In 2001 “Shrek” hit movie theaters around the world. Originally an animated movie, no one could have guessed that there would soon be a musical adaptation to hit Broadway just 7 years later. It has original music, jaw dropping costumes, and LOTS of puppets.
Catchy music, lots of characters, and an important message. All those ingredients make this the PERFECT show for schools to perform as well. High schools all over put on yearly productions like this (middle schools too).
If you are putting on your own production, you may need a Gingy puppet! That’s where we have you covered! You can follow along with this simple tutorial on how to make your very own gingerbread man puppet, aka Gingy.
You can also learn simple skills on how to puppeteer your Gingy puppet and the lip-sync techniques here.
If you are new to puppet building be sure to download the FREE pattern too. Just remember to scale it up to 300% at a local copy shop.
Let's Get Started!
Step 1
First get yourself a sheet of thick foam. Anything from 2-3 inches thick. Then trace the pattern in foam, then cut it out. I like to use a turkey carver. It works well on thick foam like this. Be sure to cut out the mouth hole too.
Step 2
Then cut a thin strip (about 1 inch thick and wide). Mine turned out to be about 13 inch long. Then I wrapped the foam in a red stretchy velvet and sewed a black cloth to the inside of the mouth.
Step 3
Next, you have to make a special mouth plate to attach to the lips. You could also use a cheap glove for this, but I prefer the mouth plate method. More more detailed instructions on making this portion, I would recommend watching the tutorial video here.
Step 4
Then add about half an inch of seam allowance around the foam pattern to create the fabric pattern. For this I am using a stretch velvet, but you could use a puppet fleece instead too. Trace the pattern then cut it out. I stitched mine on a sewing machine, but you could also use hand sewing techniques too.
Step 5
Now you have to wrestle your foam into the fabric covering. It’s not too difficult, but it is harder than it looks. Make sure to smooth it out with your hand to get rid of any wrinkles.
Step 6
Next, stich the lips onto the front of the puppet. Then stitch the front of the mouth plate to the inside of the puppets lips. Now your gingerbread man puppet should be functionable.
Step 7
Now it’s time to decorate your cookie! For a simple finish, I like to use craft felt. But you would also use craft foam, puffy paint, or really anything you feel will look good!
