Polar Bear Puppet

Life-size polar bear puppet was constructed from PVC pipe, Loc-Line, hula hoops, acrylic sheets, upholstery foam, insulation foam, polyethylene foam, EVA foam, muslin, and faux fur.

The internal structure consists of two wearable harnesses attached to a PVC spine. PVC piping forms the main support structure, while Loc-Line was bolted to the PVC spine and covered with thin polyethylene foam to shape the torso. Hula hoops are secured to the PVC spine to create the neck structure.

The legs are constructed from acrylic sheets bolted to pvc pipe attached to the main structure, with upholstery foam attached to create muscles. The entire structure was then wrapped in muslin and covered in faux fur.

The faux fur extends past the legs and includes snaps that wrap around the puppeteer’s legs to create the bear’s legs. The polar bear’s feet were made from insulation foam and EVA foam. Velcro attachments were added to attach the feet to the puppeteer’s footwear. The boots were then covered in muslin and finished with faux fur.

The puppet was designed by Ashley Crockett. The build was led collaboratively by Ashley Crockett and myself. The head was constructed entirely by Ashley Crockett, and the feet were constructed entirely by me.