To kick off 2025 we are running 2 blocks of classes in Stop Motion Puppet making at the Clubhouse studio in Glasgow.
Do you love Stop Motion? Have you ever fancied building your own Stop Motion puppet? Well you are in luck!
Clubhouse is running 2 in-person courses in February and March 2025 where you can build your own Stop Motion puppet.
SPECIAL NOTE! - These courses will be slightly different to the puppet courses from Animation Summer School 2024!
So What’s New?
We surveyed our participants from Animation Summer School and they said they loved the course but wished it was longer! In response we have created a longer version of the course. Therefore there is a slight increase in the price to reflect this. So what do you get?
More Teaching sessions! - Each course will run over 4 weeks with 4 x 2 hour evening sessions. Meaning you get even more teaching time and time to work on your puppet.
Introduction to sewing puppet clothes - This is a new part of the course where you will be shown how to create and assemble pattern pieces for puppet clothes. We will be using basic sewing techniques to create the clothes however no previous sewing experience is required.
Small course numbers - Each course has a maximum of 4 places. By keeping course numbers small, everyone gets plenty of teaching time and one-to-one support.
Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced puppet maker looking to brush up on your skills - this course is for you.
This is a hands-on course, where you will be guided by an experienced animation puppet maker, Eleanor Stewart (Director of Clubhouse), to design and make your own Stop Motion Puppet. During the course, we will design your puppet, create a puppet wire armature (a bit like a skeleton) and add foam padding. After that we will sculpt the head, hands and feet. Finally we will add paint, create a tiny outfit, and your puppet is complete and ready to animate!
Details
During the course you will create a stop motion puppet from design to a final completed puppet.
We will be covering the following areas of puppet building,
Designing the puppet and creating a technical drawing
Creating a wire armature
Forming the puppet torso/body
Adding foam padding the the puppet
Moulding the head and adding eyes
Creating the feet
Making puppet hands using wire, foam and latex
Introduction to sewing pattern pieces for puppet clothes
Create a tiny outfit for your puppet using fabric
In Addition
Each participant will take home a specially designed Course Workbook that will include the following information,
A puppet design template
Step by step instructions
List of recommended materials
List of recommended suppliers
Lots of tips and tricks
Puppet Reunion
At the end of the course, all the participants from both courses are invited back to the studio for a special Puppet Reunion! It’s a chance to show everyone your completed puppet and meet fellow stop motion puppet enthusiasts. There will be tea and cake and everyone will receive a special Certificate for completing the course - ooOOOooo!
This course is for you if you are…
An absolute beginner. You don’t need to have any prior experience in puppet building or animation
Interested in getting into Stop Motion
Looking to improve your puppet building skills
Looking to try something new and meet other likeminded people
Planning on making a stop motion film and want to build a puppet with help from an experienced industry professional
A student studying animation and wish to build on your puppet building skills
When
The course will take place in 2 Blocks and each Block will take place over 4 weeks on the following dates. To clarify, each Block is the same course. When you sign up you will be asked which Block you wish to attend.
February - Block 1
Wednesday 5th February - 6pm - 8pm
Wednesday 12th February - 6pm - 8pm
Wednesday 19th February - 6pm - 8pm
Wednesday 26th February - 6pm - 8pm
March - Block 2
Monday 10th March - 6pm - 8pm
Monday 17th March - 6pm - 8pm
Monday 24th March - 6pm - 8pm
Monday 31st March - 6pm - 8pm
Where
The course will take place in person at the Clubhouse studio in our dedicated Workshop Space! Clubhouse is based in Central Chambers which in the centre of Glasgow. When participants sign up, they will receive an email with exact instructions of how to access the studio.
Travel
The Clubhouse Studio is situated near Central Station in the Centre of Glasgow. There are good train, bus and subway links nearby. There is on street parking and several car parks nearby - Q-Park Waterloo Street (5 min walk) NCP Glasgow Mitchell St (5min walk)
Access
There is disabled access to the building and a lift. Clubhouse Animations is a safe and friendly space where everyone is welcome.
This is an adult class so over 18’s only.
Course Fees
The fee for this course is £325 per person. This includes all tools and materials.
Places on this course are limited to a maximum of 4 people per block. This is so everyone gets plenty of one to one tuition and feedback.
To book a place, click the button below. If you have any questions regarding the course please email Eleanor at hello@clubhouseanimations.com
Once you have secured a place on the course you will be sent a Stripe payment link to pay for the course fee. Cancellation can be made up to 5 days prior to the course start date. In the case of cancellation up to 5 days prior to the course start date, you will given a full refund. If cancellation happens less than 5 days prior to the course start date, you will be charged 20% of the total course fee.
The closing date for booking a place on this course is Monday the 3rd of February.
About me
My name is Eleanor and I run Clubhouse Animations in Glasgow, the only dedicated Stop Motion animation studio in Scotland. I have over 15 years experience in the animation industry and have created Short Films and animation work for the likes of Zurich Bank, Hyundai and the RSPB.
I have extensive experience in puppet making and animating and have been teaching workshops for over 10 years. I’m excited to host this Stop Motion Puppet course and share all the tips and tricks I’ve learnt over the years.
Testimonials
“A fun and informative course - I’d never made a stop-motion puppet before, and Eleanor’s guidance, taking us step by step through the process, was excellent. ”
“Was fantastic, got a real insight into how puppets are made and all the different materials you can use in making them. The small group made it easy to get extra help if needed and it was great talking to others that are interested in stop motion and puppet making.”
FAQs
I’m new to Stop motion and I’ve never made a puppet before, is this suitable for me?
Yes! we will be going through the process of building a puppet from beginning to end. So this course is suitable for complete beginners.
Is this course suitable for children?
This is an adult class so over 18’s only.
I want to make a puppet but I’m not sure what to make, do I need to come with an idea in mind?
If you already have an in mind, that’s great. If not, don’t worry, there will be lots of books and suggestions to inspire you.
I’ve noticed a price increase for this course compared to the Puppet courses last summer, why is that?
In order to deliver the best course possible, this new course has 4 sessions (2 more than before). This is so everyone has more teaching time and support and more time to work on their puppet. We have also added additional teaching in puppet clothes-making to this course. As a result the course fees have increased slightly to reflect this.
I’m not an animator and I just want to make a puppet for fun, is this course for me?
Yes! This is a fun and friendly course where you will learn new techniques and enjoy making something new with a group of likeminded people.
Do I need to attend all the sessions in the course Block?
As we will be covering a new step in the puppet building process each week, attendance to all sessions in your Block is highly recommended.
Do you need to be able to draw to take part?
No, your puppet sketch can be a stick person if need be and templates are provided if required.
Psst!
Did you know, Clubhouse are also offering a limited number of in-person 1-2-1 Stop Motion Puppet Courses throughout the year.
To find out more information please download the information PDF here.
