I began my working career in Cape Town, as a professional Ballet dancer, performing with CAPAB for twelve years, before switching careers to follow another passion- that of costume creation. During the years spent working for CAPAB Theatre Wardrobe, I had the opportunity to work with world-renown designers on many international productions, such as "Cats"; "Phantom of the Opera"; "Showboat"; and "Porgy and Bess". Taking the opportunity to work free-lance, as PHYLLISCOSTUMES and have been self-employed for the last 25 years making commissioned 3D character mascot costumes; theatre costumes; prop costumes. With Handspring Puppet Company I have been privileged to work as the fabric engineer on "War Horse'; and have created puppets’ and puppeteers’ costumes for their productions of "Woyzeck in the Highveld"; Il Ritorno d"Ulisse"; "Ubu and the Truth Commission", From an early age I have made dolls; soft toys; 3D constructions and puppets, but since qualifying with a TEFL certificate, I have personal experience using the puppets to engage and teach young people. Watching the interaction of children and those for whom communication isn't easy, I have realised the positive impact puppets have on the learning experience. It would give me great pleasure to share some of my knowledge and experience, demonstrating how to create these little inanimate creatures for you to use as a communication tool. Drawing on my knowledge and experience in pattern making, the puppets and toys in the courses, have been designed and made as simply as possible, to be shared with you in the near future.