Whether it’s a bobble-head, a puppet, a doll, or a dancing figure atop an automaton, carved figures that can dance, spin, wobble or more bring delight to the maker and everyone who encounters them. Experienced carver Cecilia Schiller will share her unique approach to figure carving, honed from her decades of experience making mechanical figures that bring her automata to life. Beginning with basswood blanks, students will carve separate parts and then assemble them into a moving figure, learning to make joints, add “stops” for more realistic movement, and enhance facial details to create engaging and whimsical figures. No experience necessary. Youth ages 14 and up may participate independently; youth ages 10-13 may participate with an adult. A 25% tuition discount is available for the youth participant; call to register. 

Required Tools

• Flat Plane Carving Knife (Available in School Store: either Harley Knife or Kryshak 2” Carving Knife)
• Optional Tools that Might be Helpful:
• Palm carving gouges or other carving tools you may already have