Operatic Ballerina Puppet - 1:6 scale
Puppet build as part of the Aardman Academy Puppet workshop.
Built with 3D printed armature (supplied)
Task was to design and build a unique character, which we workshopped in the character development stages
I decided upon a mixture of Opera star and Ballerina with a slight ‘Aardman’ house look.
I wanted to set myself an extra challenge so under took a dipped latex skin finish, which was a bit of a stretch goal within the week course! The hands didn’t work that well with the latex dipping method however, so casting in silicone mould (as per the hands in my Sculpts section) would be preferable over this for future projects.
Sketch ideas for the puppet
Planning colour palette
Planning out the armature
Construction of the arms with wire and milliput
Wrapping with thin foam and with cotton
Adding rigging points with K&S
Testing movement
Carving balsa wood head
Making holes for eyes
Wrapping in tape
Making a fabric costume along with the class
Building my own puppet-specific costume from epoxy, foam and fabric
Dipping into latex and hanging to drip dry
After trying to sew the fishnets, I opted with gluing as the sewing wasn’t effective
Making the viking helmet from epoxy and foam,
Painting costume parts
Wig cap and wig construction, from black fabric and auburn roving wool
Attaching wig and helmet, adding painted bead eyes and plasticine lids
Building ballet slippers with ribbon
Assembling all the parts