Comments about carving courses run by John:
"Brilliant.! Thoroughly enjoyable."
"Loved every minute. Exactly what I wanted. Exceeded expectations."
"The most enjoyable course I've done...Relaxed, fun and very clear. This man knows his onions!"

Aim
For you to learn how to make a carved puppet.
The week is planned to suit your needs.
The days will be as intensive or relaxed as you choose to make it..... there may be beginners and experienced makers... but by keeping the numbers down to 7 at most - individual needs will be catered for.
Each person's level of skill, aim and speed-of-working can be accommodated. You could aim to make a complete puppet ... which is a lot to do within the week... or you can work at a more leisurely pace. You should at least go away with all the bits and knowledge to complete a truly unique and beautiful puppet.

This is a course for adults: not for anyone under 18 years old.

Aspects that will be covered:
Design of a puppet; Safe handling of tools; Working with wood; Sharpening the chisels; Construction techniques that produce a puppet that really works!

Method.
The methods used are versatile, fast and require minimum tools or equipment...... you can use this method without the need for a bench, vice or electrical tools.... using only a sturdy table and some hand tools.
It is unique combination of Chinese and European puppet techniques.
i.e. Freehand carving using very fine chisels is done in China with no pre-design or cutting out of the wood. John has combined this very fast technique with the more considered method used throughout Europe - designing a puppet first on paper.... transferring this to the wood .... using a saw to cut accurate profiles before carving begins.
All tools will be provided. Some specialist tools will be available for sale at the end of the week.

John Roberts must be one of the most experienced course leaders in Europe having run carving courses every year since 1980 and the ONLY non-Chinese person to learn traditional Chinese string puppet secrets during 7 months study in China. He has run workshops, internationally - in Sweden, Zimbabwe, America and Japan. His puppets are considered to be some of the finest around.

Provided:
All tools, wood and other odds and ends will be supplied.
Tea and coffee and juice will be provided.

Dates & Times:
There are no current dates scheduled for this production, please see the events programme for details of current productions.