The Creative Dimension Trust - Summer 2026: Historical Plant Hunter Puppet Making
The Creative Dimension Trust
Applications for this cycle have closed
This programme usually runs again each year — keep an eye out for the next round, or explore what's live now.
Fancy bringing a historical plant hunter to life? Join a five-day hands-on workshop in Chelsea Barracks to design and build a one-third scale soft puppet, learn 2D-to-3D patterning, stitching, articulated joints and portrait embroidery - boost your portfolio and practical skills for uni or creative careers.
This five-day, in-person summer workshop runs from Monday 10 August to Friday 14 August 2026 at the Garrison Chapel, Chelsea Barracks, London. Students will make a one-third scale soft puppet representing a 17th-19th century plant hunter or botanist, working from historical images and scaled-down costume patterns.
The course covers turning 2D images into 3D forms, cutting and stitching a felt body, creating articulated joints, stitching facial portraits in thread, constructing period hairstyles from varied materials, and making toiles to explore shape and fit. All materials and base patterns are provided.
The workshop is tutored by Susie Vickery, a theatrical costumier with over twenty years' experience (Royal Shakespeare Company, English National Opera, Royal National Theatre). Sessions run from 10:00 to approximately 16:30 each day.
The programme also includes discussion of historical costume and pattern scaling, and highlights transferable skills relevant to careers such as theatre design, costume design, fashion design, art conservation, and related creative pathways. The workshop is fully funded by sponsors and offers 12 places.
Applicants should be able to attend every day, meet the eligibility criteria, and submit an application by the stated deadline. If the workshop becomes oversubscribed applications may close early.
Susie Vickery
10 Apr 2026
08 Aug 2026
Dates from the previous cycle — new dates are announced when applications reopen.
10 Aug 2026 – 14 Aug 2026
Summer 2026
Location
- Be 16–19 years old during the dates of the workshop (10–14 August 2026).
- Be creative and have an interest in careers such as architecture, engineering, fine art, jewellery making, art conservation, glass working, theatre design, fashion design, or costume design (or similar areas).
- Have good hand-eye coordination.
- Demonstrate a passion for working with your hands in the application.
- Be able to attend every day of the five-day workshop.
Workshops are fully funded by sponsors; all materials and patterns will be supplied. Places are limited (12 spaces).
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