lantern-making techniques

Upcoming: August 15, 2026

  • Lantern-Making Techniques is a practical, hands-on workshop that focuses on the methods and materials used to make durable, long-lasting lanterns.

    Participants will learn techniques that are used by professional puppet and parade designers, and walk away with a small lantern of their own.

  • This intermediate workshop is suitable for:

    • Artisans

    • Visual artists

    • Makers

    • Tinkerers

    • Builders

    • Designers

    • Sculpters

    No specific lantern experience is required, but you should be comfortable working with your hands and comfortable using tools.

  • Based on her previous lantern-making experience, Jessica will give participants an overview of the design and building process from start to finish. This will include tips and tricks for:

    • ‍Sculpting with reed

    • LED installation

    • Exterior fabric options

    • Coating & durability

    • Decorative possibilities

    Participants will then build a simple star lantern to try out the techniques outlined. The skills and materials used on the stars can be applied to any and all future lantern creations.

    Each participant will leave with a glowing star lantern they can keep.

  • Jessica Hickman is a puppeteer, puppet designer/builder, and mask performer. She has trained with The Old Trouts (Calgary), Mermaid Theatre (Nova Scotia), Maison internationale des arts de la marionnette (Montreal), and Puppetmongers (Toronto). She designs and builds custom puppets for theatre companies across Canada, and has toured her original productions internationally.

    Jessica is the co-Artistic Director and Founder of VAMP and was the Artistic Director of the Esquimalt Lantern Festival from 2024-2025.

    Check out her puppet designs at @mixed.media.monsters

  • Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026

    Time:
    1:00pm - 5:00pm

    Cost: $75

Spots are limited!

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