Create your own talking characters using simple paper bags! You'll learn how to design a puppet face and use the bag's fold to make your character's mouth move.

Tools

• scissors
• markers

Materials

• small brown or white paper lunch bags (1 per puppet)
• colored construction paper (3 sheets)
• googly eyes (2 per puppet)
• school glue (4 oz bottle)
• pipe cleaners (2 per puppet)
• pom poms (3 per puppet)

Safety

• Adult supervision required when using scissors.
• Be careful not to ingest small parts like googly eyes or pom poms (choking hazard).
• Adult supervision required for sharp objects.
• Small parts pose a choking hazard. Supervise young children.
• Protect work surface. Materials may stain clothing.
• Adult supervision required for children under 8.

Steps

1. Lay your paper bag flat on the table. The bottom flap of the bag will be the puppet's mouth, so the 'face' will be decorated on the folded bottom part.
2. Decide what character you want to make (like a monster, animal, or alien) and draw a sketch on a piece of scrap paper.
3. Cut out shapes from the colored construction paper to create the puppet's features, such as ears, hair, or a nose.
4. Glue the construction paper shapes onto the bottom flap of the bag to build the face.
5. Glue two googly eyes onto the flap above where the mouth opens.
6. Attach pipe cleaners to the sides of the bag or the top of the head to create arms or antennae.
7. Glue pom poms onto the top of the head for a fuzzy look or use them as a nose.
8. Let the glue dry completely for about 15 minutes.
9. Place your hand inside the bag and put your fingers inside the bottom flap to make your puppet talk!