Marionettes may be wooden puppets controlled by strings, but opportunities to see one up close, let alone learn how to build one, are surprisingly rare. North America has very few marionette puppeteers and even fewer classes devoted to the craft. For those fascinated by these expressive figures, knowing where to begin can be a challenge. This class provides that starting point while introducing skills that can also be applied to doll making and automata. During this intensive five-day workshop, Geahk will guide students through the complete process of building a wooden marionette. The materials fee includes a knife handle with a replaceable blade and a complete kit containing all the precut parts needed to build a humanoid puppet and marionette controller. Patterns are also included, allowing students to jump into the hands-on work and have the best possible chance of completing their marionettes by the end of the week. Although the project is ambitious, the process is approachable. Even students with limited experience may be surprised by how much they can accomplish in just five days. This class will be best suited for students who have intermediate skills in making items by hand.