M For Marionette – Get Crafty #BlogchatterA2Z

A marionette is a puppet manipulated by strings from above attached to a control. They are also known as string puppets. These were very popular in the olden times and the simplest marionette had atleast 9 strings to control. The more strings were attached, the more sensitive control the master had over the marionette.

Some were so fascinating in design that they were able to imitate every human and animal action. They were extremely popular during the 18th century with marionette operas. Children loved the marionette shows at the fairs. But there also was a time when they lost their popularity when glove puppets came into picture.

Now who doesn’t like a puppet right? Sorry, a marionette! Let’s try and make one today but in the most simplest form for kids. Just two strings and that’s it!

Supplies
Colored pompoms
Strings or thread
Icecream stick
Googley eyes
Needle and thread

Let’s get started
1. Eye the needle with thread and then string all the pompoms together. Do not string them tight. Keep them loosely arranged. If your child is not comfortable using needle and thread, make sure to help them so that they don’t prick themselves.
2. Cut the string, and attach it to one end of the icecream stick.
3. Tie another piece of string towards the end of the pompom string and then to the icecream stick.
4. Stick goggley eyes on the first pompom on one end.

A simple two string marionette.
This image belongs to http://www.myworldwitheira.com and reuse is strictly prohibited

Your bug marionette is ready!

Eira’s bug marionette.
This image belongs to http://www.myworldwitheira.com and reuse is strictly prohibited

Use the icecream stick to manipulate your cute marionette around. These little marionettes help improve hand-eye coordination of a child while they try and manipulate the movements.

We have made a quick video while Eira was making her marionette.