About the Workshop

HAC is excited to host two foundations in puppet-making workshops taught by Sol Ramirez of 1,2,3 Puppetry!

In preparation for 2026's Handmade Parade, we want to give our community the chance to grow their ideas and learn how one might begin constructing a puppet. At these workshops offered on two convenient dates, you will get a chance to learn how to build the skeleton (armature) of your puppet, how to sculpt its face, and how to use papier-mâché to add detail.

By the end of this workshop, you should plan to have a good start to your puppet and walk away with our DIY puppet manual to continue progress on your creation. Stay tuned for future workshops in 2026 that will cover other steps in the puppet-making process!

This workshop is designed for ages 12 and up. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Child/adult pairs only require one ticket to attend if collaborating on one puppet. Space is limited, and first-come, first-serve!

If you cannot attend this workshop, we will be hosting an identical workshop on August 15, 2025 from 4-7 PM. For more information, click here.

This workshop is brought to you through collaboration between the Hillsborough Arts Council and The Scrap Exchange! Additional support for this program is provided by the Tourism Board of the Town of Hillsborough.

Introducing Our Instructor: Sol Ramirez

Sol Ramirez is the founder and director of 1,2,3 Puppetry, a puppet theater company based in Chapel Hill. This group is dedicated to leveraging puppetry, acting, music, and movement to champion social justice and shed light on underrepresented issues. Sol became interested in puppetry at the age of three, and at age six, 1,2,3 Puppetry was born. Sol now helps lead the Handmade Parade and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Puppet Arts at the University of Connecticut!

What to Bring

Water bottle
Old clothing
Sketchbooks
Pencils

Other materials, such as: cardboard, hot glue guns, Sharpies, papier-mâché, newspaper, brown paper bag, clay, and masking tape will be provided.

From Frame to Face: Puppet Foundations July Workshop

with 1, 2, 3, Puppetry and the Hillsborough Arts Council