This is a printable design to help you to create your own paper marionette! As seen/taught at the July School Holiday workshops at the National Museum of Australia in 2025. Read more about the program on the blog here.

For best results, print this on thick card (300gsm) or print on paper and glue to some thin cardboard, such as a cereal box.

Colour in and decorate your puppet, cut it out, add paper fasteners, string and a stick to manipulate your puppet!

Video instructions at the bottom of this page or visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMEXclfGkKQ

Please note this is a digital download and not a physical product. PDF download is formatted to suit A4 paper.

Free download.

Free Resource Use & Copyright Notice

This resource is provided free of charge by Access Art Academy for personal, private, and classroom educational use only.

Permitted use:

• Personal creative exploration

• Use by individual educators in their own classrooms

• Use with students in non-commercial educational settings

Not permitted:

• Commercial use of any kind

• Use within paid programs, workshops, events, or courses

• Use by organisations, businesses, or professional service providers

• Public-facing use (including exhibitions, performances, websites, social media, or promotional materials)

• Redistribution, resale, sublicensing, or inclusion in other resource packs

• Modification, reproduction, or adaptation for redistribution

All content remains the intellectual property and copyright of Access Art Academy.
No part of this resource may be reproduced, adapted, or distributed without prior written permission.

If you would like to use this resource in a professional, commercial, organisational, or public-facing context, please get in touch to discuss licensing options.

© Access Art Academy. All rights reserved.

Workshops have concluded for 2025. Sign up to the wait list to be notified for workshops in 2026!

• 2-hour visual art workshop

• New dates coming soon

• Includes coffee, cake & art materials

• The Front Gallery & Cafe (Two Before Ten), Lyneham
  1/84 Wattle St, Lyneham ACT 2602

🏷️ Description:

In this workshop, you truly can have your cake and eat it too!

Join award-winning artist and qualified visual art teacher Marianne Mettes for a fun and relaxing morning exploring texture, colour and creativity — all while enjoying coffee and cake in one of Canberra’s most beloved creative spaces.

You'll learn easy, effective techniques to build depth and detail — and walk away with your own finished artwork, ready to display with pride! Themes, topics and art mediums change every few weeks.

Whether you're an absolute beginner or a budding artist looking to try something new, this workshop is designed to be fun, social and inspiring.

Proudly supported by The Front Gallery and Cafe.

👉 This workshop is designed for adults, but young creatives aged 16+ are very welcome to join!

📖 Learn more about events:

• The Success of Make Art - Eat Cake

• The Sculpture edition

• Her Canberra Article (17 April)

🍰 What's Included:

• 2 hours of professional, friendly tuition

• All art materials

• Delicious cake and coffee from The Front Café

• A relaxed and supportive creative atmosphere

✨ New dates coming soon: join the waitlist to stay up to date!

💸 Price:

• $70 per person

• $120 for two people (limited tickets: select option ‘two tickets’)
  (Includes all materials, gourmet coffee and cake and tuition)

🎨 What to Bring:

• Just bring yourself!

• All materials are provided

• We recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting creative in

💬 Feedback from attendees:

• “I would actually hang this art in my house!”

• “Make Art Eat Cake is a blissful experience. Marianne provided supportive instructions while encouraging exploration and creative whims. My whole family (ages 16 to 79 with very different levels of artistic confidence) had a great time. The whole workshop was thoughtfully put together from the recycled materials to well timed cake and coffee break. And the coffee is excellent!” - Gillian

• “Such a fun afternoon of crafting! Delicious cake & coffee, great venue. Just what the soul needed.” - Nat

• “The workshop is gentle, encouraging and interactive. It was lovely to work on something together, delicious cake and exceptional coffee! Such a great atmosphere for an introvert.” - Dunja

• “'Make art, eat cake' was exactly that! The art-making was very fun and everyone could put their own touch on their piece while following Marianne's instructions in different techniques. It didn't feel too difficult even for a beginner. And the cake made just for our group was next-level delicious!” - Zoe

🔄 Cancellation & Refund Policy:

Please choose your session carefully before booking. We understand that life can be unpredictable, however as a small business with limited capacity (just 10 spots per session), even one booking change can affect how we run the event.

Unfortunately, all sales are final and tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or rescheduled by us. You are welcome to gift them to a friend or family member, just let us know the name via email.

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any art experience?
Nope! This class is beginner-friendly and open to all skill levels.

Can I bring a friend?
Yes! Just be sure to book a spot for each person.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes — The Front Gallery and Cafe is wheelchair accessible. Let us know if you have any additional accessibility needs.

How do I get there?
The Front Gallery and Cafe is located at Shop 1, 84 Wattle Street Lyneham Shops, ACT 2602. Street parking is available out the front and more parking at the back of Lyneham Shops.
There are bus services and light rail stops near by, visit https://www.transport.act.gov.au/tickets-and-myway for more information.

What if I have food allergies?
Please let us know when you book and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

What’s included in the price?
Everything — art materials, expert guidance and refreshments!

✨ Spots are strictly limited — book now and treat yourself to a morning of creativity, community, and cake.

Please read the terms and conditions before signing up, click here for the terms and conditions.

Payments are in AUD and sessions are in Canberra/Sydney (AEST) timezone.

• 2-hour visual art workshop

• Led by Marianne Mettes

• Tuesday 21 April, 6-8pm

• Gungahlin Community Centre
  47 Ernest Cavanagh St, Gungahlin ACT 2912

🎨 Description:

Join award-winning artist and qualified visual art teacher Marianne Mettes for a fun and relaxing evening exploring composition, colour and creativity.

In this 2-hour hands-on workshop, you'll use a variety of materials to create a finished artwork. You'll learn easy, effective techniques to build an engaging composition — and walk away with your own artwork, ready to hang with pride!

Whether you're an absolute beginner or a budding artist looking to try something new, this workshop is designed to be fun, social and inspiring.

👉 This workshop is designed for adults, but young creatives aged 16+ are very welcome to join!

🎨 Sessions:

Upcoming events:

• Tuesday 21 April, 6-8pm

📖 Blog articles - learn more about Paint and Chat:

• Abstract masterpieces

• Paint and chat 4-week course

• Paint and chat 6-week course

🖌️ What's Included:

• 2 hours of professional, friendly tuition

• All art materials (paints, pencils, paper, etc.)

• Complimentary tea or coffee

• A relaxed and supportive creative atmosphere

💸 Price:

• $65 per person

• $110 for two tickets (limited tickets)

✅ What to Bring:

• Just bring yourself!

• All materials are provided

• We recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting creative in.

💬 Feedback from attendees:

• “I would actually hang this art in my house!”

• “The instructor creates an incredible atmosphere which allowed me to create a unique piece of art in a safe space” - Emily

• “I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Marianne is a great teacher who provides support while taking you through the process. It was fun and relaxing.” - Leanne

• “A small gathering where different techniques met canvas, delicious cakes satisfied appetites, and gentle guidance sparked creativity amongst friends.” - Rachel

🔄 Cancellation & Refund Policy:

• Unfortunately, all sales are final and tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or rescheduled. You are welcome to gift them to a friend or family member, just let us know the name via email.

• If the workshop is cancelled by us, you’ll receive a full refund

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any art experience?
Nope! This class is beginner-friendly and open to all skill levels.

Can I bring a friend?
Yes! Just be sure to book a spot for each person.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes — The Gungahlin Community Centre is wheelchair accessible. Let us know if you have any additional accessibility needs.

How do I get there?
Gungahlin Community Centre is located in the heart of Gungahlin Town Centre. The building opposite the chicken restaurant El Jannah. There is unlimited car parking available at ‘Boon Lane Parking’.

Light rail stop and bus interchange are on the next block of the venue. Visit https://www.transport.act.gov.au/tickets-and-myway for more information.

What’s included in the price?
Everything — art materials, expert guidance, and refreshments!

✨ Spots are strictly limited — book now and treat yourself to an evening of creativity, community, and fun.

Please read the terms and conditions before signing up, click here for the terms and conditions.

Payments are in AUD and sessions are in Canberra/Sydney (AEST) timezone.

New course starts April! Registrations close 22 April!

• A 8-week visual art course

• Beginners welcome!

• Tuesdays 28 April - 16 June, 6-8pm

• Led by Marianne Mettes

• Gungahlin Community Centre
  47 Ernest Cavanagh St, Gungahlin ACT 2912

🎨 Description:

Join award-winning artist and qualified visual art teacher Marianne Mettes for a fun and relaxed evening of drawing, creativity, and conversation.

In this eight-week course, you'll explore a range of drawing techniques using pencil, charcoal, ink and watercolour. Along the way you’ll learn about shading, proportions, mark-making, and how to develop your own artistic style.

Each week we’ll experiment with different subjects and approaches — from characters and portraits to still lifes and expressive sketches. You’ll build skills step-by-step while discovering what kinds of drawing you enjoy most.

The classes have a focus on relaxation, social connection and enjoyment. While you’ll be learning new techniques and creating artwork you’ll be proud of, there’s plenty of time to pause, have a cuppa and chat with fellow creatives.

Whether you're an absolute beginner or someone who enjoys sketching and wants to develop your skills, Draw and Chat is designed to be welcoming, inspiring, and fun.

Read more about last term’s group who were mainly total beginners on the blog.

👉 This course is designed for adults, but young creatives aged 16+ are very welcome to join!

🖌️ What's Included:

• Eight x 2 hour classes of professional, friendly tuition

• Complimentary tea or coffee

• A relaxed and supportive creative atmosphere

Note: please bring your own materials (see list below).

📝 What you’ll learn:

• Basic drawing techniques and mark-making

• Shading and tonal value

• Understanding proportions and observation skills

• Drawing characters, portraits and still life

• Working with pencil, charcoal, ink and watercolour

• Developing your own artistic style

• Finishing touches and presentation

💸 Price:

• $400 per person
  (Includes refreshments and tuition only)

• Bring your own materials. Material list below.

• Enrolments open in March and close 22 April, 2025

✅ What to Bring:

• We recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting creative in.

• Please bring your own materials. You do not need expensive supplies — many of these can be found at office supply, kmart or art stores.

  • Essential drawing materials

    • Sketchbook or drawing pad (A4 or A3, medium-weight paper)
    • Graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B and 6B recommended)
    • Kneadable eraser
    • Standard eraser
    • Pencil sharpener

    Charcoal

    • Charcoal sticks or compressed charcoal
    • Charcoal pencil (optional but useful)

    Ink

    • Black fineliner or drawing pen
    • Small bottle of black ink (optional)
    • Dip pen or brush for ink (optional)

    Watercolour

    • Basic watercolour set (pan or tube)
    • Small set of round paintbrushes (for example size 2–8)
    • Water container
    • Small cloth or paper towel

💬 Feedback from attendees:

• “I would actually hang this art in my house!”

• “The instructor creates an incredible atmosphere which allowed me to create a unique piece of art in a safe space” - Emily

• “I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Marianne is a great teacher who provides support while taking you through the process. It was fun and relaxing.” - Leanne

• “A small gathering where different techniques met canvas, delicious cakes satisfied appetites, and gentle guidance sparked creativity amongst friends.” - Rachel

🗓️ Dates:

Eight week course sessions are on Tuesday evenings from 28 April - 16 June (inclusive).

📖 Blog articles - learn more about Paint and Chat:

• Abstract masterpieces

• Paint and chat 4-week course

• Paint and chat 6-week course

🔄 Cancellation & Refund Policy:

• Unfortunately, all sales are final and tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or rescheduled. You are welcome to gift them to a friend or family member, just let us know the name via email.

• If the workshop is cancelled by us, you’ll receive a full refund

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any art experience?
Nope! This class is beginner-friendly and open to all skill levels.

Can I bring a friend?
Yes! Just be sure to book a spot for each person.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes — The Gungahlin Community Centre is wheelchair accessible. Let us know if you have any additional accessibility needs.

How do I get there?
Gungahlin Community Centre is located in the heart of Gungahlin Town Centre. The building opposite the chicken restaurant El Jannah. There is unlimited car parking available at ‘Boon Lane Parking’.

Light rail stop and bus interchange are on the next block of the venue. Visit https://www.transport.act.gov.au/tickets-and-myway for more information.

What are the dates?

• New dates will be announced soon, sign up to the waitlist

Are the materials included in the price?
No, materials are not included. You may bring your own materials (see suggested list) or purchase a material pack on check out.

✨ Spots are strictly limited — book now and treat yourself to creativity, community, and fun.

Please read the terms and conditions before signing up, click here for the terms and conditions.

Payments are in AUD and sessions are in Canberra/Sydney (AEST) timezone.