First stop motion puppet (Work in progress)

First stop motion puppet (Work in progress)

As this was the first time I've made a puppet, it was a huge learning curve. There are places where I deviated from the course instructions and things I will do differently next time. These images are just taken on my phone and I will do proper photos and create the stop motion soon.

My original concept was to make a waif-like mid-Victorian heroine. While the finished product sort of fits this brief, I'm not happy with her face and would like to redo the head to get a more refined result.

I will also make the wires that secure the arms longer next time I make a puppet as my arms kept falling out. I was forced to sew them to the body at the top so they stay in but can also be moved.

I worked in 1:12 scale because it will allow me to use props and accessories I already have in the stop motion. However, this was a tricky size to work in as it's so small and for future projects I'll work in a larger scale. It was almost impossible to get a nice, detailed finish at that scale.

The costume was a labour of love. I made all her garments from stockings with ribbon garters, to split drawers, corset, petticoat, bodice with lace trim and full skirt with embroidery and lace.

I really enjoyed the process of making the puppet and will do it again.