10am-5pm daily. For adults and teens aged 12+ (teens 12-14 must be accompanied by an adult).

In this 2 day workshop you’ll explore a variety of crafting methods to design and build your own unique rod-and-wheeled tabletop puppet.

Day One will start by sketching very own flightless feathered friend —whether it’s inspired by real species or entirely from your imagination. Chloe has chosen a kakapo (pictured) for her puppet build -but you can choose whichever bird you like! Once your design is complete, you’ll start building the internal structure using card, finishing with papier-mâché to create a sturdy structure.

Day Two will focus on the aesthetic details that bring your bird to life. You’ll add colour and texture layering up paper to create a feathered look.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a fully crafted tabletop puppet with moving parts, ready to roll!

This workshop is perfect for creative types and puppet enthusiasts but no prior experience is necessary and all materials will be provided.

Chloe Rodham is an animator, puppet maker and model maker based in Newcastle. She works across a number of creative disciplines and mixes traditional and digital methods in her work, including stop motion animation, long exposure photography and 2D motion graphics. Chloe enjoys sharing her methods with others in workshops for all ages and also through lecturing at Northumbria University and Sunderland University. Recent animation commission clients include design agencies, Little Inventors, Life and Limb Puppets, String Theatre, The Cathedral Music Trust, and Lightpool festival in Blackpool.