OK. I think I've mentioned this before in other topics.

Check out these guys..





Both of the same structure.

How you any of you go about building something like this?

Well first step I would say is go out and have a look at camping back backs. You could make something for this but you want an harness to build off of.  A back back is a good base.  Then decide what you want the puppets "backpack" to look like.  Remember you are actually in the puppets backpack with one arm in front of you to manipulate the head and then the other to your side to manipulate the hand. The actual camping backpack gives you something to attach to and most have aluminum poles on the back so you can easily add extensions either back or up to increase the size of the puppets "backpack".  The real one is going to have straps in the front that you can use to support the puppets body.  I would use EVA foam to create the shoulders of the puppet since it is light weight yet sturdy. Could also maybe use a boning or plastic tubing to build a struture for the shoulders.  Either one is then "hanging" of the straps in the front. You might want to make the puppet detachable using something like dog clips. So you would climb into the back part the clip the puppet in front from inside. I am just rambling here throwing out thoughts. 

I think one of our other members is currently working on building one of these... hmmm where would that post be.

Oh wow. If someone else is doing this. Would be great to see their progression. Along with any obstacles they've come across.

Been wanting to do this for a while. The backpack that covers me I want to be able to re dress it and attach different puppets.

I understand how the puppet works. One hand - Head. Other hand - Is hand of puppet. Leaving the other hand of the puppet fake. Also that the body needs to attach to my waist.

We've both mentioned back packs. Would you use a large litre rucksack... say something like this...

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/vango-explorer-60-plus-10-rucksack-p203348
I know its pricey but just an example!!

Would you leave it as a whole? I just had a thought of being able to pack it all away into the rucksack at the end of a gig! Or would you dismantle the bag so was just the back support and straps?

The biggest thing you'll have to worry about is weight and ergonomics. i know people here tend to use auluminium and/or bamboo for the frame.

Been thinking about Tent Poles. But I dont think they'll be sturdy enough. I'm liking the thought that it all collapses down and packs away into rucksack.

Yes I think you could make it detachable so that it fit in the ruck sack once you finished the gig. If you used the one you posted or something similar I don't know you would need to add any poles for extending. I think those actually come a bit above a persons head anyway or at least close.  If you made the covering for your puppets back back out of two layers of fabric with a thin layer of foam between them you could sew panels so they make a box that can be folded the way a cardboard box collapses.

I would make the pack from scratch so you can reduce maximum weight.. also tent poles from kids tents are usually plastic and lighter it be worth $15 of research testing their load capacity.

Looks like a fun project.. Wish I had time to reopen my workshop.


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