Kermit the Frog Replica

[georgecosplay]

Hello folks, I’ll be commencing a Kermit the Frog build since we’re all stuck indoors and I need something to work on, undecided which Kermit to go for, any input would be appreciated, as would any advice as I‘ve not begun yet. You can notice the slight differences to Kermit as the years have gone by, colour wise and in his shape, I’m tempted to make something that looks more like the original, i‘m in the research phase at the moment, so i’ll start with patterning this week until I can source some materials.

 

[Apollo]

You seek ecl

 

[georgecosplay]

You seek ecl

ECL? I’m confused sorry!

 

[Dormouse]

This is the thread you're looking for.

 

[Apollo]

ecl is our resident Kermit The Frog expert here do a search and you will find a wealth of info

ECL? I’m confused sorry!

 

[rickrickrick]

In fact, that second photo you posted is one of ecl's replicas, I believe, not a real one.

Trying to judge differences over the years based on stuffed display Kermits won't get you very far. When they are posers, or even actual puppets that have been stuffed for display, the head invariable gets distorted, as it's not actually a person's hand inside. It's like trying to judge a custom made suit seen on a wire hanger. Actually, most (but not all) Kermits on display were specifically built FOR display, and were never even used as puppets. For key differences, I suggest you watch video of Kermit in action.

The main differences over the years are the material that was available to make him out of, the subsequent color that was achieved by dyeing that fabric used, the placement of his eyes, and the felt used for his collar, the color of which has changed (also, for a brief time in the early 70s, he had TWO collars). One other difference that is not really sequential time-wise, is that his bottom mouth fleece line sometimes comes to a distinct point inside his mouth, and sometimes is rounded. That's a feature that has come and gone over the years (images attached).

Good luck and have fun!

RRR

 

[georgecosplay]

In fact, that second photo you posted is one of ecl's replicas, I believe, not a real one.

Trying to judge differences over the years based on stuffed display Kermits won't get you very far. When they are posers, or even actual puppets that have been stuffed for display, the head invariable gets distorted, as it's not actually a person's hand inside. It's like trying to judge a custom made suit seen on a wire hanger. Actually, most (but not all) Kermits on display were specifically built FOR display, and were never even used as puppets. For key differences, I suggest you watch video of Kermit in action.

The main differences over the years are the material that was available to make him out of, the subsequent color that was achieved by dyeing that fabric used, the placement of his eyes, and the felt used for his collar, the color of which has changed (also, for a brief time in the early 70s, he had TWO collars). One other difference that is not really sequential time-wise, is that his bottom mouth fleece line sometimes comes to a distinct point inside his mouth, and sometimes is rounded. That's a feature that has come and gone over the years (images attached).

Good luck and have fun!

RRR

That’s fascinating and something that I’d not actually considered before, so thank you for the considerations! I think I’d like to try and go with something closer to the original Kermit from the Muppet Show, it’s the version which I and so many others grew to love and to me it feels right to do. Thanks again Rick and keep well!

 

[georgecosplay]

ecl is our resident Kermit The Frog expert here do a search and you will find a wealth of info

ECLs work has been of great help throughout this process, thank you for directing me!

 

[georgecosplay]

I’ve developed patterns for all the required aspects of the frog based on what I’ve seen on other threads (including the fantastic work of ECL), they are as follows if anyone else would like to use them, I take no credit for those who pioneered and developed the ideas that I have gathered, but instead thank them for making it possible for me to build one of my favourite characters!
Below are the individual patterns; the head, collar, body, arms, legs, feet, mouthplate, and mouth features.
I‘ve created three heads so far and none of them quite feel right but I am persevering, the shape I’ve added for the body was cut from one inch upholstery foam and repeated eight times which gave the correct shape, the arm pattern also requires four fingers per hand which should be stitched individually and then glued in before they are stitched in place, like I said, perseverance seems to be the key with this build, but for my first attempt at a hand muppet, I’d say that this is going well.

 

[Gophertee]

Great work! Thanks for sharing the measurements with the photos. Keep it up!

 

[rickrickrick]

I realize this thread is many months old, but in the interest of helping you out, that diamond shape there, is that the mouth? I think you'll find it's much too angular. Kermit's mouth shape is more like a football profile, with curved sides. Hope that helps.

RRR

 

[Ger]

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[Apollo]

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