[Figure 3.4] Lining up the tubes with the diagram.

Next, you can cut the small pieces. As you progress, keep lining things up with your diagram to make sure you are staying on track with things in terms of size (Figure 3.4). To get the small pieces out of the larger sockets, simply use a small Allen key to push them out from the other side (Figure 3.5).

Once all of your pieces are cut, attach the large socket tubes to the armature in the proper place with hot glue (Figure 3.6). This will not be the ultimate solution for keeping them affixed because it’s not strong enough for all the pressure you’ll eventually put on the puppet. It’s just a temporary measure for keeping the pieces in the right place. Next, for the arms and legs, cut and twist some aluminum wire pieces and slot them into the small tubes. Continue measuring against your diagram, and put the whole figure together to make sure it’s working for you in terms of proportions (Figure 3.7).

[Figure 3.5] Pushing the tubes out with a small Allen key.

[Figure 3.6] Hot gluing the socket tubes to the armature.

[Figure 3.7] The various pieces and limbs slotting together.