How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet with Moving Mouth

Making a Paper Bag Puppet with a Moving Mouth: It's Easier Than You Think!

Hey there! Want to make a super fun puppet? It's easier than you think! Paper bag puppets are awesome for kids and grown-ups. This guide shows you how to make one with a mouth that actually moves. Perfect for rainy days or just a fun project. Let's get started!

What You'll Need:

• A brown paper lunch bag (any color works!)
• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Construction paper (lots of colors)
• Optional: Googly eyes, yarn, buttons – get creative!
• Optional: Small rubber bands or string

Let's Make a Puppet!

1. Designing Your Puppet's Face:

First, plan your puppet's look. Draw its face right on the bag. Will it be a friendly dog? A scary monster? A superhero? Think about the eyes, nose, ears… and that amazing moving mouth!

2. The Moving Mouth – This is the Magic!

Cut a small slit near the bottom of the bag – about an inch or two. This is the mouth! Make it bigger or smaller, depending on how wide you want the mouth to be. To make it move…

1. Cut a thin strip of construction paper – about ½ inch wide and a little longer than the slit.
2. Fold the strip in half.
3. Glue one half inside the bag, above the slit. This is the hinge.
4. The other half sticks out – that's the bottom lip!

See? Now you can move the bottom lip, and the mouth opens and closes!

3. Adding Eyes and Other Fun Stuff:

Now add the eyes and other details! Draw them, or cut shapes from construction paper and glue them on. Googly eyes are super fun. Make it your own!

4. Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow (Optional):

Want to give your puppet some awesome hair? Use yarn, pipe cleaners, or felt. Get creative!

5. A Body and Clothes (Optional):

Want to give your puppet a body? Use another piece of construction paper or even a sock! Glue it to the bottom of the bag. Make some clothes too!

6. Embellishing Your Puppet:

Add little details – buttons, felt, beads… anything to make it special! Remember my first puppet? I used buttons for eyes – it looked amazing.

Tips for Success:

• Use strong glue! You want this puppet to last.
• Cut carefully. Sharp scissors are your friend.
• Let the glue dry. Don't rush it!
• Experiment! Use felt, fabric, anything you like.
• Design a fun character! Maybe your pet, or a favorite book character.

Time for a Puppet Show!

Now it's showtime! Here are some ideas:

• Make a simple stage: A box or a blanket works great.
• Write a short story: Get your friends involved!
• Make more puppets: A whole cast of characters!
• Add sound effects: Rustling paper can be wind!
• Record your show: Share it with everyone!

Keep Crafting!

This is just the beginning! Try making different puppets, using different materials. You'll be a puppet-making pro in no time! Have fun!

Making paper bag puppets is a fantastic way to be creative and have fun with friends and family. So, gather your supplies and get crafting! Happy creating!