The basic instructions above are for the crocodile which appeared in the September 1954 issue of Pack-O-Fun magazine. With modifications, literally hundreds of puppet variations can be made. By simply adding a saw-toothed strip of felt on top, Mr. Crocodile can be turned into a scaly, scary dragon. Or by shortening the mouth and building up the head, as we did for the clown and ringmaster on page 40, you can create a multitude of lovable characters from Hansel and Gretel to modern animated cartoon animals.

Whiskers and mustaches will give villainous or rube-like looks; eyes and ears can be exaggerated for comic expressions; cheeks can be padded for a chubby look and noses can be anything from a tiny button to a long duck’s beak. Hairdos can be long and feminine, short and boyish or fringed for a lion’s mane. Hats, dresses and other costume pieces will enhance the puppet character and hide the arm.

The puppets on pages 42-43 were made for the underwater western skit “Phineas Rides Again” written by our Katie Conrad. Four of the characters are talking puppets. Louie the Lobster is a finger puppet and will give you an idea how both types of puppets can be combined for maximum visual effect. Susie Starfish has no moving parts, but being the beautiful heroine really doesn’t need any! It is possible for one person to handle all six roles.