Mr. Summer Salt is a last minute addition to my 2026 puppets, and as such I really don't have time scheduled to build him.
Mr. Summer Salt
The success of this Tumbling Monkey in my 2025 show made me want to build a dedicated Clown puppet to do the same thing in 2026
as such I really don't have time scheduled to build him.
Mr. Summer Salt is a last minute addition to my 2026 puppets, and
So if he is going to happen at all, he has to be built simple and fast.
It's all Lady Janes fault !
I blame my good friend Jane from Heights.
We were having Lunch and a wander round the shops, when I spotted these two dresses in a charity shop.
I'd promised myself I wasn't going to spend any money on puppet fabrics.
But Jane said they would make a nice puppet ...and I am easily tempted !
The Bunny Bouncer
Designs often change during a build. Never more so than with this puppet.
Especially as there has to be TWO versions of the same character.
Armed only with a rough design based on the fabrics, I decided to make a fast start. Strike while the iron was hot.
Some polystyrene Easter decorations from The Range made a good base to build on.
Cardboard, tin foil and electrical tape did the rest.
Two versions : the 'Puppet' on a long stick, and the shorter 'Stunt' version.
All ready to cover with PVA wood glue anchor cottton fabric.
Nice outdoor work on the first sunny day of Spring.
Only needs a second coat on some parts.
The front of the face will be pulp.
I had the thought that he was jumpy and bouncy because he liked bunnies.
Ideas change, and so must the design of a character.
For speed of getting him built, the bunnies were bought from Amazon.
Yes, I could have made them myself. But I don't have time to make six
The change of plan meant the insides of the hats needed to be ripped out.
Fabric and PVA glue and sewing cotton used to strengthen the cut hats.
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Internal 'body' of the stick puppet with D-Ring for hanging him up in the theatre.
Time to crochet wig bases and knot wool hair into wigs.
Just have to try on on for size !
Stick is painted then varnished. Alongside another puppet at exactly the same stage.
A nice dry, sunny Spring day. Just perfect for painting outdoors.
Bunny massacre !
Only need the top part in the hats, loosing the legs to save weight.
Bunnies properly glued in position and hands sewn to the hat rim.
His hands are supposed to look like he's wearing gloves.
That's my excuse for not making wooden hands.
There is strong fabric strips running through the arms, through the hands and sewn into the rabbits.
The connections have to be super strong, as this puppet will get thrown about a lot.
A strong internal structure is needed inside the body of the "Stunt" version to make sure he can withstand the rigours of performance.
I adore these tiny baby trainers I found on Amazon. Just Perfect.
Just like the arms, the legs have strong fabric ribbons running right through to hold them together.
Tailored trousers cover over the construction.
For both puppets, the arms are sewn onto a neck band that can be glued on firmly and also sewn into position.
All done !
A big job, but should be worth it.
They will look splendid in the show.
Come and see these guys in action at THE HEIGHTS OF ABRAHAM
July 18th to Sept 1st 2026.
