Sustainable Sock Puppet Making

This activity is most suitable for children 5+. If the child has younger siblings, then the younger sibling can join in to play with the puppets once they are done and you can out on a puppet show!

Materials Needed:

• An old sock you no longer wear

• Buttons, yarn, or fabric scraps for decorating

• Googly eyes or buttons for the puppet's eyes

• Fabric glue or a needle and thread

• Scissors

• Markers or felt-tip pens (for drawing a mouth)

• Any other materials you'd like to use for decoration (e.g., beads, ribbons)

Instructions:

1. Choose Your Sock:

   • Select an old sock that you no longer wear but is still in good condition. Using it for puppetry gives it a new purpose and reduces waste.

2. Decorate the Sock:

   • Use buttons, yarn, fabric scraps, or any other materials you have on hand to decorate the sock and turn it into a puppet character. Get creative with your design!

3. Add Eyes:

   • Attach googly eyes, buttons, or any other small, round items to the sock near the top to create the puppet's eyes. Use fabric glue or sew them on if you have a needle and thread.

4. Create a Mouth:

   • Use markers or felt-tip pens to draw a mouth on the sock. You can make it smile, frown, or create any expression you like.

5. Add Extra Details:

   • Use any additional materials like beads, ribbons, or fabric scraps to give your puppet character some unique features, such as hair, a hat, or clothing.

6. Let It Dry:

   • If you used fabric glue, allow the glue to dry completely to secure the decorations in place.

7. Put on a Show:

   • Your sock puppet is now ready for a show! Use your hand to operate the puppet and bring it to life. You can create stories, perform skits, or simply have fun with your new puppet friend.

8. Clean Up:

   • After you're done, collect and put away any materials you used, and clean up your workspace.

By repurposing an old sock into a puppet, you're engaging in a creative and sustainable activity. You're not only reducing waste but also giving new life to an item that would have otherwise been discarded. Enjoy your puppet-making adventure and have fun with your eco-friendly puppet shows!

Check out our video here!