HOW TO MAKE PUPPETS FOR THE PLAY
To make the puppets for the play, follow the instructions in “How To Make a Finger Puppet.”
FOR MOTHER MARIANNE’S OUTFIT:
For the white collar: Using a compass, draw a circle not quite 1.5 inches ( 4 cm. ) on white felt. Cut the circle in half. Cut a small opening for the neck. Glue to the neck portion of the puppet with the opening in the back.
For the white headgear: Cut out a small portion of ribbing from an old white t-shirt. Stretch it slightly and glue to the head.
For the black veil: Cut a length of black fabric 4 inches ( 10 cm.) x 8 inches ( 20 cm. ) inches. Hem the section which will face the front (If you use fleece no hemming is necessary). Drape the fabric around the head and secure with a couple of stitches near the back of the head. You will need to tack down a “pleat” in the back of the garment to provide a proper fit for the veil.
FOR FATHER DAMIEN’S OUTFIT:
Father Damien
For his cape: Follow the directions for Mother Marianne’s white collar except cut out a circle of grey felt slightly larger than that for Mother Marianne’s. His cape opens in the front with one side lapping over the other.
To make his beard: Glue unspun brown yarn or bits of cut-up wool to the puppet’s face.
To make his glasses: Use pliable silver wire. This wire costs less than a dollar at the Dollar Store.
TO MAKE HIS TRADEMARK HAT:
Crown: Form a circular shape the size of the doll’s head by taping newspaper strips together. Flatten the bottom. Cover with Saran wrap and tape to a piece of cardboard. This will form the mold for the crown. Cut out a circle of felt which extends about an inch or more beyond the edge of the crown. Briefly soak the felt in extremely hot water. Squeeze out the excess and stretch the wet felt over the crown. Let dry.
Brim: Cut out a larger circle of felt (the desired size of the brim). Cut out a hole in the middle, a little smaller than the circumference of the crown (so that the brim will fit snugly over the crown). Soak it in water as per the crown. Let dry. When the hat dries stiffen it with applying fabric stiffener (such as Stiffy ) or white glue on the surface of the hat. Remove the excess and let dry. If necessary, glue the brim to the crown. Place the now-stiffened hat on your puppet’s head!