Food puppets are a ton of fun, BUT we all know that desert is everybody's favorite.

Follow along and make your own Cake Puppet used this free pattern and guide. 

We started using these car sponges. However, you can use any 2 or 2.5 inch yellow or white foam.

​Then we used a turkey carving knife to cut a straight edge on one side of each of the sponges.

The next step is to trace the foam patterns in the center of each piece. Then cut them out using the turkey carving knife.

Then cut out the entry hole for the puppet. It should go all the way through the bottom half.

 I like to use a Persona Blade. They are perfect for cutting foam.

Next, mark the spots for your thumb and fingers on each piece. Then use the persona blades to carve out a spot for your hands. But do not go all the way through the foam.

For the mouth plates I like to use plastic from an old storage container. Trace the mouth plate pattern and cut out two of them. Then glue them into the mouth of the puppet. I like to use contact cement for this.

Next, trace and cut out the fold fabric mouth plate pattern. You will need two of these. Use whatever color you want. This will also look like the filling on the cake.

Next, cut out the fabric top and back cake pattern pieces. These will act as the frosting. Use whatever color you would like your frosting to be.

Then glue them to the top and back of the foam.

For the frosting details, trace and cut out the pattern as show using a contrasting color of felt.

Repeat this as many times as needed. I ended up use 8 of them to decorate my cake.

Next, make eyes for your puppet. for this I used Jumbo Ping Pong balls that were cut in half.

Add pupils too! for this you can use a sharpie marker or small pieces of felt.

​Click here to learn other techniques for making eyes for your puppets!

Glue it all together and add any other details you like. I added a birthday candle!

No longer are mascots limited to just the football field and basketball court. In the digital age a costume just won't cut it anymore. Imagine your mascot talking to your customers and doing interviews. The best way to do that is with a puppet version of your mascot! Pump up your audience and increase viewer engagement by adding a mascot to your brand or business.​

Looking for more ways to create fun inside? Always wanted to become a master puppeteer? Follow this easy tutorial on how to make a frog puppet that’s professional in style, but simple in design. ​

STEP 1
​Pick out a fleece fabric and trace the printable pattern on the fabric.

STEP 4
​Next, trace out the mouth and pin and sew it onto the body of the puppet.

STEP 8
Trace out the feet and legs and attach the ankle to the foot to attach the leg to the foot. Again, stuff the felt with foam and wire where needed. ​

STEP 9
This step is optional, but you can create a sleeve to cover your arm when using the puppet. ​

STEP 10
​Make the foam body with strong foam and then insert the foam body right into the puppet.

Learn Puppetry!
Learn how to perform puppetry too!

by Puppet Nerd Blog

Instagram @AdamKreutinger
YouTube  @AdamKreutinger
Twitter  @AdamKreutinger

by Puppet Nerd Blog

Instagram @AdamKreutinger
YouTube  @AdamKreutinger
Twitter  @AdamKreutinger

When making mechanisms, it’s best to start out with a sketch. Especially when you have multiple mechs that have to work together. Having a plan can save you a lot of headaches even if you have to make changes later as you are building.

For the eyes I used wooden spheres that were 2 inches in diameter. I pained them black and coated them with ColorShift spray paint. This makes the color change at different angles.

For the ear mech I used spiral boning. It’s a material used in dress and corset making. It’s nice since it won’t get outstretched like a spring and won’t fatigue like wire. ​

To make these eyelids, I vacuum formed plastic over the wood eyes. Then I welded posts on the back to they could be controlled by the trigger.

I stretched fleece over the eyelids and secured it down with contact cement. 

Next I covered the skull with foam. I added more than I needed to I could sculpt into it to get the shapes I wanted.

This is the headstick I made. I cut it from a block of Delrin. It’s very strong. ​

I added some foam shapes to get even more detail before adding the fabric.

I get my fleece at Puppet Pelts!

Seven years ago my parents moved from snowy Buffalo to sunny California. Sounds like an easy decision to make. I mean, who wouldn't like perfect comfortable weather every day with a view of the ocean from their balcony window.

Despite the view, I'm sure this was one of the toughest decisions they've ever had to make.

And for us, well... now we have the perfect excuse for yearly vacations. 😎

With 2,559 miles between us, it should be no surprise to hear that the Kreutinger's are well versed in video calls. Something that has become a sudden popular trend in the world due to unfortunate circumstances.

That said, there is nothing quite like sitting down in person and having a nice conversation. I had a really nice conversation with my Mom this past August. She was visiting when my daughter was born. We were talking one day so I migrated the conversation to my puppet workshop. My workshop also has a recording setup for when we make episodes of Puppet Tears Podcast.

But there was no puppet talk that day. Just an awesome, impromptu, in person, conversation with my mom.

These in person conversations were something that have been taken for granted for a long time... 

but we shouldn’t anymore.

Many people have given me flack over the years for pulling out a camera and recording things. 

“Can’t you just be in the moment?”

or

“You are not being present.”

They always say.

I couldn’t disagree with this more. In fact, it’s the opposite is true.

You would have to be hyper PRESENT to recognize you are IN a moment that is worth capturing.

When sitting back and reflecting on your childhood or family memories, I don’t think there are many people who think “Golly, I wish I didn’t have so many family photos” or I really wish I didn’t have that video clip of grandpa singing while cooking spaghetti.”

No.

You always wish you had more. And so often the most routine and mundane things end up being the things we miss the most.

So…

Don’t record everything.

However, if even for a second you have an urge to pull out your phone to capture a moment...

DON’T HESITATE...


you will regret it.

Here is my interview with my mom. Well worth the watch. (CLICK HERE)


Instagram @TheWholeKreu @AdamKreutinger 
YouTube @TheWholeKreu @AdamKreutinger
Twitter @TheWholeKreu @AdamKreutinger

Yours truly,
Adam

Tell me if you have seen this before…

A kid who’s an outgoing playful goofball when they are at home... but becomes shy, nervous, or gets anxiety when in any other situation.

We have all seen children who are afraid to speak up when in a group of friends, or giving a class presentation, or even to simply raise their hand to answer a question. Whether this is your son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandchild, or student; I have a tip that might help, and that tip is puppetry.

Puppetry is empowering. 

I see puppetry as an underused tool in education and early childhood development. Learning puppetry can help give kids a voice, especially if they are naturally shy, have trouble making friends, or seem to lack self confidence. 

Puppetry can be a truly powerful confidence builder for three main reasons.

1: Eliminate Risk
Using a puppet can eliminate the risk of feeling embarrassed when presenting in front of a crowd since technically they are not the one who’s presenting… the puppet is. It acts as a sort of “mask” which shields from feeling like the focus is on them. This starts to break down the barrier of public speaking. Once they are more comfortable presenting with a puppet, then they will be one step closer to doing a presentation on their own.

2: Play is Practice
The “Eliminate Risk” reason above might seem like too big of a first leap, but in reality, the above example is not likely to be the first thing they do with a puppet. The first thing they will do is play. Play has always been part of development for kids, this is nothing new. But playing with puppets specifically develops the presentation and communications skills needed in building the confidence to become less shy and more social with peers. An extra benefit to puppetry as play is it can be done independently or more collaboratively. Making it easy to include friends when the opportunity arises. (During my Masters in Education I took a class called “Theory, Research and Practice of Play” and I am planning to talk more about it regards to puppetry in future posts. Stay tuned!)

3: Be an Expert
There is so much one can learn about puppetry. When you dive in, you quickly find how wide and diverse the world of puppetry is. Anytime you study and practice an art or hobby, you start to gain knowledge that goes deeper than the knowledge of the general public. You start to become an expert in the eyes of the average person. Being a source of knowledge to your peers is a true confidence builder, especially to a kid.

All this is just the tip of the iceberg for what you can expect to gain from puppetry. I have seen it first hand over and over again with my students and with my family. 

Not only is it important, but it’s also a ton of fun! I have added many puppetry projects into my art class in Orchard Park, as well as at many public events at Explore & More Children's Museum, Buffalo Public Library, local Scouts troops, the Theatre of Youth, and many more! 

If you’re a parent or know any teachers, therapists, or anyone who works with kids; I highly recommend giving puppetry a chance. It would be a great addition to their tool belt for helping their kids.

Instagram @TheWholeKreu @AdamKreutinger
YouTube @TheWholeKreu @AdamKreutinger
Twitter @TheWholeKreu @AdamKreutinger

Yours truly,
Adam

Interview with Sesame Streets Leslie Carrara-Rudolph

Ten years ago I was 21...

Needless to say the past ten years have been extremely influential. Life changing milestones at every step...
​
- Graduating from college
- Started teaching career
- Masters degree
- Married
- My daughter

and all along the way creating my art.

Though I don't know exactly what the future will hold for me, I do have plans. My main plan is to continue exactly what I am doing now, but to expand on it.

So more tutorials, build projects, and interviews. But also I'd like to do some fun challenge videos and talk backs.

If there is anything specific that you would like to see, please let me know!

Ideas commented on the blog will have priority!
​
**Happy New Year!!!**

Instagram @TheWholeKreu @AdamKreutinger
YouTube @TheWholeKreu @AdamKreutinger
Twitter @TheWholeKreu @AdamKreutinger

Yours truly,
Adam

Maker Faire had reached out to me last year on Instagram, inviting me to the event. I WAS THRILLED, especially since they were adding a puppetry section to the faire. Rochester it is practically in my own backyard, being from Buffalo.

At the time I accepted I didn't know we were going to be bringing an infant. But our new family had a BLAST, especially baby Fred! You can see our experience first hand in the Vlog on Youtube.

Being so new to the Maker Faire experience, I wasn't sure of exactly what to bring. So we just stuffed the car with all I had until nothing else fit! I even ordered custom banners designed by Cameron Garrity, my co-host on the Puppet Tears Podcast . And I LOVE how it all turned out.

Over the course of the two days day Maker Faire I did puppetry demos for thousands of people. I showed them how the mechanical puppets work, performing techniques, as well as how to find free resources on my website to make your own puppets. I even taught how to make your own show!

I also met a ton of awesome people! Many of which we are planning to do collaborations with. I met Elijah Horland who was a host on Mythbusters Jr. We got to learn about his experience on the show and they invited us to go to his Maker Faire in Coney Island! Keep an eye out for it, I'm really hoping we can go!

We also met and got to see an awesome magic show by Mario the Maker Magician! He was awesome! We chatted a little about my old magician days, I'm hoping to build puppet for one of his projects coming up! Be sure to check out his YouTube Channel too!

I connected quick with my friends over at Thimble and we are hoping to make a puppetry themed box for their maker subscription kits!!!! Stay tuned!!!

Lastly, Kira and I are planning to co-design a line of puppets. I'm going to be creating a custom pattern exclusively for her shop! So if you like the design, the only place you will be able to get it will be at Kira Arts!

The whole event was sooooo amazing! I am definitely looking forward to going back again next year and even to other Maker Faires!!

Instagram @TheWholeKreu @AdamKreutinger
YouTube @TheWholeKreu @AdamKreutinger
Twitter @TheWholeKreu @AdamKreutinger

Yours truly,
Adam

    ​Seeing people around me give birth to sticky kids with ten perfect toes and cute little laughs honestly made me roll my eyes. I was so busy building my career as a teacher and performing on the weekends, creating lesson plans, characters on stage, dreaming of how to engage students while having them pass the NYS exams and figuring out how to make audiences laugh, the last thing I had on my mind was being nauseatingly pregnant and inspecting “What shade of poo?” diapers. If someone would have said to me a few years ago, “Maria, the most creative endeavor you will ever make would be Winifred Truly” I would have laughed.

    I knew I wanted to be a mom, “someday”, but that “someday” wasn't exactly laid out for me. I was at a point in my life where everything had started to begin. I had dealt with an extremely heavy loss the previous summer, and with Adam had to make an extremely tough decision. The bond I had with my puppy, Ornacia was something I had truly never felt. The connection I have with my four dogs is something that is irreplaceable. With Ornacia, we were connected in a special way, though I am not spiritual in an astrological or tarot card way, I am 100% on  board with fate. Fate brought us together, and what we hand was magic. And she taught me how to be a mother. As parents, Adam and I had to make a decision, one that broke me down, but made me trust my instincts. The day of her passing was the rebirth of my life.
 
    Without Ornacia, the sweet summer went on, I still took great care of my other dogs, but had an emptiness that nothing could replace. I learned how to love with coping with loss, but took comfort in the fact that I had two years with my special pup. I started a brand new job as a third grade teacher, was performing a full season of Buffalo theater, and getting used to the fact that I was now a wife. There were so many changes I embraced, I couldn’t see myself taking on anymore. 

    It was always in the back of my mind I would be a mom, but could I handle it? Could I handle my biggest, deepest, darkest fear? Could I really host a small human in MY body? The thought irritated me, knowing something would be taking over and I would have no control of the situation. That I would let my body pretty much ride bike with no breaks and I would be speeding head on down the road with no choice other than to scream full voice, hair in the wind.  “No” I told myself, I couldn’t possibly do it. How selfish. I thought.

    But it wasn’t selfish, it was a real tactile feeling. I knew what it felt like to love something so much you’d do anything to make sure it was okay, even if it meant making tough decisions. I did that as a nanny, a teacher, a dog mom. But I still felt like something bigger was on the horizon, just waiting for me to teach me to see the world in a different way. I didn’t know it yet, but that thing was Fred. 

    The day we brought Fred home from the hospital, life was chaotic. There were friends and family coming in and out, bringing food and offering help while I slept through hospital exhaustion. When the nights were quiet, sitting with Fred, Adam beside me I looked at him out of nowhere and said, “ Isn’t it so weird that she’s here but nothing seems different, and yet everything has changed? It’s like she has been here all along.” That’s the only way I can describe the feeling. How is it that something so new in this universe is already an old soul? Meeting her wasn’t a first time encounter for me. It felt like, “How lovely to see you again.”  Something much bigger than us in the universe brought her to me and Adam.
​
It might be science or something from above, but before I knew I was pregnant I remember looking up at the stars one night, and feeling calm, and ready to let go, for the first time in my life. Whatever that feeling was or is, came back to me the second the nurse placed Fred in my arms. “I’m so glad you’re here.” Finally.

Instagram @TheWholeKreu
YouTube @TheWholeKreu
Twitter  @TheWholeKreu

Yours truly,
Maria