Making a parrot hand puppet is a fun craft project that can provide hours of entertainment. Parrot puppets are popular among both children and adults for their bright colors and ability to mimic speech. This easy tutorial will walk you through all the steps needed to make your own parrot hand puppet at home using common craft supplies.
What You’ll Need
Here are the supplies you’ll need to make a parrot hand puppet:
| Felt or fabric in various colors (red, yellow, green, blue) | Googly eyes |
| Felt beak pieces or wooden craft beak | Hot glue gun + glue sticks |
| Polyester fiberfill stuffing | Needle and thread |
| Scissors | Pencil |
The amount of fabric and supplies needed will vary slightly depending on the size of puppet you want to make. It’s a good idea to have a variety of color felt/fabric scraps on hand to create a more realistic-looking parrot.
Create a Pattern
Start by creating a pattern piece for your parrot hand puppet on a sheet of paper:
- Draw a pear-like shape with a wide base that tapers towards the top.
- Add a small bump at the top for the head.
- Draw a curved line across the bottom for the base.
- Cut out the pattern piece.
Use this paper pattern to trace and cut out two identical pieces from felt or fabric. One will be the front piece and one will be the back of the puppet.
Cut Out Details
From colored fabric, cut out the additional pieces needed to add details:
- Tail feathers – long diamond or flame shapes
- Crest feathers – small teardrops or spikes
- Wings – freeform oval shapes
- Feet – small oval shapes
Cut the details from coordinating colors of felt that match the parrot’s plumage. You’ll also need to cut a small triangle from yellow fabric for the beak.
Add Features
Glue or sew features onto the front piece of the puppet:
- Glue or sew the tail and crest feathers in place at the top.
- Glue on the googly eyes just underneath.
- Glue on the triangle beak, centering it under the eyes.
- Glue the wings on each side.
- Glue or sew the feet near the base.
Let the glue dry fully before moving onto the next steps.
Assemble the Puppet
With the right sides facing in, sew around the edge of the parrot’s body, leaving an opening at the bottom. Turn the puppet right side out through the opening. Stuff firmly with fiberfill, adding a bit at a time until the body is full and rounded. Sew the opening closed.
Insert your hand into the puppet and move onto the base. Arrange the base fabric into pleats, gathering it together so it fits snugly around your wrist. Sew the pleats in place to secure the base.
Finishing Touches
Add any final embellishments to bring your parrot puppet to life:
- Glue sequins, pom poms, or other trim for extra feathers
- Stitch or glue decorative fabric for eyelids
- Use puffy fabric paint to add accents and textures
Customize your parrot hand puppet with bright colors and lots of whimsical details. Now you’re ready to put on a puppet show!
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some troubleshooting tips in case you run into any problems while making your parrot puppet:
Seams ripping:
– Reinforce stressed seams with extra stitching
– Use matching thread and small stitches
– Consider using fabric glue on heavily stuffed areas
Wrist hole too tight:
– Make slit in base fabric before gathering into pleats
– Leave opening unstitched to adjust fit
– Use elastic thread when stitching base closed
Puppet slips off hand:
– Add velcro or snaps to wrist
– Stitch non-slip grip dots inside base
– Use craft wire to shape and reinforce wrist
Customizing Your Design
The wonderful thing about handmade puppets is that you can customize them however you like. Here are some ideas for putting your own creative spin on a parrot puppet:
- Use brightly colored scraps of unusual fabrics like silk or satin
- Add glitter, rhinestones, or sequins for sparkle
- Accent with pom poms, fringe, or fake fur
- Embroider or applique details like feathers or scales
- Layer multiple colors of fabric for an ombre look
- Incorporate decorative buttons, ribbons, lace, or rickrack
- Make a mini pirate parrot with an eyepatch and earring
- Design your own unique feather patterns and colors
The key is to let your imagination run wild and create a fun character. Add voice, personality, and your puppetry skills, and you’ll have a feathery friend ready for hours of playtime and entertainment!
Conclusion
Making a hand puppet is a satisfying craft project for all ages. Following the steps in this tutorial, you can create a lively parrot puppet from start to finish using simple materials. Customize your puppet’s colors, personality, and accessories. Soon you’ll have a one-of-a-kind feathered friend to bring smiles and laughter to any audience. So gather your supplies and unleash your creativity – it’s time for your parrot puppet to take flight!
