Getting your idea from paper to an actual physical model is the most difficult time. From gathering materials, creating them which happens most of the time to getting things perfect is the point we have to make a deal on. Things take time and givinbg it 3x what my plans were have helped. The only one who is waiting for my design is me. I am the creator/critic to decide the fate of the final puppet, and how it looks in the real physical world.
Trial and error and lots of patience, cuts and just learning new methods.
Ikea mirror base has been the most helpful item, and making the wire frames removeable to keep aside when finished.