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Marionette String Puppets Basket
Activity Basket

Marionette String Puppets Basket

Simple wooden-bar marionettes that teach little hands the magic of pulling strings to bring a character alive.

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Ages 3-620 min prep
Craft sticks glued into a cross, string, tape — the whole control bar kit.
Craft sticks glued into a cross, string, tape — the whole control bar kit.
Four strings tied on and the puppet hangs, ready to move.
Four strings tied on and the puppet hangs, ready to move.
Tilt the bar gently and the puppet walks across the table stage.
Tilt the bar gently and the puppet walks across the table stage.

What you'll need

  • 2 craft sticks or thin wooden dowels per puppet, glued into a cross
  • A small fabric doll, wooden peg doll, or paper cutout figure
  • Thin cotton string or embroidery floss
  • Scissors and strong tape
  • A low table edge to perform from

How to make it

  1. 1

    Glue two craft sticks into a plus sign and let dry — this is the control bar.

  2. 2

    Cut four pieces of string, each about 30 cm long.

  3. 3

    Tape one string to the puppet's head, one to its back, and one to each hand or foot.

  4. 4

    Tie the other ends of the strings to the four tips of the control bar. Head string goes to the middle.

  5. 5

    Show your child how to tilt the bar gently to make the puppet walk, wave, and bow.

  6. 6

    Turn on some music and let the marionette dance across a table stage.

Tip

Start with just two strings (head and one hand) for younger kids. Add more strings as they get comfortable.