_O_ _Boxed overhead lights for general stage illumination. Nine sections complete the line._ _R_ _Large curtains between the audience and back stage—framing the stage._ _Fig. O_ _Two sections of overhead lights showing bulb, and colored sheet gelatin _Q_ inserted. Each section can be operated independently from the switchboard._ _Fig. P_ _If the boxed lights are not practicable the simple tin trough with colored bulbs may be used._ [Illustration: [Marionette]] CHAPTER V Making Your Marionette In your adventures with marionettes, probably nothing will give you more pleasure than the actual making of them. This is equally true of the Burattini, of the doll puppet, and of the real marionette. The Burattini, Guignol, or Mitten puppet is the simplest kind of marionette. It is usually nothing more than a head, two arms, and an empty sack. The most important part of a Guignol is its head. This can be made from unbleached muslin, from a hollow doll’s head, it can be carved out of a block of soft wood, or it can be made from papier-mâché. _Muslin Head._ Here is a pattern for the unbleached muslin head. Sew the two halves together and then stuff firmly with cotton. If you dampen the cheeks, the muslin will stretch and then you can round them out with more cotton. Into the neck insert a cuff of stiff paper, ⅞ of an inch in diameter. It should be fastened either by sewing or glueing. This cuff gives you space for the finger which manipulates the head. Water colors or crayons may be used for painting the face. Before you begin, experiment on scraps of muslin. [Illustration: [Head]] _Doll’s Head._ If you wish to use the hollow head of a doll, you will probably find it necessary to remodel its features. This is done by taking papier-mâché, a mixture of bits of paper mixed with flour paste, and building out the nose, the cheeks, and the chin, in order to give them more character. The building out must be done gradually, a bit at a time, after you have made the surface rough by the use of sandpaper or a file. When you are sure that you have finished the head, stand twenty or thirty feet away from it and see if it is still interesting to you. This is an excellent test. Those in the last rows of your audience will be even farther away and your Burattini must hold their interest.