Little details not only enhance realism, but they can be the most enjoyable aspect of the puppet and prop-building process.

Adding scuff marks with abrasives, distressing new/clean surfaces, wearing down edges, and just plain making stuff look old is all part of the fun.

This is what the boots look like now:

(Real mud will be added while filming.)

Here’s a shot of the blaster with holster and strap:

The front of the gun came from a small Maglite flashlight which was worn down with sandpaper, starting with 180 grit and finishing with 400 grit.
A small galvanized pipe fitting connects the metal front to the handle, which was sculpted from PaperClay and then painted. An old metal knob was added for appeal.

Undoubtedly the most enjoyable prop to work on was the backpack. Here’s how it looks currently:

It serves a functional purpose (basically a transmitter of sorts), so I wanted to make the bits and pieces tie together in a somewhat believable way.

I’m nearly finished as far as the puppet and his props are concerned. The next steps involve setting up some scenes/backdrops and some odd-and-end set pieces and props.