My method
- Collect as much information about the characters, the narrative and the puppeteers as possible.
- Collaborate closely with the set designer and other makers to ensure the puppet fits into the created world.
- Develop a concepts document in order to explore styles and materials.
- Draw character sketches and a technical drawing.
- Check in with images throughout the making process.
Making
Get in touch so I can make your puppetry ideas happen.
Collaboration
I love collaborating with new people to build something unique and beautiful. The possibilities of what we create are endless.
Styles
Simple and minimalistic, textured, detailed and full of character, soft, hard, natural or painted. The possibilties are endless.
Materials
Strong and lightweight wooden structures, cut, carved or pulped. Moving mechanisims, found materials, card, sculpting in clay, casting in latex, worbla, plasterzote patterning and shaping with textiles.
'Kathleen is simply the best puppet maker I've ever worked with. She listens, responds & has all the skills to make the seemingly impossible, possible.'
Natasha Holmes, Artistic Director of Tell Tale Hearts & freelance puppeteer/performer
Take a look at Kathleen and Rebekah's making process videos for 'Whiskers first Winter'...
Yanny Yak
Mummy Bear
Bobby Birds
Mask
WORBLA
After building the ice cream man’s mask for Seaside Terror out of a latex cast and fabric I decided I wanted to experiment developing detailed lightweight masks out of Worbla. Under the guidance of Russel Dean from Strangeface I did just that. Watch this space for more coming soon!
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Free hand puppet making masterclass
The video lasts for one hour, depending on how detailed you want to be it may take you 4-5 days to complete. Using materials around the house
- make your own clay
- conceptualise characters and narratives
- puppet costume ideas
- sculpt faces
- create beautiful eyes, teeth and hair
CAST A TALKING HEAD
Online Masterclass
Created and delivered in 2021 as part of Moving Parts, Newcastle Puppetry Festival
Develop your own unique style of sculpting a puppet head in clay, then create a one or two part plaster mould, before casting into latex or worbla. Explore operating methods for a movable mouth through lip sync or rod mechanisms then build in your extras; hair, teeth, eyes, horns etc. Finally, get inspired by different painting and finishing techniques.
Observe live, detailed demonstrations, then complete each stage at home, in your own time between classes. You can also join an online community group for communicating progress or asking questions. At the end of the course we will have a sharing so that we can enjoy your wonderful creations.
@odddolltheatre
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