Making a Marionette (2024) - Step-by-Step Construction Guide + Videos

Have you ever wanted to make your very own marionette? I’ll show you how. In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll take you through my process of building a marionette from scratch, so you can create your own, too, using two basic materials - wood and air-dry clay. :)

You'll learn how to create all body parts of the puppet, including the controller. You'll also learn how to assemble all the pieces together and, of course, how to control your marionette. I’ll show you the process of sculpting two different faces – one with a closed mouth and one with a wide smile (so you can also see how I sculpt teeth). This PDF file also contains links to 13 accompanying videos, because I truly believe that seeing the process in motion is a perfect complement to written and photographic instructions. It also contains five printable pages of drawings (blueprints) that you can use while building your marionette. The instructions are in English.

Approx. height of the marionette: 31.5 cm / 12.5 inches (top of head to bottom of feet)

What’s included:

• 217-page PDF with text instructions and full-color photos (including 5 printable technical drawings)
• Materials & tools lists for each step
• 13 accompanying videos showing the process described in the PDF

How this differs from my video course (Making a Simple Marionette, 2019)

• While my video course from 2019 is more beginner-friendly, this e-book (2024) is a more intermediate-level body construction guide. The joints (knees and elbows) are more sophisticated, so they can be uncovered (allowing your puppet to wear shorts or a T-shirt.)
• In this tutorial (2024) the focus is on woodworking and clay sculpting (hair, painting, and sewing tutorials are not included - you can customize your puppet however you like.)

Level of difficulty: Medium, i.e. before you start, you should already know how to use basic DIY tools, like a drilling machine with a drill press stand, or a handsaw. When it comes to sculpting, some previous experience working with air-dry clay can be useful.

Safety disclaimer: Some tools that I am using in this tutorial can be dangerous (handsaw, drill, sharp tools...)! Please be very careful when working with all the tools. I highly recommend that you find all the safety information associated with these tools beforehand. This e-book/tutorial doesn't contain any safety instructions. You undertake this project at your own risk. The tutorial is intended for adults only.

Terms of use: For personal projects only. You may sell items you make, but do not resell or distribute the PDF tutorial, photographs, text, drawings, or linked videos themselves.

Payment: Payment is processed securely through the payment processor you will select during checkout. I do not have access to your payment details. For more information, see the Payhip's privacy policy. 

Digital product only: This is a digital product. No physical item will be shipped.

Download: You will be able to download the file right after paying, through the download page. The link to the download page will also be sent to your email address, so you can access it later, too (if you don’t see it, please check your spam, social, or promotions folders.). 

Refund policy: Due to the nature of digital products, refunds aren’t available, but you can always email me for assistance.

Making a marionette is not a one-day project, but it is a beautiful craft. And I believe this guide will be a helpful companion throughout your puppet-making journey :). If you have any questions, or need any advice along the way, feel free to ask me at mihokova.barbora@gmail.com, and I'll be happy to help you. Ready to start? Let’s make a marionette together! :)

Barbora Mihoková