A MAYPOLE DREAM WORKSHOP FOR WAPASA

Sunday June 14th, 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.

As we approach midsummer, we can imagine lots of activity in outer nature, and we can create many kinds of puppets to represent these nature spirits of earth, water, air, and fire, dancing on these versatile rings.

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!

As parents and teachers, we often find ourselves in need of a specially created healing story to help a child. Stories can bring comfort and solace to a child who is grappling with personal trauma or certain specific difficulties in life. It is often the case that, unfortunately, there are no published stories that we can look to that are tailored to the child’s specific situation. In this workshop, you will learn how to attune yourself with the child and meditate on what they might need from a story, in order to soothe and guide their souls through difficult experiences. In my own education, in workshops and trainings with Nancy Mellon and Susan Perrow, I have created and practiced how to carefully and thoughtfully craft a story that will nurture and heal traumas and difficulties; that will guide, and comfort, bringing hope and images that speak directly to an individual child in need. During this workshop, we will learn about the essential building blocks that are necessary for the development of a therapeutic story, for helping to restore health and balance. Designing such stories is such a gift to another, and can incorporate all of the unique choices that we make as the story’s creators. 

We will explore the best ways to decide how to delicately weave the conflicts, characters, settings, and resolution of conflicts, in order to bring about an encouraging and unique story that will guide a child in difficult circumstances. This story-creation-journey will outline a path for us to follow, which I have found to be very effective in my own work and practice. It can become an extraordinary  way to support the needs of children dealing with overwhelming feelings. As a participant, you will be given examples of stories that I have developed, and those stories will be a roadmap to how you too can find your own ways to bring to fruition themes and images that bear witness, understanding, and compassion to children of all ages.

Members please click here to register with the special discount!

Previous Classes

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!

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!

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