Carve a Puppet Fish

CARVE A PUPPET FISH: online tutorial series

• Learn how to CARVE a PUPPET FISH, through my step-by-step tutorial series!

• Suitable for beginner carvers

• Learn handheld knife carving techniques.

• Assemble your puppet using a small selection of handheld tools.

• Learn painting and staining techniques for working with wood.

This tutorial series is 6 videos long, available to watch below.

Video 1 shows you what's inside a carving kit, and talks you through the tools and equipment you will need to complete the project.

Video 2 covers carving safety and sharpening.

Video 3 shows you how to carve the puppet, divided into sections.

Video 4 shows you how to carve additional details

Video 5 shows you how to paint your puppet

Video 6 shows you how to assemble your puppet

Testimonials

I would love to hear your feedback on the series or see what you've made! You can get in touch with me through Facebook, Instagram, or just send me an email at sarah@sarahvigarsart.com. Testimonials are always welcome, but I am also interested to hear any queries or questions you might have. Any feedback I receive will help me improve my tutorials in the future.

Feedback from Carve a Puppet Hare (2022)

"This is an excellent kit and highly recommended for beginner carvers!"

"I learnt a lot from following Sarah’s detailed videos on YouTube and hope to use the knowledge gained on my next carving project. The instructions were great and the carving was fun.”

Feedback from Carve A Puppet Bird (2021)

"I’ve been super impressed by Sarah Vigars' video tutorials on how to carve this. The attention to detail is amazing. I reckon even a complete novice to wood carving could do this carving! Being just a casual whittler in the past I’ve learned loads!"

SOME GUIDELINES On Watching The VIDEOS

• I recommend watching the videos in order

• Please watch VIDEO 2 before beginning any carving, as it covers CARVING SAFETY

• Each video has been broken down into CHAPTERS and/or STEPS for ease of watching

• Sometimes, a 'SKIP AHEAD' arrow will appear when you can skip to the next STEP in a video

• You might want to watch each STEP first, before beginning the activity.

All tutorials and puppet designs are copyright Sarah Vigars
sarahvigarsart.com
All musical recordings are copyright Louis Bingham
louisbingham.bandcamp.com

Recommended Participant Age: 16+

Please note that these tutorials are intended for ADULTS. They are not suitable for children as they involve the use of sharp equipment and epoxy glues. My carving kits are resources for adult learning. They are NOT intended as toys for children (and are not made to toy safety regulations). It is therefore your responsibility to supervise any child’s play with your finished puppet.

Introductions

I recommend watching these two introductory videos before starting the carving. Video 1 takes you through everything you will need, and Video 2 covers carving safety and sharpening. NOTE: when it comes to tools, you don’t need everything all at once! You will only need a whittling knife to carve the puppet (plus a strop for sharpening, and a finger guard for safe carving). You can also use your own paints if you want to. You won’t need most of the assembly tools until the very end of the project (Video 6).

(Video 1) Introduction part 1/2
KITS, TOOLS and PAINTS

(Video 2) Introduction part 2/2
CARVING SAFETY and SHARPENING

ALLERGEN ADVICE - Relating To The Dyes, Paints, Oils And Glues Used In These Videos

• Bolgers Water Based Wood Stains are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, odourless and VOC free. They are unlikely to cause skin irritations.

• Chalk paint is made from guess what…chalk! It is non-toxic, VOC-free & biodegradable. You can use acrylic paint if you prefer.

• Rustins Danish oil is not VOC free, though I only use it in very small quantities. It conforms to The Articles in Contact with Food Regulations and to the Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995, BS:EN71 Part 3. However, please note that Danish Oil contains tung oil which is extracted from nuts, and may therefore be unsuitable for severe nut allergy sufferers. Use at your own discretion, or contact Rustins Ltd for more information about their products.

• Araldite glue, Gorilla glue and UHU glue are toxic if consumed and can cause skin irritations. Keep away from children. If you have sensitive skin wear gloves when using these glues. Both glues are also toxic if inhaled so use them in a well ventilated area, or wear a mask. (However please DON’T BE PUT OFF - we are only using very small amounts!)

• This list is not exhaustive: if you have sensitive skin, asthma, or severe allergies please take due caution when using any of the materials listed in these videos.

Carving the Fish

(Video 3) Carving the fish part 1/2
CARVING the BODY

(Video 4) Carving the fish part 2/2
TIDYING UP and carving optional DETAILS

Adding Colour

(Video 5) Adding colour
STAINING, PAINTING and OILING

Assembling the Puppet

(Video 6) Assembling the fish
TAIL, FINS, EYES and CONTROL