The shoebill is one super, silly bird.  Here’s how to make one that won’t ever fly away.

What You Need

• shoebill puppet pattern
• gray sock
• 2 sheets of dark gray felt
• sheet of light gray felt
• sheet of tan felt
• light gray pipe cleaner
• 2 large googly eyes
• sheet of lightweight cardboard
• black marker
• fabric glue
• scissors
• stapler

What You Do

1. Download and Print the Pattern
   Download and print the Shoebill Puppet pattern.
2. Cut Out Puppet Pieces
   Use the patterns to cut the wings, bill, and “eyebrows” out of the felt.
3. Staple Pieces Together
   Lay the three wing pieces on top of each other, aligning them at the top. Staple the pieces together along the line shown on the pattern.
4. Make the Mouth
   Cut the piece for the mouth out of cardboard and fold it in half. Spread glue all over the outside of it, and push it into the outside of the toe of the sock to make the mouth.
5. Add Bill
   Draw the lines on the bill with the black marker. Wrap the bill around the toe of the sock and glue in place.
6. Add Googly Eyes and Pipe Cleaner
   Glue the googly eyes at the top of the bill. Then glue the “eyebrows” above the eyes.
   Thread the pipe cleaner through the heel of the sock and twist into a decorative shape.
7. Add the Wings
   Glue the wings to the back of the sock about 1 1/2 inches behind the pipe cleaner.