Resources for Making a Shadow Box Stage and Puppets
Sue Small's "How to make a shadow puppet stage" and "how to attach straws to puppets" is well worth reading.
Sue Small's "Foxes Ridge Folkart" blog also has printable templates for Jacob and Esau shadow puppets.
The free photos from her site and referenced here show how a simple character outline can be turned into one with movable arms.
To make:
Trace image onto poster board, attach arms with brads.
Use masking tape to tape flexible straws or skinny dowels to the characters and the arms.
Attaching Straws to move the shadow puppets
Where to find character images:
Google Bible story clipart using Google images, or use Bible story coloring books.
Making "Sets" for Shadow Puppet Dramas
Draw props and set pieces (like houses and trees) onto white paper using black marker or dark crayon. Fill in, and then lightly tape the piece of paper to the inside of your stage screen.
Make Your Shadow Box with Screen
Cardboard Boxes or cardboard display boards are good to use. Cut a rectangular area out of the middle section of the cardboard and tape FREEZER PAPER over the opening.
Lighting the Shadow Puppet Stage
Clamp lamps or a small flourescent at the base of the stage work well.
Several images on this page are from Sunday School teacher Sue Small's Foxes Ridge Art blog. Sue left no way to contact her, and wrote that these were free.
