6 best string puppets

String puppets, also known as marionettes, are a type of puppetry characterized by their intricate control mechanism. These puppets are manipulated using strings or wires attached to various parts of the puppet's body, allowing puppeteers to create lifelike movements and performances. Here's what you should know about string puppets:

  1. Construction: String puppets are typically crafted from a variety of materials, including wood, fabric, and paint. They are designed to resemble characters, animals, or other figures, with movable limbs and features.

  2. String Control: The primary feature that distinguishes string puppets is the use of strings or wires to control their movements. Each string is attached to a specific part of the puppet's body, such as the head, arms, legs, and sometimes even individual fingers. Puppeteers use these strings to manipulate the puppet's actions, creating a wide range of movements and gestures.

  3. Control Bar: Many marionettes are operated using a control bar, which allows puppeteers to hold and maneuver multiple strings simultaneously. The control bar typically has handles or knobs that correspond to different strings, making it easier to coordinate complex movements.

  4. Artistry and Detail: String puppets are known for their artistic craftsmanship and attention to detail. Puppet makers often invest a significant amount of time in creating intricate costumes, facial expressions, and other features that bring the puppet characters to life.

  5. Performances: String puppets are used in puppet shows and performances, often telling stories or conveying messages through the movements and interactions of the puppets. Puppeteers can convey a wide range of emotions and actions through the precise manipulation of the strings.

  6. Historical Significance: Marionettes have a long history and have been used in various cultures around the world for centuries. They have been employed for entertainment, education, and cultural expression.

  7. Variety: String puppets come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, ranging from small, hand-held puppets to larger, more elaborate designs.They can depict characters from fairy tales, legends, theater, and everyday life.

  8. Puppeteers: Puppeteers who specialize in string puppetry often undergo extensive training to master the art of manipulating the strings effectively. It requires skill and coordination to make the puppets move realistically.

  9. Education and Entertainment: String puppets are not only used for entertainment but also for educational purposes. They can be used to teach storytelling, history, and cultural traditions.

  10. Modern Usage: While traditional string puppetry remains popular in some regions, modern technology has also found its way into puppetry, with some puppeteers using remote-controlled mechanisms and animatronics to enhance performances.

In summary, string puppets, or marionettes, are a form of puppetry that relies on strings or wires for manipulation. They are known for their intricate craftsmanship, lifelike movements, and ability to convey stories and emotions through carefully coordinated performances. String puppetry has a rich cultural history and continues to be a captivating form of entertainment and artistic expression.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best string puppets on the market
  

HOCHE Toy-Marionette Ostrich (Blue)

Based on 152 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Material: environmental protection wood, high-grade plush, wear-resistant line.

Size: high 15in x length 12in (40cmX30cm excluding line).Full opening height about 25in(65cm).(Because of the different measurement methods, there will be errors.)

Weight: about 70 g

Color: yellow, rose red, sky blue, fluorescent green, pink

Function and applicable objects: children aged three and over, situational dialogue games, festivals, funny programs, performances and so on.

  • ✔ We have adopted high quality materials, through layers of quality control, bright colors, real zero formaldehyde, soft and comfortable feel pure hand-made，even if the regular washing is not bleaching, green environmental protection, mother more assured.
  • ✔ Colorful and vivid, stimulating the child's visual nerve development. The use of dolls dialogue game scenes, induced child organization language to express. Stimulate your child's potential creativity and imagination during the game. Use dolls to train kid's eyes and hands coordination , coordinate manipulative ability, and develop your child's expressive abilities in the game.
  • ✔ Use doll to strengthen listening and understanding, to arouse children's enthusiasm for imitation learning. To stimulate children's interest in the use of dolls to set up a relaxed language environment, in order to alleviate their psychological pressure.
  • ✔ Vivid image of the face,facial expression is lifelike.Keep your child away from the screen, play games with your child, and promote emotional communication.Seiko secret agents, no thrum, no come unsewn, clean, neat, beautiful and vivid.
  • ✔ Easy operation: lightly rotating stick, small birds walking. The stick raised its head and fell, and the bird nodded.

User questions & answers

Question: how long are the strings
Answer: No. All of the Folkmanis puppets are only surface washable with a damp cloth. Machine washing will ruin it. Richard from Act II Books and Puppets
Question: How do I get strings for this to make it work as a marionettd
Answer: Hand hole is in the lower portion of the abdomen.

Sparik Enjoy 2 Packs Clown Hand Marionette Puppet Children's Wooden Marionette Toys Colorful Marionette Puppet Doll Parent-Child Interactive Toys-Yellow and Red

Sparik Enjoy

Based on 84 reviews Check latest price

Product description

;total is 2 Pcs, One Yellow and One Red Wooden Marionette Clown

  • Very lovely wooden marionette
  • Puppet toys is made of high quality wood and cloth
  • Clowns Length: 10 Inches; Width: About 4 Inches;total is 2 Pcs, One Yellow and One Red
  • Vivid clowns with Rich and bright colors ,Can exercise children's finger flexibility
  • Attention ： Please check the size of the describe , and We can refund full money or reship new one . please free to contact with us.

Danny O’Day Dummy Ventriloquist Doll, Voice of Nestle Chocolate. One of the Most Famous Celebrity Vent Dummies in 50’s & 60’s. BONUS E-Book 'How to Be a Ventriloquist'

Celebrity Ventriloquist Doll

Based on 318 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Created by famous television personaity Jimmy Nelson, Danny O'Day provides the budding or experienced ventriloquist with an appealing stock character and "personality".



* Free Ebook 'How To Be A Ventriloquist'. A detailed Step-by-Step Instruction Book on learning the art of ventriloquism.

* Includes tote bag for safe storage and transport.

* Designed for easy operation, just hold the head with one hand and pull the string with your other.

* Entertains you and your friends for hours to come.

* 30" inch length. He is ready for immediate use.



Danny O'Day Dummy, The Ventriloquist Doll, Voice of "Nestle Chocolate", longest running commercials in the 50's & 60's. Ask anyone over 40 years old and they can probably sing the song, "Nestle makes the very best....chocolate." Danny O'Day is one of the most Famous nostalgic, Celebrity Ventriloquist Dummies. Danny O'Day is classy in his prim-and-proper outfit. Our Danny O'Day Doll is wearing a black and white checkered suit jacket,a white dress shirt, black shoes, and a large red bow tie.



Danny O'Day is approximately 30" in lenngth,he is ready for immediate use and this popular Celebrity Ventriloquist Doll comes in a handy, storage tote bag.Danny O'Day's mouth is operated vua a string affixed to teh vack of his head.For easy operation, just hold the head with one hand and pull the string with your other.Danny O'Day will now look like he is talking. Your Ventriloquism dummy comes with an extra Free Bonus, our incredible detailed step-by-step E-Book 'How To Be A Ventriloquist'on Learning the Art of Ventriloquism. Danny will entertain you and your friends for hours to come and he makes for a wonderful companion with any of our Celebrity Dolls. Start your collection today and own a piece of American Television History.

  • BONUS: YOUR VENTRILOQUIST DUMMY COMES WITH A FREE EBOOK 'HOW TO BE A VENTRILOQUIST'. A Detailed Step-By-Step Instruction Book on Learning the Art of Ventriloquism.
  • DANNY O’ DAY WAS THE VOICE OF "NESTLÉ CHOCOLATE” IN THE 50’S & 60’S. Danny O’Day is classy in his prim-and-proper outfit. Our Danny O’Day dummy is wearing a black and white checkered suit jacket, a white dress shirt, black shoes, and a large red bow tie.
  • FOR EASY OPERATION, JUST HOLD THE HEAD WITH ONE HAND AND PULL THE STRING WITH YOUR OTHER. Mouth is operated via a string affixed to the back of his head. Comes with easy storage tote bag, makes it easy to store & easy to transport so you can take him anywhere.
  • BE THE LIFE OF THE PARTY entertain you & your friends for hours to come.
  • START YOUR COLLECTION TODAY and own a piece of American Television History. Approximately 30" in length, Your Celebrity Doll is ready for immediate use. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

User questions & answers

Question: Do the eyes move
Answer: I agree, Its uncomfortable. I can do it one handed but it takes away from giving the illusion of life likeness. I'll never buy another doll with this string. In fact, I didn't know this doll did until he arrived...
Question: Can you change his clothes? Or are they permanently attached
Answer: Hi Customer, the item weight limit is 59 kg.
Question: Does the head turn
Answer: Yes it does require assembly, it takes some time but instructions are very well explained
Question: Does this product require batteries
Answer: Hi Customer, the item weight limit is 59.0 kg.
Question: Mine did not cime with a monical
Answer: Hi Customer, the item's weight limit is 59 kg and suitable for children and toddlers ages 3 & older.
Question: Q Hi Can i make the magic spell card
Answer: These hand puppets are beatiful,soft and innoxious. Fun to play with my kids and i did not decide to buy this item at first, Confused like you,but i received these puppets few weeks ago,They meet my expectations.My daughter love them!
Question: Does the head turn
Answer: Not suggest.In my opinion,They are soft plush and mightbe quality material.But it maybe will out of them shape with the machine washed repeatedly!
Question: You should never have to "hold the head with one hand" while pulling a string for a ventriloquist dummy. Is this really true
Answer: I don't know if the fabric is safe for little ones to chew on, but I know the size of the puppet itself could be a choking hazard.

The Original Toy Company Pinnochio Marionette

The Original Toy Company

Based on 135 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Original Toy wooden marionettes are carefully designed and crafted by hand with careful attention to detail. These marionettes always take "center stage"! They can make a magical decoration in any child's room, yet they are sturdy enough for real child's play. For hours of enjoyment and dramatic play. This finely crafted Pinocchio marionette stands 14" tall excluding the strings. Size: 14" tall

  • Pinocchio Marionette measures approx. 14" tall not counting the strings
  • Wooden marionette with detailed clothing and facial features
  • Ready for hours of dramatic play
  • Easy to use with a little practice
  • Designed for ages 5 years and older

User questions & answers

Question: How large is the puppet
Answer: Yes. All the puppets in this set have movable open mouths.
Question: What is the size of this item
Answer: Our plush puppets are surface-washable only. It is best not to submerge the puppet in water. Do not put in washer or dryer. Water temperature should not be more than 40 degrees. Use delicate liquid detergent and to spot clean the puppets. Do not twist or wring the puppet as it may end up causing the stuffing to get lumpy. Let the puppet air dry. You can also dry it by gently squeezing between towels. The other suggestion that someone else posted of using a pillow case can work too, but make sure not to use hot water. We hope this helps. Thank you.
Question: Does the mouth open and close
Answer: You can put a finger in any of the four legs. It is easier to put your two fingers in the front legs and one finger in the head to move it. The mouth does not move.

Marionette Puppets – String Puppets for Presents – Italian Real Boy Puppet for Dramatic Plays – Puppets for Presents – 13.7 x 3.7 x 2.2-inch Colorful and Realistic Puppet – Bright and Vivid Colors

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

When it comes to our customer’s satisfaction, there’s no room for compromise. That’s why we work only with top quality materials and verified suppliers, which are guaranteed to deliver to our high expectations. If for some reason you’re not entirely pleased with your purchase, our customer care department has got you covered!

Why is this product for you?

Our beautiful hand marionette allows you to make real scenes that kids will love. The string puppet follows the exact lines of the famous cartoon figurine, having a realistic design that will impress all children. The puppet is hand-carved by professional craftsmen using traditional techniques. Made entirely out of wood hand hand-painted with care, this puppet will pass the test of time so you can pass it on to the next generation.

Some of the amazing features of this product:

  • Top-quality string marionette;
  • Hand-carved in wood;
  • Size: 13.7 x 3.7 x 2.2-inch;
  • Easy to use;
  • Super fun design;
  • Realistic look;
  • Inspired by the classic cartoon;
  • Does not contain toxic dyes;
  • Allows you to create unique drama shows;
  • Detailed clothing and facial features;
  • Requires a little practice to master it;
  • Lovely present for kids and adults.

 

Keep your kids entertained with this unique string marionette!

  • THE MAGIC OF PUPPET PLAY: Let your kiddo have fun with a classic dramatic play with string puppets! Rediscover the joy of creating unique stories and letting your imagination go wild using a unique string marionette that allows you to have fun with your child and create timeless memories together.
  • EASY TO USE: All you need to create a unique show for your kids is a little practice and our amazing string puppet for kids! The puppet features a classic design with flexible joints that can be easily moved around using the attached strings.
  • A SURPRISE FOR YOUR KIDS: There’s nothing more fun for kids than a real marionette drama right in their home. Teach your kids the first lesson about art and theater, while allowing them to have fun and enjoy a creative story, away from screens, smartphones and gadgets.
  • HANDMADE DESIGN: We wanted to make sure that every single detail is flawless, which is why our Real Boy marionette is hand-carved by top professionals. It is made entirely out of wood, following the lines of the real figurine seen in the classic movie.
  • BEAUTIFUL STYLE: Our hand puppet follows the exact lines of the classic marionette in cartoons. It looks just like the real figurine, measuring 13.7 x 3.7 x 2.2-inch. It is durable, reliable, and very long-lasting so you can pass it on from generation to generation.

Sunny toys 38" Large Grey Goat Marionette

Sunny toys

Based on 50 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This 38 inch grey goat marionette can dance, walk, and run! With the pull of some strings, this marionette comes to life. A great thing about this goat too is that you don't have to feed it, not even grass! This toy is good for ages 6+. A great advantage of this marionette is that it is easy to untangle because lets be honest, a marionette getting tangled is inevitable. The strings can be easily unhooked on the T Bar to fix any knots. The T Bar is the perfect size for any hand and so there is literally no excuse not to get one!.

  • 38" Large Grey Goat
  • Marionette Puppet
  • Ideal for Ages 6+

User questions & answers

Question: I have never used a marionet before, do I have to be behind a puppet theater or can I just hold it and make it look like I have a pet goat
Answer: Absolutely! I'm fact, whenever we try to play with our kid with them, the dog gets insanely excited. :-D
Question: The strings are held to what? Is it easy to manipulate
Answer: Yes, the hands and the mouth are movable.

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