One of the great things about doing shadow puppetry at home or in the classroom is that you don’t need fancy tools and supplies. You can make a desktop theater of a cardboard box and parchment or tracing paper, and cut puppets out of the thin cereal boxes. Ordering materials through the Amazon links provided below will allow me to receive a small kickback if you make a purchase. All supplies listed can also be purchased through your local stores.
Puppets
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Black poster board. I recommend the dimensions 28 x 32″, which is available in single sheets in craft stores. The thickness should ideally be thicker than cardstock. Make sure the paper has some texture and isn’t too smooth, because that will not allow drawing.
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Thin bamboo barbecue skewers
- Black painters tape (1/2″)
- Velcro 3/4 inch tape for attaching rods to puppets and storage
- Optional: Velcro dots (for hats, attachments etc.)
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Small sharp scissors (not for children)
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White or light colored pencils for tracing and drawing on black poster board
- Eraser
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Optional: 18 or 20 gauge (0.81 mm) memory/craft wire to coordinate movement in puppets (singing and dancing, animals walking)
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Optional: 1/8″ hole puncher
Theater
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Foam board presentation board 48″ x 36″ (24″ wide when folded, 36″ tall). Alternative: Cardboard box minimal size 18″ x 21″ (preferably bigger)
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15″ wide tracing paper or clear (not patterned!) parchment or cookie paper
- Black painters tape (3/4″ or 1″)
- Velcro sticky back 3/4 inch tape
- Box cutter
Light
- For desk top shadow puppetry: clip-on light such as bed light, craft light, or book light. Shown on page: Rechargeable piano/reading/craft lamp
- Alternative: cell phone flash light, flash light, or desk light
Puppet storage
- Cardstock paper
- Velcro sticky back tape (the soft side)
- Expanding letter size files