  

Also made some scales for his back.

I also need to make a tongue out of silicone. Which I should be able to do now that I have printed out the jaw set. 

There's so much to do but my brain jumps from thing to thing like bees on flowers. I've been pondering the paws, plotting the pattern for the body, and considering costume plans. I've also got a couple of costumed events coming up! One for dance. Another Ren Faire. And I'm tempted to make a mermaid tail again. GAHH! And I have so much knitting to do! 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hakama Series - Hibakama (Scarlet Hakama)

The bright red hakama with a white kimono is a common sight in both anime and video game characters. Shrine maidens or Miko also wear this combination of colors when they work at Shinto shrines. Honestly, there is a LOT of history and cultural significance wrapped up in this one.  Anime/Games: Inuyasha, Genshin Impact, Sailor Moon,  So let's talk Design. Design Considerations Cultural Significance This is one I'd pay attention to if I was creating a character of my own. I assume that already created characters have had this research done and have taken their artistic license.  Some of the research taught me a few things: The color is technically scarlet or vermillion, not "red". 🤷 Miko are not part of the Shinto clergy. Sometimes they are just seasonal workers.  Generally, Miko are young women in their teens or early 20s. After a certain age, they wear different colors.  This was based on Heian nobility colors and fashions.  Color Like I said earlier, the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hakama Series - Split Leg Hakama

This is the classic style that you likely think of when you hear the word "Hakama". Very wide-legged pleated trousers worn by swordsmen and warriors. Admittedly these are "modern" hakama. There are variations based on historical time period and social status. But these should suit most cases.  So, lets go over how to make them!  You will see examples of this in many games and Anime but some faves of mine include: Rurouni Kenshin, Bleach, Demon Slayer, XXXholic, Hell's Paradise and Genshin Impact.  UPDATE 4/10/2024: I've redone all my instructions. Now that I've actually made a pair of hakama and found some more resources, I felt this needed updating.  From Chihirohowe's Guide Design Elements Color For modern or fantasy character design, no limits to color! You can also use print fabric and add designs! Historically, these would be a solid color and often have a neutral color scheme (white, grey, black, brown). More colorful hakama were usually worn ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hakama Series - Andon Bakama (Skirt Style)

Andon Bakama were hakama typically worn by women in an academic setting during the 1900s or so. Modern times, they are usually worn for formal occasions such as graduation. It is also the style that just looks nice with a kimono especially for those of us with Western hips the size of Texas.  See examples in Anime/Games: Here Comes Miss Modern, Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, Sakura Wars.  So let's get into how to make one. Tutorial style! Design Elements These are things to consider before you start.  by Chihirohowe Skirt Length Traditionally this is worn just below the ankle if you are wearing flat sandals, geta, or zori. It is worn above the ankle for sneakers, boots, and heels. You can adjust how high on your waist you wear it if you are going to switch between the two.  Colors Normally, these are a solid color, sometimes with embroidered floral patterns near the bottom. Red/Scarlet is uncommon outside of Miko. Patterned fabric is appropriate for this.  Side ...
Post a Comment
Read more