How to Make a Papier Mache Head Puppet

Step 3 Finish Building the Head

When your head is completely dry you will need to take out the insides. For safety, this step needs to be completed by an adult. Cutting through the papier mache layers, cut your head in half right down the middle of its face with an xacto type knife. It may take several passes to cut through all those layers, so be patient and be sure to observe xacto knife safety (Never cut toward yourself!). Also, try not to cut too deeply into the styrofoam and clay.

Next, pry the two halves off of the foil covered base, and discard the insides. Now that you have the shell of your head, fit the two pieces back together and secure them with masking tape in several places.

For the neck, you will need to cut a hole in the bottom of your head the same size as your paper towel or toilet paper roll. You will only need about an inch long section of your roll, so cut that off and place it in the bottom of the head. The majority of this neck piece should be visible on the outside. Secure this with masking tape.

Lastly, papier mache over the seam and the neck with a fairly thick layer of newspaper. Make sure to cover all masking tape.