Enrich and inspire storytelling and puppetry offerings through online course work designed to support your creative arts journey! In each of these classes, master performers will lead participants through the creation of a puppet, it’s world and story. These courses are 2.5 hours long with a 10 minute break at mid-point. A materials and tool supply list, photos, story, verses/songs related to the project, pattern and directions will be compiled in an online file that will be sent to all registrants upon payment, prior to the class. Cost of each course is $25 for members, $35 for non-members.
Members please click here to register with the special discount!
Not a member continue below to register, but want to receive the discount? Become a member here!
Storytelling and Puppetry Courses for Members and Friends 2026
Registration is required at least a week in advance. Upon registration, participants will receive a materials and crafting supply list which they are responsible to assemble in advance of the class to optimize course experience. Each class will be recorded and available for a month to those who register.
Those who face financial hardship and would like to take one of our courses please contact Jennifer Aguirre at aacorngarden@gmail.com
On Wings of Wonder
The Flying Bird Marionette
Hosted by Janene Ping
Sunday, February 15th | 12PM East Coast Time
(10AM Mountain Time/9AM Pacific Time)
Registration has closed for this course to ensure everyone has time to gather supplies!
Be like a bird, who pausing in her flight on a limb too slight, feel it give way beneath her…
Yet sings, sings, knowing she has wings,
Yet sings, sings, knowing she has wings.
Ancient legends and fairy tales often depict birds as spiritual messengers… Join us as we explore the wonder of our winged friends in verse, song, and story - crafting as we go! Needle and wet felting techniques will be demonstrated. We will make both simple bird puppets that teachers can replicate for student projects, as well as more complex birds with flapping wings for marionette presentations. A detailed material and tool supply list will be sent to registrants. This is a 2.5 hour long workshop.
The registration deadline is February 12th. For more information please contact jping@hawthornevalleyschool.org.
Registration has closed for this course to ensure everyone has time to gather supplies!
Previous Classes
Fairies in the Garden
Celebrating Spring!
Hosted by Connie Manson
Saturday, March 21st | 12PM East Coast Time
(10AM Mountain Time/9AM Pacific Time)
Registration has closed for this course to ensure everyone has time to gather supplies!
A fairy went a-marketing
She bought a colored bird;
It sang the sweetest, shrillest song
That ever she had heard.
She sat beside its painted cage
And listened half the day,
And then she opened wide the door
And let it fly away…
In this workshop, participants will experience puppet storytelling of this charming poem, by Rose Flymann in it’s entirety - then bring the magic to life for home and/or the classroom with a delightful fairy friend! Early childhood teacher, professional performer/puppeteer Connie Manson will lead you through the creation of a magical fairy marionette. There is a variation for grades student crafters as well as adult puppet makers. A detailed supplies list will be sent to participants. This is a 2.5 hour long workshop.
JOIN US IN THE MAGIC MAKING!!
Registration has closed for this course to ensure everyone has time to gather supplies!
Parent ~ Child Delight
The Telling of the Three Bears with Hand Puppets
Hosted by Mindy Upton
Sunday, April 19th | 12PM East Coast Time
(10AM Mountain Time/9AM Pacific Time)
“When Goldilocks went to the house of the bears,
What did her blue eyes see?
A bowl that was big
A bowl that was small
A bowl that was tiny, and that was all.”
Was it? Dear Goldilocks walked deep into the forest and met unexpected life lessons. What were they? In this workshop we will use story verse to bring this simple yet profound teaching to life. Participants will create a brown bear hand puppet that can be made by parents, teachers, and kindergarteners using felt and basic stitching techniques. A materials list and pattern will be sent out upon registration. Throughout the workshop we will reflect on how story and handwork can be woven together throughout daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms. This is a 2.5 hour long workshop. For more information contact Mindy at blueskycraftstudio@gmail.com
A MAYPOLE DREAM WORKSHOP FOR WAPASA
Sunday MAY 10th, 2026 | 12 noon ET, 9am PT
MAKING A MOVING RING OF FAIRIES FROM FLEECE OR SILK
WITH MINDY UPTON AND MARJORIE REHBACH
In this workshop, we will make a moving ring of fairies like the one used in the puppet show based on the book: “A Maypole Dream,” by Marjorie Rehbach and Christine Niedert.
We will view a video of this puppet show and another brief video of the fairies dancing in the garden, and then we will make the moving ring of fairies either out of silk scraps or wool roving. Mindy Upton will demonstrate how to make the fairies of wool fleece or roving and Marjorie Rehbach will show how to make them out of silk scraps with a stiff transparent golden fabric, or something similar, for wings. We will show how to attach them to a hoop,with a magic handle, so you can easily move the ring of fairies in lovely fluid ways. These fairy rings are very versatile and can be used for many types of puppet shows and storytelling events. When you sign up you will receive a materials list and other resources so you can prepare!
If you are interested in learning more about A Maypole Dream, or purchasing the book, click here!
Members please click here to register with the special discount!
