"Carve a wooden puppet in a week"

These courses have happened... but future courses will be run in autumn/winter 2008 and in the summer of 2009... let me know if you are interested as soon as possible, as these courses get booked up quickly.
Email me at john@puppetcraft.co.uk

Week 1: 27th July to 1st August 2008.
Week 2: 3rd to 8th August.
An additional week will be run: 10th to 15th August, on puppet operating and presentation.
This makes a perfect follow-on week to either of the above weeks, or if you already have a finished or nearly finished puppet.
See DETAILS.

Tutor: John Roberts
At: Dartington, Devon.
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Comments about past courses:
"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!"

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Aim
For you to learn how to make carved puppets.
The week is planned to suit your needs.
The days will be as intensive or relaxed as you choose to make it..... there will 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. You are welcome to book more than one week as this will insure that you get your puppet finished, adjusted and working well.
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!

At Dartington, in a light, workshop-studio space, set in the grounds of the famous Dartington Hall Estate.

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 some of the finest in Britain.

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

Time table:
First day: Sunday: Start at 1pm. End 6pm.
Monday : Start 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Tuesday : Start 9.30am to 5.30pm. Evening session for those who want to work on: 7 to 9pm.
Wednesday : Start 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Thursday : Start 9.30am to 5.30pm. Evening session for those who want to work on: 7 to 9pm.
Friday : Start 9am to 1pm.

Where? Travel.
At SPARC (South Devon Play Resource Centre), Craft Education, Dartington, Devon. About 2 miles from Totnes which is on the main line train from London (3 Hours) A taxi from Totnes station costs about £8.

Accommodation is available at many B+B's. Typically a single costs from £30 to £60 per night.
For possible accommodation contact the Totnes Tourist Information on 01803 863168 www.totnesinformation.co.uk
Ask for a booklet/list to be sent to you. If you do not have your own transport, book accommodation that is near Dartington, or on the X80 bus route. Do make accommodation esquires as early as possible, as this is the high season!
A room at a family home: some friends may have a room or two available…. Details if required.
Camping and Caravanning: Please contact me for details.

Food (not included): There is a small kitchen attached to the studio for us to use, and there are pubs and shops within 15 minutes walk or 2 minutes in a car.

Sight seeing and entertainment. You will be 15 minutes drive from Dartmoor, 20 minutes from beaches, 2 minutes from an excellent cinema on the Dartington Hall Estate.

Cost: Course fees £315.
This includes all materials and use of all tools. Accommodation and food is not included.

The course may be cancelled if less than 5 people apply, or due to unforeseen events.... .....illness of tutor etc - then naturally your payment, including deposit will be fully refunded.
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* Please book as soon as possible, as I need 5 bookings before I can secure the studio space.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Look on my web site for more background of my work. www.puppetcraft.co.uk

John Roberts
PuppetCraft, 1 Venton Oak Cottages, Dartington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6DW. Great Britain.
Tel: 01803-867778 e mail: john@puppetcraft.co.uk
Mobile: 07973 442253 international phoning: + 44 1803 867778

If these details do not suite you, please tell me what variations you would like. Please let me know what dates you would like a course.