Shadow puppets are great when you have to put up a show for your kid’s birthday party. They can also make for a fine hobby and will help sharpen your creative skills. In this guide, you will learn how to make monster shadow puppets using normal paper and polycarbonate.

Materials Needed

• Cardboard paper
• Polycarbonate film
• Contact paper
• Scissors
• Puncher
• Needle-nosed pliers
• Bamboo skewers
• Masking tape
• Clear tape
• String
• Unused wire hanger
• Theatrical gels

Step by Step Procedure

For Paper Puppets:

Step 1

Take a cardboard paper. Cut or rip out the monster shape that you want, using the scissors and the puncher. You may already have a monster in mind; cut it out in a nice and clean manner or you can just rip out the shape and figure out what it can be, later. It really doesn’t matter, and the choice is entirely up to you. Part of the fun of making the puppet is being creative about it.

Step 2

Get a bamboo skewer for rod control. Cut a long piece of tape and then tape it just to the top. Fold the tape over on itself to make a loop and then flatten it, so you can have a flap that will function as a hinge. Attach another tape on it so you can attach the puppet to the hinge.

You now have your very own paper monster shadow puppet. Do the same thing for other paper puppets you might want to make.

For Polycarbonate Puppets:

Step 1

Get a piece of polycarbonate and contact paper, preferably black. Stick the polycarbonate on to the contact paper. Make sure it’s as smooth as possible. If you get bubbles, just pop them with a utility knife.

Step 2

Draw your monster outline and cut it out.

Step 3

If your monster cut-out has arms, you can make them movable by drilling little holes and putting a wire through, bending them, and then attaching the arms.

Step 4

Take a wire hanger for use as the control rod. Put a little loop at the end using your pliers. Make another bend an inch or so below it so you can have a place to attach the puppet to.

Step 5

Take a little piece of polycarbonate and punch two holes on both sides. You’re going to use it as the controller for the arm, and you’re going to use it to attach the string to on the control rod. Fold both ends with the holes and slide the control rod across it. You can then attach the string to it and pull it back and forth. It will be the thing that pulls the arm up and down.

Step 6

Attach the control rod to the puppet using a wire. Use your pliers to twist the wire.

Step 7

Use a string to connect the controller to your puppet’s arm, so you’ll be able to move it.

Step 8

Add some colors through colored lights using some theatrical gels and clear tape, and you’re all set!

You can put on a show using a shadow theatre, either bought or custom made, and watch the kids’ faces as you tell them your story via light and shadows!

Watch The Video

Make Shadow Puppets