This is a scheduled digital event, which can be enjoyed from anywhere at the designated time.

Led by Stratford Festival prop-builders, these three 90-minute workshops demonstrate practical techniques for creating your own pieces at home. Participants can observe or can purchase materials in advance to work alongside the artisans.

Note: The link to the workshop will be emailed on the morning of the event.

Thursday, September 9, 2021 - 7 p.m. - Michelle Jamieson - A Midsummer Night's Dream-Inspired Shadow Puppets

Create shadow puppet fairies inspired by the characters in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 
Build your own puppet while learning tips and tricks to create functional, interesting and engaging ways to use them!

Materials List:

• Black Card Stock
• Clear Tape
• Thin Gauge Wire
• Bamboo Skewers
• Paper Fasteners
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Pen/Pencil
• Scissors
• Optional:  X-Acto Knife, Cellophane or Translucent Fabric

Thursday, September 16, 2021 - 7 p.m. - Kathryn Kerr - Introduction to Button-Tufting

Button-tufting is fun and super rewarding. At the Festival, we button-tuft pillows, benches, chesterfields, headboards and all kinds of things! 
Get started on your own button-tufting adventure! In this workshop, observe a demonstration of some methods and techniques while button-tufting a small seat pad.

Materials List:

• For the seat base you'll need a small piece of 3/8" or 1/2" plywood, sanded, anywhere from 16-18" or so. This can be a circle or square or polygon, I'll be using a five-sided one, because that allows us to play with corners and fabric.
• Into this board you'll have to drill holes in your desired button pattern. We can do this during the class or, if you’re comfortable, do it beforehand or have a friend help by drilling the holes for you. The holes should be around 1/4" or 6 mm in diameter and the edges not too rough.
• Some 1-1/2" or thicker- light or medium density (i.e. not too hard) upholstery-type foam the same size and shape as your board. Try not to use foam thicker than 3". 
• Some fabric of your choice: enough to go over the top and around the sides and a bit more. Many fabrics will work - choose a fabric that isn't stretchy, or flimsy, or super thick.
• Some polyester fibre or terylene to cover the foam if you like.
• Enough sturdy 'shanked ' (with the metal loop at the back) buttons to make your pattern, plus a few extra. You can buy fabric button-making kits (with instructions!) at most fabric stores. So, you can make buttons covered in the same fabric as your project, or a different colour or fabric as an accent. Or choose any sturdy strong shanked button, at least 5/8" diameter.
• Upholstery twine or a good substitute. This is a very strong smooth polyester 'string' for pulling and holding the buttons, usually about 1.5 mm or 1/16" thick. You'll need about 2-3 feet of this per button, plus a little extra. Some smooth 1.5 mm Masons' Line will work in a pinch.

Tools: 

• Hand staple gun and 3/8" staples.
• Long upholstery needles. These look like regular hand-sewing needles but are longer and stronger, from 6" to 12".   
• A drill and drill bit : 3/16" or 1/4" (around 6mm)
• Sandpaper
• Scissors
• Sharp Olfa-type knife
• Ruler 12-18"
• Pencil
• Tailors' chalk

Thursday, September 23, 2021 - 7 p.m. - Matthew Burgess - Introduction to Sculpture (Natural Clay)

Explore the basics of sculpture with natural, air-drying clay! Learn how to block out shapes and create shadows while sculpting a face. 

Materials List:

• Mini Clay Tool Set by ArtMinds™ (8 pieces)
• Package of Natural Modelling Clay
• Utility Knife  
• Paintbrushes (One Medium and One Large Size)
• Cup of Water
• Paper Towels 
• Plastic Wrap