Foam for Puppets
With the continued popularity of foam DIY and crafting, foam is being used in ever more inventive ways. Given its flexibility, durability and easy-to-shape nature, it's an excellent option for making puppets, intricate or simple, that can be moulded and decorated. Its versatility suits crafting by adults and children alike, whether in complex designs or as a simple creation.
Which foam for puppets?
Whatever the size of puppet you want to make, there are several foam options depending on your design. We typically advise a high to medium-high density polyurethane foam sheet, which carves and cuts easily yet holds its shape. Denser foam suits smaller puppets such as finger puppets, and ones used by children, as it withstands being placed on the finger or hand. For larger or intricate puppets, softer, lower-density foams give less harsh edges and cut-out designs, though solid foam is usually the most popular.
Making a simple finger puppet
A fun, simple finger puppet for a child often uses a single shape with only a few edges, such as a cactus or cartoon ghost, easily traced onto a foam sheet from a printout:
- Print your shape, resized to around 15cm tall and no more than 7cm wide, adjusting to fit the recipient's hand or finger.
- Use our cut to size tool to source foam in the required dimensions, around 3cm thick (order a bigger sheet for multiple puppets).
- Trace the shape onto the foam and cut it out.
- Hollow out the foam from the bottom edge, big enough for your finger.
- Decorate as you wish – paint it and add items such as googly eyes.
For more on decorating, read our guide to painting foam.
More intricate puppets
For more intricate designs, use our cut-to-size tool to order various foam shapes and types in your required densities with no cutting needed. We recommend sketching each component on paper and assessing what you need before ordering for complex projects. One of our customers used detailed shapes and carving skills to create the base of a fantastic eagle puppet, later painted and adorned with feathers. For an adult beginner, we'd suggest a design with four or fewer foam components, such as a caricature puppet head. Our guide to educational foam toys has more crafting ideas for children.
Whatever your design or its complexity, our knowledgeable team can advise on foam requirements. Please contact us for assistance.
Frequently asked questions
What foam is best for puppets?
We typically advise a high to medium-high density polyurethane foam sheet, which carves and cuts easily yet holds its shape. Denser foam suits small or children's puppets, while softer, lower-density foam gives less harsh edges on larger, intricate designs.
How do you make a foam finger puppet?
Print and trace a simple shape (around 15cm tall, up to 7cm wide) onto a 3cm-thick foam sheet, cut it out, hollow out the bottom edge for your finger, then decorate with paint and items like googly eyes.
Can foam be used for complex puppets?
Yes. The cut-to-size tool can supply various foam shapes, types and densities with no cutting needed. Sketch your components first; for an adult beginner, a design with four or fewer foam parts (such as a caricature puppet head) is a good start.
