How to Build a Cardboard Puppet

Learn how to transform simple cardboard scraps into a moving puppet character using basic tools and your imagination.

1. Draw your puppet parts. On your cardboard, draw a head, a torso, two arms, and two legs. Make sure your arms and legs are long enough to overlap the torso slightly so you can connect them.
2. Cut and decorate. Carefully cut out all your pieces. Use markers, paint, or construction paper to give your puppet a face, clothes, or cool patterns before you put it all together.
3. Punch the holes. Ask a grown-up to help you punch a hole at the top of each arm and leg, and corresponding holes on the sides of the torso. You will also want to punch a hole at the top of the head to attach it to the body.
4. Assemble with fasteners. Line up the holes on the limbs with the holes on the torso. Push a brass fastener through both holes and spread the tabs on the back so they stay secure. The limbs should be loose enough to swing back and forth.
5. Add the control strings. Tie a piece of string to each arm and leg. Gather all the strings together and tie them to a small stick or a cardboard handle so you can pull them all at once to make your puppet dance.