1. Stage 1: Make a rigid cross from lath, bamboo sticks, lollipop sticks, wire or stiff card. You can lash the two pieces together, or use a screw or some really strong glue. The size of the cross will determine the size of the puppet. A shorter cross-piece will mean that the feet are closer together.

2. Stage 2: Make two circles of cardboard for feet. Cut two leg strings – they should be of equal lengths. The length will determine how long the legs are. You can use button thread, fishing line or any other stout thread. Pierce a hole in the centre of each circle and thread a leg string through each hole. Tie a BIG knot in the end of the string so that it can’t slip through the hole. Thread a small pompom onto the string to make a furry foot over the cardboard circle. Tie the other end of the thread around a cross piece. You might want to make a groove in the cross- piece so the thread can’t slip. Don’t wait, test your puppet now! Once the structure has feet you should be able to “walk” it along the floor. Move it forward while you rock it from side to side to lift the feet off the floor. cardboard circle pompom foot big knot groove

3. Stage3: Cut a length of thread to make the body. This thread will stretch from end to end of the longer crosspiece and it will form a bow shape between the ends, so make it nice and long. It’s always easier to cut a piece off later than to lengthen it if it’s too short!. Body thread will be positioned here

4. Stage 4: Prepare some pompoms to make the head and body. You will need at least: –A big pompom for the head –Three or more smaller pompoms for the body –A medium sized pompom for the tail Decorate the pompoms (you can do this before you string them or afterwards, whichever is easier). String the pompoms on the body thread you cut in stage 3. Attach the body to the long part of the cross, making grooves or using a couple of spots of glue to secure the knots in place.

5. Stage5: Tie some yarn or ribbon onto the body thread between two of the body pompoms and let it hang loosely. Attach each end of the ribbon to the feet to make the legs. Now have fun and enjoy your puppet!