Needle-Felt Animal Puppet and Animation workshop with Studio 9

The NTAA is delighted to launch our in-person Needle-Felt Animal Puppet and Animation workshop with Studio 9.

Following the success of their stop-motion short film commissioned to represent Ireland at the Osaka 2025 World Expo in Japan, Studio 9 is opening its doors for a special week-long needle-felted stop-motion puppet workshop in Dublin 1. 

The studio’s recent film, which followed the friendship of two dogs as they journeyed across Ireland, required months of dedicated puppet fabrication and animation. In the process, the team refined their skills in needle-felted animal making, perfected four-legged walk cycles, and developed a deep understanding of expressive canine body language. 

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Over five immersive days, you will design and build your own needle-felted animal puppet from the inside out — constructing a wire armature with epoxy-putty bones, shaping the body with foam, and crafting detailed felted surfaces and interchangeable facial features. 

• To round off the week, you’ll be introduced to a simple stop-motion setup, including lighting, software and staging, and guided through animating a convincing four-legged walk cycle that brings your character to life. 

• By the end of the workshop, you will leave with a professional-quality puppet of your own making, along with the skills and confidence to continue animating at home. 

Course Details:

Dates: Monday, 23rd of March - Friday, 27th of March.

Time: 10am - 4:00pm.

Location: 9 North Great Georges St, Dublin 1.

Cost: There is no cost to the participants but places are limited.

Places: 12.

Deadline: Friday, 6th of March at 12pm.

Requirements:

• Candidates must be resident in Ireland and over 18.

• Candidates must be available to attend each class in person in Dublin.

• All materials and equipment are provided. No prior experience is required.

APPLY HERE: