Klondike Kitty Hand Puppet
This feline vamp has long-lashed eyes, a tight-fitting sheath dress of mustard velvet, and
a long white furry tail which she drapes up over her shoulders like an ermine stole. Her
head can be cast in plastic wood, papier-mache or Celastic.
Casting
Celastic
Celastic is the trade name of a material that makes light, practically
unbreakable puppet heads. It is expensive compared to plastic wood or papier-mache. The
material is purchased by the yard along with some acetone and a special parting agent
which prevents it from sticking to the plaster mould. The mould should be wetted, then the
parting agent brushed on. The Celastic is torn in strips and made pliable with the
acetone. It is then laid in the mould much the same as in casting papier-mache, although
two layers are usually enough. Always work in a well-ventilated room and use rubber gloves
to protect your hands.
Movable Eyes
Movable eyes should be mounted in the front half of the head before
the two halves are joined together. They can be made of wooden beads or doll eyes.
Kitty's eyelashes are of the kind purchased at cosmetic counters. Her eyes are controlled
by the tip of the finger inside the puppet head, but movable eyes can also be operated by
a wire passed down through the body. This method occupies both the operator's hands,
however.
