Learn the craft! Compared to the week-long course, you’ll taste everything to the core. In addition to woodcarving techniques, you will learn how to care for your chisels and choose the right wood. The two-week training will make you a carver capable of really understanding the practicalities of this craft.
Come and learn the art of carving and marionette making under the guidance of experienced master Martin Růžička, who has been carving puppets for over 25 years. Over the course of seven days, you will be guided through the entire process of creating your own puppet, from design to finished product. This workshop's capacity is three students.
During the course, you will learn the basics of woodworking, from design and carving to surface finishing and painting, as well as assembly and proper handling of the marionette. Every day brings a new challenge as you master various carving techniques and materials used by professional marionette makers. At the end of the course, you will take home your own handmade marionette.
The course takes place in Martin's workshop near Prague Castle, in an inspiring environment steeped in craft traditions.
You do not need to bring any tools; everything will be provided. We recommend comfortable work clothes! The number of participants is limited to 3 people, which guarantees individual attention and plenty of room for personal development.
We start each day at 9:00 a.m. and finish at 6:00 p.m., with a lunch break. The course lasts 14 days, during which you will not only work with wood, but also meet new people and learn something new.
We look forward to welcoming you to this unique course, which will not only teach you new skills, but also provide you with unforgettable experiences!
Absolutely wonderful, better than expected.. a very talented puppet creator. Very pleased
Of course, the quality was good, and the packaging was careful. Pinocio also has a very cute face. It was the best!
This is fun because it can move like a human. I will practice so that I can control it better! I made a very good purchase. As expected, it's an authentic mionette!
Zlatna Kostova’s review: If you think you've already seen all the magic Prague has to offer, visit Czech Marionettes. It may well become the highlight of your trip. Walking into this beautiful workshop and gallery felt like stepping into another world – a world where every puppet has a personality, a history, and a soul. There are antique marionettes waiting to be lovingly restored, newly carved figures taking shape from blocks of linden wood, theatrical puppets, film puppets, one-of-a-kind collector's pieces, custom commissions, and charming souvenirs. Everywhere you look, you can feel that this is not simply a shop but a living workshop where Czech puppetry continues to flourish. Even before my visit, I knew that Czech puppetry is one of the country's great cultural traditions, recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. After spending time here, I understood why. This is not merely craftsmanship - it is an art form passed down through generations with extraordinary dedication and love. Lucie Robinson, the wonderful manager of Czech Marionettes, welcomed my friend Tanya and me with warmth and genuine enthusiasm. She shared how she herself fell in love with puppetry after making her very first marionette in the workshop of the internationally renowned master Martin Růžička. Through her stories - and through a fascinating video from Růžička's studio - we caught a glimpse of the artistry and passion behind his remarkable creations. Daniel then took us "behind the scenes", showing us sketches, designs, carving tools, unfinished puppets, and restoration projects. As he demonstrated the marionettes, he handled them as if they were living companions rather than wooden figures. His affection for them was impossible to miss and wonderfully contagious. Around us, the workshop was alive with creativity. One artist was carefully repairing the broom of an evil witch, while another was delicately painting the faces of the Princess and her Prince from "The Nutcracker" and refreshing their costumes. Watching these characters slowly come to life was absolutely mesmerizing. Leaving Czech Marionettes was surprisingly difficult. It reminded me of the feeling I had the first time I entered the newly opened "The Moon-lit Room" puppet theatre in Sofia - you simply don't want the enchantment to end. If you are visiting Prague, don't miss this extraordinary place. Whether you are a collector, a theatre lover, an artist, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful craftsmanship, Czech Marionettes offers an unforgettable experience. I already know that every time I return to Prague, this will be one of my first stops.
I missed the opportunity to purchase a marionette when I was in Prague so I bought this one. It’s so well made. I’m excited to show my grandkids! Rozkošný!
Source of the reviews: Marionettes.cz, Google, Etsy
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