Lantern Making Techniques

A practical, hands-on workshop that focuses on the methods and materials used to make durable, long-lasting lanterns.

What is this workshop?

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.

Who is it for?

This intermediate workshop is suitable for:

• Artisans
• Visual artists
• Makers
• Tinkerers
• Builders
• Designers
• Sculptors

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

What will you do?

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.

Cost: $75 Registration fee to cover materials. If cost is a barrier, please email gloria@openp.it for limited pay-what-you-decide spots.

About the facilitator

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 Victoria Association of Mask and Puppetry, was the Artistic Director of the Esquimalt Lantern Festival from 2024-2025, and was Co-Artistic Director of Open Pit Theatre from 2010-2025.

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

Questions? Email gloria@openp.it

Recommended for teens and adults.

Workshop presented by Open Pit Theatre