Table top People Puppets — ONLINE Workshop with Judith Hope
5-Day Live Puppet-Making Masterclass | Mon 8th – Fri 12th September 2025 | Zoom (UK Times)
As a huge fan of Judith Hope and her utterly brilliant workshops, I am so happy to share news of her brand-new ONLINE course: Table top People Puppets.
I cannot recommend her enough — Judith’s sessions are always inspiring, full of practical tips, and delivered with warmth, humour, and generosity. Her teaching has a way of making you feel both capable and creatively fearless.
About the Workshop
Over five consecutive days, Judith will guide you step-by-step in designing and constructing expressive table top puppets in human form. Whether you want to create a lifelike figure or a whimsical caricature, she’ll show you the techniques to bring a character to life.
📅 Dates: Monday 8th – Friday 12th September 2025
🕒 Time slots: 12:00–13:00 or 18:00–19:00 UK time (GMT)
💻 Location: Online via Zoom
🎟 Spaces: Limited — and her workshops always sell out!
You don’t need all your materials in advance (though you can gather them if you prefer), and you can work at your own pace outside of the live sessions. Each class is one hour, with plenty of time for questions and detailed demonstrations.
Suggested materials (these are the materials Judith will be using on the
course – Judith will also make suggestions for alternative materials in the
lessons).
Polystyrene balls or eggs ( I used 8 cm and 10 cm)
Fimo air light
Dowel (preferably hardwood) I used 12mm - 15mm)
Small piece of leatherette or similar
Styrofoam (as it is called in the UK. If you are in the U.S.A. this is not what you
call styrofoam! Please check before purchasing or wait to see what is used on
the course).
Bamboo skewer or narrow dowel
Brown parcel paper
Sandpaper
Tissue paper
Gorilla glue
PVA Glue (Elmers Glue)
UHU glue
Pritt stick glue
Acrylic paint
Bungee cord
Coat hanger wire or similar
Toy eyes or similar
Strong thread
Standard 1mm wire
Tools
Craft knife or scalpel
Glue gun
Drill
Junior hacksaw
Scissors
Bradawl/nail, etc
Wire cutters
Bolt cutters (if possible – if not wire cutters will suffice)
Paint brushes
Secateurs
Sharp nose pliers
Vice or adjustable work bench
Why I Rate Judith So Highly
I’ve already taken at least four or five of Judith’s other courses, and every single one has been inspiring, interesting, and hugely motivating. The way she teaches makes complex ideas feel accessible, and her tips are always practical and thoughtful.
The sense of community she creates in her workshops is just as valuable as the skills themselves — you leave not only with new techniques, but also with a network of friendly, like-minded makers. I always finish her classes feeling energised and full of ideas, and I can’t recommend the experience enough.
Explore Judith’s Work
🌐 Website: judithhope.com
📸 Instagram: @judithhopepuppetmaker
If you’ve ever been curious about puppet-making — or simply want to be inspired by someone at the top of their craft — I wholeheartedly recommend grabbing a ticket before they’re gone.