In painting keep in mind the stage lights and character effect. Principles of ordinary stage make-up may be followed. If the hair has not been modeled on the head, crepe or yarn may be pasted on. There are other ways of making heads. They can be carved out of wood or modeled in some kind of material which hardens and can be used directly.
Heads carved from wood are probably the most satisfactory of all from an artists point of view.
If the puppet maker is primarily an artist and is sure of his medium, he can produce puppets which are works of art as well as simply useful figures hand carved wooden heads, for a rough surface catches the light upon its many planes and reflects it back to the audience causing the face to carry and seem to change expression. A smooth surface is likely to be swallowed up in stage lights and wile it may be exquisite upon close examination, it will be of little practical use for it cannot be seen over the footlights. Heads modeled in modeling wax or other material which hardens quickly also require an artist who is reasonably sure of getting his effect immediately and with little experimentation. This page was created by Crystal Tiala. Assistance was provided by David Regan, Frank Ballard, students and all the wonderful volunteers at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry.