Make Your Own Ventriloquist Cardboard Cutout Puppet

What can we use instead of a wooden craft stick or paper fasteners if we don't have them?

If you don't have a wooden craft stick or paper fasteners, use a sturdy popsicle stick or a thick straw taped to the mouth flap and substitute small brads or folded, tape-reinforced paper through the mouth and arm holes to let pieces pivot.

My mouth flap won't pivot smoothly or is too wobbly—how can I fix it?

If the mouth flap won't pivot or is too loose, add small reinforcement circles of scrap cardboard behind the mouth opening, retighten the paper fastener so the flap can swing freely, and make sure the tape on the wooden craft stick (step to tape the stick) isn't blocking movement.

How can I adapt this activity for different ages?

For younger children have an adult pre-draw and pre-cut the puppet and punch the fastener holes so they can attach arms and decorate (simplifying steps 1–6), while older kids can add extra jointed limbs, layered clothing cutouts, or a painted cardboard stage for more advanced ventriloquism practice.

How can we enhance or personalize the puppet beyond basic coloring?

Personalize the puppet by gluing yarn for hair, attaching googly eyes and fabric clothing (step 9), adding a painted cardboard stage, or making multiple puppets to rehearse tossing your ventriloquist voice during your performance (steps 10–11).