PUPPETS!

Literally the easiest way to make new friends.

New Performance Workshops Added

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New Performance Workshops Added -

Upcoming Workshops

These workshops are designed to be an easy, low-pressure way to get your hands moving and your creative muscles pumping. Whether you end up with a new puppet character, some new performance tips, or a mix of both, each workshop will teach you professional puppet skills while having some fun along the way.

The classes are designed for adults (and teens with a guardian present) who grew up seeing puppets in popular media and have always been curious about how these characters are actually made and what makes them tick.

No experience is required for any of the classes on offer. Performers, crafters, and complete beginners are all welcome. You will leave with new skills and either a finished puppet character or an understanding of what it takes to breathe life into that creature. All materials are provided. Just show up curious and ready to make something.

Booking links for all workshops are below. If you have any trouble booking, feel free to reach out using the contact button. You can also book directly through our page on Eventbrite.

CONTACT

February Workshops

Feb 21, 2026

Puppet Making with the Pros

2325 Union St, San Francisco

10 am

2 pm

Feb 23, 2026

Puppeteering with the Pros

2325 Union St, San Francisco

7 pm

March Workshops

Mar 14, 2026

Puppet Making with the Pros

2325 Union St, San Francisco

10 am

2 pm

Mar 23, 2026

Puppeteering with the Pros

2325 Union St, San Francisco

7 pm

April Workshops

April 11, 2026

Puppet Making with the Pros

2325 Union St, San Francisco

10 am

2 pm

April 27, 2026

Puppeteering with the Pros

2325 Union St, San Francisco

7 pm

Puppet Gifts

Quick View
"Mocha" Puppet Kit
$60.00

Mocha is a calming presence. Equally at home in a big city or in the woods. Able to blend into any situation and make all involved feel at ease. Loves pistachios.

This kit lets you build your own version of this character. Follow the included instructions to make your own professional-quality puppet. Everything inside this box is planned, pre-cut, and ready to use the moment you open the bag.

Kit Contents:

  • Printed instructions

  • Front fur: Tan

  • Back fur: Brown

  • Eyeballs x2

  • Pupils x2

  • Mouthplate x1

  • Sewing kit (sewing needle, thread, pins)

What to expect:

  • Most builders finish in 2 to 3 hours

  • No prior puppet-building experience required

  • No smelly glues or hot glue guns!

  • You will need scissors and a table.

Puppet Kit: Puppet Kit:
Sold out
Quick View
Puppet Kit: "Tang"
$60.00
Rainbow Puppet Kit
$60.00

Character Name: Cupcake

Cupcake is pure rainbow energy. The loud one in the band. The puppet version of a confetti cannon.

This kit lets you build your own version of this character (or any character you want to create using these materials). Follow the included instructions to make your own professional-quality puppet.

Everything inside this box is planned, pre-cut, and ready to use the moment you open the bag.

Kit Contents:

  • Printed instructions

  • Front fur: Rainbow

  • Back fur: Rainbow

  • Eyeballs x2

  • Pupils x4

  • Mouthplate x1

  • Sewing kit (needle, thread, pins)

What to expect:

  • Most builders finish in 2 to 3 hours

  • No prior puppet-building experience required

  • No smelly glues or hot glue guns!

  • You will need scissors and a table.

Puppet Workshop Gift Certificate! (In-Person)
Quick View
Puppet Workshop Gift Certificate! (In-Person)
$40.00

Give the gift of pure creative joy.

This certificate is good for one admission to an in-person puppet building workshop, a hands-on session where your recipient gets to design and create their own professional-quality puppet from scratch.

In addition, every workshop is packed with practical tips, insider techniques, and that “I made this” rush people never forget.

It is a perfect gift for the crafter, the puppet fan, the maker, the DIY explorer, or anyone who needs a fun and creative break from their screens. Whether they want a quirky sidekick for video calls, a character for performances, or simply a playful afternoon of building something cool, this gift sets them up for a memorable experience.

Caveats and Important Notes

  • Valid for one adult workshop seat at an in-person session.

  • Ages 18 and up. Ages 15 to 17 may join with a participating adult with prior approval.

  • Workshops typically run two and ½ hours

  • All tools and materials are provided.

  • Scheduling is required, and the address is listed on the certificate

  • Gift certificates cannot be exchanged for cash.

  • Dates, times, and locations vary based on scheduling and availability.

  • Space is limited to preserve a high-quality, hands-on experience.

  • Not valid for private events unless arranged ahead of time.

  • To redeem, choose any public workshop date posted on the website and email the address on the certificate to confirm attendance. This certificate is not valid for private bookings or for days without an active class.

    • If this is intended as a surprise, the purchaser can get in touch with Michael directly to schedule.

Quick View
"Mostly Puppets" Text Tote Bag
$30.43

A playful twist on the classic “Thank You” tote bag for puppet fans, puppet makers, or anyone who wants to show that what you bring to the table is "mostly puppets". 

Whether you’re hauling fabric, foam, groceries, or a small army of googly-eyed creatures, this bag is a nod and wink to everyone out ehre who lives a puppet-centric lifestyle.

Printed in bold, graphic red for maximum attitude and instant recognition.

Why you’ll love it:
• Sturdy enough for runs to the fabric store
• Ironic enough to get a laugh at the checkout
• A perfect gift for puppet fans, makers, performers, and creative chaos gremlins
• Reusable, lightweight, and built for everyday hauling

 

Carry your truth. Carry your stuff. Carry mostly puppets.

Puppet Workshop FAQ

Who can attend?
Anyone curious, crafty, or just up for trying something new. No experience needed—just a willingness to dive in and make something fun.

  1. What if I’m not a “creative” person?
    You don’t need to be. These workshops are designed to guide you step by step. Whether you’re an artist, an accountant, or someone who’s never touched a glue gun, you’ll still walk away with something amazing.

  2. Can I book a private or team workshop?
    Yes. We offer private and corporate sessions for events, teams, or special occasions. Inquire below about availability and rates.

  3. Is there an age requirement?
    Workshops are for adults 18 and up. Teens ages 15–17 may be allowed with a co-crafting guardian, but you must email for approval before booking.

  4. Do I need any experience?
    Not at all. Total beginners are welcome. If you’ve never sewn or crafted before, we’ve got you covered.

  5. Is this a good date activity?

    It is a GREAT date activity. If you are newly dating, this is a good chance to see if your person can handle some silly, crafty fun. If you are deeper in your relationship, come have a unique date experience and then take your puppets to a second location where they can get a little loose and flirt with each other. Trust the process.

  6. Is it easy?
    Pretty much. We’ve taken a lot of care to make this workshop fun, approachable, and accessible, no matter your skill level. You’ll get guided help at every step.

  7. What kind of puppet will I make?
    A moving-mouth Muppet-style hand puppet built from scratch using the same materials used in professional TV and film puppets.

  8. Do I get to take it home?
    Yes. You’ll leave with a fully finished, one-of-a-kind puppet you made yourself.

  9. Are materials included?
    Yep. We provide everything—foam, fleece, fur, fabric, and tools. Just show up ready to create.

  10. What should I wear?
    Wear something comfortable that you don’t mind getting a little fuzzy. You’ll be working with foam, fleece, and faux fur, so expect some fluff. Black clothing looks sharp, but it does show every speck of fuzz, so consider yourself warned.

  11. Will we learn how to perform the puppet, too?
    A little bit. While the main focus is on building, we’ll share some basic performance tips. Full puppeteering instruction is available separately or through a “mini masterclass” add-on option.

  12. How long is the workshop?
    Around 2 hours. Larger groups may run a bit longer, but everyone will finish.

  13. How many people can join?
    Group size ranges from 8 to 20 participants, so everyone gets hands-on help.

  14. Is it fun?
    Yes. Extremely. You’ll laugh, build, learn, and probably leave with glue on your fingers and a puppet you love.

  15. Contact info:
    For bookings, questions, or special requests, email puppets@sillysidehustles.com.