Learn to build mechanisms for your hand puppets! In Part 2 of his 2-part "Puppet Mechanism Basics" course series, master puppet builder BJ Guyer (Muppet's Wizard of Oz, Glee, Crank Yankers) teaches you how to create and install puppet eyelid and eyebrow mechanisms, including bonus tips for making a "nose wiggle" mechanism.

This DVD is a 2-Disc Set

Intermediate Level

3h 58m of duration

English (auto), Spanish (auto)

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Curriculum

1. Title & Introduction - 1min

2. Constructing a Nose Wiggle Mechanism - 19min

3. Constructing a Basic Eyelid Mechanism - 29min

4. Constructing a Basic Eyelid Mechanism - 33min

5. Constructing a Basic Eyelid Mechanism - 30min

6. Construcing an External Eyelid Mechanism - 31min

7. Constructing an External Eyelid Mechanism - 32min

8. Constructing an External Eyelid Mechanism - 23min

9. Installing the Eyebrow Mechanism - 23min

10. Installing the Eyelid Mechanism - 17min

Materials

CLICK on the links below to find the materials you need for this lesson.

Some items might be harder to find, but a little internet scouring usually finds you everything you'll need.

Foam Mart

Joann Fabric (Michaels)

MATERIALS LIST FOR BUILDING AN EYE MECHANISM

3 - 4 pieces of 1/8" or 3/32" welding rod or coat hanger wire approx 10"- 12" long

Assortment of plastic half spheres or plastic balls for eyes

10" x 10" piece of 1/8" - 1/4" thick birch plywood, ABS plastic, or Luan door skin

Assorted small springs

A few pieces of 1/4" to 1/2" wide elastic at least 6" in length

8" length of PVC or nylon tubing with an inner diameter around 1/8"

A few small wooden or plastic beads

A couple of pieces of PVC tubing approximately 1"- 2" in diameter and about 6" long

Small spool of 40 lb fishing line

REQUIRED TOOLS

Dremel with cutting wheel, sanding drum, and drill bit attachments.

Drill

A set of small drill bits

Screwdrivers - Phillips and Flat Head

2 pair of pliers - at least one pair needlenose pliers

Small hammer

Superglue or CA glue

Kicker for superglue

Baking soda

1 tube of Propoxy 20 or Plumbers Epoxy

5 minute epoxy

A few pieces of heavy card stock paper or a couple of Manila folders for patterning

Package of assorted small eyelet screws

ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL TOOLS

Small bandsaw

Small table or workbench vise

Small hobby wire bender jig

PVC cutters

HEALTH/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

When working with toxic and/or dangerous materials or tools:

ALWAYS read labels for appropriate use guidelines

ALWAYS wear a high-grade respirator

ALWAYS work in a well-ventilated area

ALWAYS protect your skin

ALWAYS wear eye protection

Artist BiographyBJ Guyer

World Renowned Puppeteer and Puppet Builder

See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

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