NOTE This course is hosted by The Orchard Carving Studio in Dartington, Devon UK.
Bookings are managed by William Barsley at the Orchard Carving Studio: click here to book
For further information about the course venue please email info@orchardcarvingstudio.com
Overview
Spend two full days immersed in the world of puppetry, an ancient art form spanning continents. Designed to be both relaxed and focussed, this course offers an opportunity to step away from everyday routine and immerse yourself in learning new skills with fun and captivating results!
Who it’s for?
This course is suitable for adult beginner carvers. No prior experience necessary.
What participants will learn
You will learn how to carve and assemble a simple puppet bird under careful step-by-step instruction from tutor Sarah Vigars. This will include the use of a vice, carving chisels and other handheld tools. By the end of the course you will have a completed carved puppet to take home. You will also be introduced to optional finishing techniques (eg. painting or oiling) which can be undertaken at home with additional guidance from Sarah’s online tutorials.
What’s included
• Step-by-step carving tuition using a vice and chisels
• Step-by-step assembly tuition using handheld tools and glues
• Guidance on tool safety
• Guidance on finishing techniques: painting, staining or oiling
• All materials and tools provided
• Teas and coffees provided throughout the day
What participants should bring
Just your enthusiasm, an open mind, and a packed lunch. If the weather is kind, you're welcome to enjoy lunch on the picnic tables outside the studio, or you can eat at your workbench. Alternatively, there is a cafe at the Cider Press Centre or a village shop nearby.
For safety reasons, please wear closed-toe shoes.
Post workshop resources
• A list of useful links and resources for puppet carving
• Online video tutorials by Sarah
• Opportunities to buy Sarah’s puppet carving kits
Additional information for participants (if applicable)
If you need adjustments for mobility or other needs, please reach out. Minimum of 6 participants required. If the course is under-booked, it will be rescheduled with notification by email and phone.
Age Policy
This course is intended for adults. Participants aged 16–18 can join this course with a signed consent form (please add a comment when booking if the attendee is 16-18 and we will email a form to complete prior to the course).
Reviews
***** 5 stars
“This is a fantastic course for beginner carvers or more experienced woodcarvers. The tutor, Sarah, was really helpful and had prepared everything to make it easier for us. She explained clearly and demonstrated each step. Orchard Studio is a beautiful building and all the equipment looked new. The chisels were extra sharp! We were all astonished that we could make these beautiful puppets in just 2 days. Sarah showed us a juggling squirrel puppet she had made for her puppet shows which blew us all away with its complexity but shows the level of skill she has. I can’t recommend this course highly enough.” (Course student, March 2026)
