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Puppet Fabrication: exploring techniques and materials

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35 Application spots left

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Puppet Fabrication: exploring techniques and materials

Details

Puppet Fabrication: exploring techniques and materials

APPLICATION GROUP 3
Applications Open:
February 5, 2026

THIS CIRCLE IS PERFECT FOR

  • People who have some knowledge of what stop-motion puppets entail, i.e. don’t have to be taught the basic concept
  • People who have a vague idea of what they want to achieve, be it a puppet design or general concept for a project
  • People whoare open to exploring different materials and stepping out of their comfort zone

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Exploration of different materials to achieve a puppet design
  • Simple wire armatures
  • Homework consisting of a few hours between sessions (making a puppet, or parts of a puppet)

WHAT NOT TO EXPECT

  • Animating (though you can experiment in your spare time)
  • Animation software like Dragonframe
  • A deep dive into 3D modelling and -printing
  •  Career advice

Qualification Criteria

Aspiring Professional (0 yrs of experience)
Entry Level (1-2 yrs of experience)

Day / Time

Times Per Month:  Twice 
Day / Time:  Wednesday 1PM
Timezone: CET

* You must meet the qualification criteria AND be able to attend the posted day/time of the circle (please note the timezone posted)

CIRCLE DESCRIPTION

In this circle, we will explore how to develop moveable puppets easily made at home while also exploring a range of professional materials often used in the stop-motion industry. If you are willing to delve deeper into the art of puppet making – and if you are happy to step out of your comfort zone to explore new techniques, this circle is for you. You may already have an idea of what you would like to create, but aren’t sure how to achieve your goal. Or you are happy to be inspired by the circle for your concept and form a clearer design later on.


Throughout the sessions, we will cover simple armatures and explore different materials to achieve unique puppet designs, helping you understand both accessible DIY approaches and more advanced construction options.
Please be prepared to complete some homework between sessions; depending on your personal goals, this may require a few hours of work each time. The goal is to guide you from concept to a finished puppet that reflects your creative vision while giving you the confidence and skills to continue developing your practice independently.

ADDITIONAL Application Requirements

Please submit the following as part of your Application Profile:
*(AFTER you click to apply, you must go into your member profile and complete the member-specific portion; these requirements should be submitted through that profile):  

  • Personal Statement explaining why this circle is right for you. 
    – What is your objective, e.g. for a personal project, art, or for professional skill building?

  • A brief summary of your knowledge of different materials (like silicone, PU Foams, types of clay etc)

Circle Leader

Caroline Walotka

Caroline Walotka is a stop-motion puppet fabricator and designer whose work has appeared in numerous productions, including Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs and LAIKA’s next feature, Wildwood. With a background in practical effects, she worked as a mold maker at Madame Tussauds and as a costume fabricator on the Teletubbies reboot. Currently she continues to explore new techniques to expand the art of puppetry in both independent films as commercials, and is passionate about sharing her skills with the next generation of puppet makers.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Current Title: Puppet Fabricator

Studio / Employer:  Something Here BV (self-employed)

LinkedIn Profile: LINK

Puppet Fabrication: exploring techniques and materials

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