The art of hand shadows
Learn to make hand shadow puppets
Learn hand shadows, also known as shadowgraphy, with our tutorials. Discover artists and events from the wider community. Our complementary iOS app adds coaching for your practice.
Spotlight cat, fully committed. [the room waits]
Why shadow puppetry
Learn the craft.
Share the experience.
Shadow puppetry has deep roots across many traditions. We are here to help you explore it in a practical, beginner-friendly way.
Learn step by step
Guides, tutorials, and practice prompts help you build confidence one shadow at a time.
Quality time together
Put down the screens and pick up a flashlight. Shadow puppetry brings families together through creative, imaginative play.
Unlock creativity
From classic animals to original characters, explore a wide range of figures with just your hands and a light source.
Explore the wider community
Discover featured artists, public events, and shadow-puppetry traditions from around the world.
Start with the classics
The Cat
Learn the hand position in our Cat tutorial. The iOS app adds hand-tracking feedback and hand-position views for guided practice.
- 1
Make a fist
Start with a tight closed fist for the round cat head.
- 2
Lift the index ear
Poke the index finger up and curl it slightly into a point.
- 3
Mirror the pinky ear
Raise the pinky with the same curl so the ears feel balanced.
- 4
Tuck the thumb
Keep the thumb folded in for the cleanest head silhouette.
- 5
Keep it feline
Move your fingers slightly to create slow blinks and small head turns.
Follow the web guide or practice with live coaching in our iOS app.
Popular animal hand shadows
Make your first shadow puppet tonight
Choose a familiar animal, learn the hand position that forms its silhouette, and practice one movement at a time.
Planning a group activity? Use the classroom starter lesson.
Explore more
Explore the wider world of shadow puppetry.
Find workshops and events, discover featured artists, and browse tutorials from creators around the world.