Crafting Custom Puppets for Their Next Stop-Motion Film Adventure!

At bemix’s Eco Shed in Sittingbourne, creativity is always in full swing, and right now, the Friday group is buzzing with excitement as they craft handmade string and rod puppets for their second stop-motion movie! 

Eco Shed, a much-loved Social Enterprise project, brings people together to learn new skills using reclaimed materials, build confidence, and have fun while creating unique items, from wooden crafts to animated storytelling magic.

After the success of their first film, the group decided to dive even deeper into puppetry. They’ve already mastered string puppets and are now tackling rod puppets for the very first time: A bold new challenge!

What makes this project extra special?

Many of the rod puppets are inspired by the very people in the workshop. Cheryl, the Eco Shed lead (who famously avoids having her photo taken), is making a fierce Viking version of herself - complete with warrior spirit (she’s a big Vikings fan!).

Stewart is crafting a puppet of himself and already dreaming of interviewing his mini-me on camera - a clever crossover for his animation workshops, too.

Garry, the group’s carving expert, is stepping out of his comfort zone to create his first-ever puppet self-portrait.

“It is nice to try something new out of his comfort zone,” Garry shared.

Meanwhile, Garry and Terry - the duo behind the brilliant Father Christmas from the last film are taking on the fairy this time, with the biggest challenge being her magnificent wings.

A few team members are busy with scenery and script-writing, while everyone relies on Tom’s incredible editing skills to bring it all together.

“If only you could see the making of it — it would make you laugh!” the group laughs. “You’d never know the amount of skill it must take for Tom to put it all together to make it look amazing.”

The process has been full of laughter and brilliant ideas. One highlight? When the Wednesday Eco Shed group joined forces with the Be Seen Be Heard group to brainstorm the script across two rooms.

Picture it!  The doors open, ideas flying, everyone comfortable in their space.

“The day we were working on the script for the film we all couldn’t stop laughing,” Cheryl Brockwell, Eco Shed Lead, recalls. “There was some great ideas and a few crazy ones but in the end we came up with something we all loved… It was amazing teamwork and very funny working over two rooms.”

Elaine summed it up simply: “I’ll try anything.”        Stewart added: “Learning new techniques.”

Once the film is finished, the team plans to enter it into the Margate Film Festival. Fingers crossed for a screening!

If you love animation, storytelling, and hands-on creativity, the Friday Eco Shed group is the place to be. Everyone is welcome to join, learn step-by-step, and be part of the magic.

Want to support or get involved?

 Visit The Eco-Shed to learn more, Browse the shop, or Book a FREE taster session

Who knows - your story might be the next one brought to life!