Convert-A-Bear Puppet

Are you looking for something to do with your old teddy bears? Well, why don't you turn them into a great Valentine's Day puppet?

12” stuffed bear
5” x 7” sheet of red foam
pencil
scissors
glue

REMEMBER THAT IT'S IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS WORK UNDER ADULT SUPERVISION. SOMETIMES WE USE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE HARMFUL, LIKE SCISSORS, SO DON'T EVER ATTEMPT TO MAKE THESE PUPPETS ALONE.

1. Trace your pattern on red sheet foam to create the mouth. Cut it out.
2. Fold over the top part to create a pocket for your thumb and glue it from the corners down. Fold over the bottom section to create a pocket for your fingers. Let dry for about 20 minutes.
3. Put it on to make sure it fits your hand. Make a small snip and carefully trim a straight line across your teddy bear’s mouth. You may have to cut past the muzzle to make sure your red foam fits inside. If you find any threads that will be in the way of your fingers, cut them away.
4. Cut about a 2 inch diameter circle out of the back of the bear’s head. This is where you will insert your hand.
5. Take a little bit of stuffing out, so you have only what is necessary for you to insert your hand.
6. Insert your red foam into the bear’s mouth.
7. Glue the mouth in, a little bit at a time. Let dry for about a half hour.
8. Turn the bear over and glue the top of the pockets to the opening to keep the stuffing from coming out.
9. To animate your bear, put your fingers in the top pocket and your thumb in the lower pocket. Move your fingers to make his mouth move!