top of page
See our first Automata Fundamentals Workshop!
Watch the first session of our 2026-27 Automata Fundamentals Online Workshop and learn to make 3 different types of simple automata in the Zoom recording. Simple Mechanisms 1 is an introduction to the year long course Automata Fundamentals Instructions and diagrams from Simple Mechanisms 1: Coming soon Sign up for Simple Mechanisms 2 Join our follow-up class and learn how to make more Simple Mechanisms plus a wooden box - the basis for all automata. Or join our full Automata
News
Puppet Recipes
Recordings and instructions from our monthly online worskhop series
September Puppet Recipe, Painting the Puppet
Too often a novice maker ruins a beautifully carved puppet by slapping a coat of paint on it. Respect your carving, slowly adding layers of paint to highlight puppet features. And don't be afraid of experimentation - a puppet doesn't need to be realistic!
Sep 8, 20251 min read
August Puppet Recipe, Acrobat Marionette
In this recording, learn about the marionette's history, how it is constructed and instructions on how to build your own!
Aug 4, 20251 min read
July Puppet Recipe, Stomper Marionette
The Stomper Marionette was one of the most popular types of Czech circus marionettes and known for its stretching body and loud stomping. At this recording, you can learn about the marionette's history, how it is constructed and instructions on how to build your own smaller toy theatre version.
Jul 7, 20251 min read
June Puppet Recipe, Taste of the Automata Fest: Video and Puppet Recipe
This Puppet Recipe brings gives you a chance to see what was at the Hastings Automata Festival, which brought together some of the best automata makers in the world. Mirek then explained how he constructed his own piece, and showed another simple automata mechanism used by Paul Spooner in his famous Frog Princess automata.
Jun 2, 20251 min read
May Puppet Recipe, Tricky Carving 3: Video and Puppet Recipe
So many beginner carvers do not understand how deep in the face they must make a puppet's nose, cheeks, mouth, and the corners of the eye. This puppet recipe teaches you how to find the correct depth.
May 5, 20251 min read
Mirek's Amazing Pencil Marker
Learn to make this special gadget invented by MirekTrjetnar that allows you to draw a straight line in the center of wooden blocks!
May 2, 20251 min read
bottom of page