Step-by-step instructions on how to make a wire armature for a stop motion puppet for around $15 in materials:
16-gauge aluminum armature wire (from an art store or Amazon, not the hardware store)
Epoxy putty (Hardware store)
T-nuts (1/32) (Hardware store)
Wing nuts (1/32) (Hardware store)
Bolts (1/32) (Hardware store)
Washers (Hardware store)
Pre-wrap (Sporting good or drug store)
Cotton batting or foam (quilting supplies from craft or sewing store)
For the head, aluminum foil