THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Turn an old stuffed animal into quirky wall art with local artist Juls Cheresko at the resource exchange in Philadelphia. This two-hour, all-materials-provided workshop is a playful, low-commitment way to upcycle and make something one-of-a-kind.
Turn an old stuffed animal into quirky wall art with local artist Juls Cheresko at the resource exchange in Philadelphia. This two-hour, all-materials-provided workshop is a playful, low-commitment way to upcycle and make something one-of-a-kind.
Book with Black Hound Clay Studio West
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Black Hound Clay Studio West · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
At the resource exchange in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a strip of community energy gathers around a long workshop table for a two-hour crash course in creative upcycling. Toy Taxidermy with Juls Cheresko (@juliacheresko) turns forgotten stuffed animals into wall-mounted conversation pieces — a playful riff on classic taxidermy made entirely from thrifted fabrics, frames, and found embellishments.
Participants start by choosing a stuffed animal or bringing one of their own, then move through design, trimming, mounting, and finishing using hot glue, small scissors, and a series of frames and fabrics provided by the instructor. The key features of the scene are simple and tactile: a communal workbench scattered with mismatched eyes, felt scraps, pincushions, vintage buttons, and wooden frames; a wall to test placement; and the hum of conversation as crude plush becomes a sculpted head ready to hang. There are no natural landmarks here — the attraction is material history, texture, and the city’s thriving culture of reuse.
This workshop is a standout because it compresses practice and personality into a compact, accessible format. Juls Cheresko brings a local artist’s eye and a playful sensibility, guiding makers through safe hot-glue techniques and compositional choices so every finished piece looks deliberate rather than accidental. The class runs roughly 2 hours, making it an easy addition to a day in Philadelphia — pop in after breakfast at a nearby cafe or before an evening at a neighborhood gallery.
Why book this in Philadelphia? The city’s strong thrift and craft networks feed the workshop with varied materials; attendees often leave with pieces that reflect South Philly’s layered aesthetic. Toy Taxidermy also connects to a larger culture of upcycling and DIY craft that’s part of modern urban conservation: by rescuing stuffed animals and repurposing frames, the workshop reduces waste while creating a durable keepsake.
Practical notes: all materials are provided but personal items are welcome; expect to stand and work at a shared table; hot glue is used, so hair tied back and closed-toe shoes are smart. The resource exchange space favors hands-on making and community exchange rather than a pristine classroom environment — bring curiosity, not perfection.
Workshops run occasionally; listings have included specific dates (the April 11th session met 2–3:30pm). Small groups and creative duos fit easily, so the brief format is ideal between other Philadelphia stops—grab a coffee, browse the Italian Market, then return with a handmade souvenir. Or combine with an afternoon gallery visit or a nearby neighborhood mural walk.
Whether you’re hunting for an offbeat souvenir, a quick creative date, or a way to give an old toy new life, Toy Taxidermy with Juls Cheresko delivers a focused, social, and strangely satisfying craft session in the heart of Philadelphia.
easy.
2 hours.
Low — mostly standing and fine-motor hand work; suitable for most fitness levels
No—materials and thrifted toys are provided, but guests are welcome to bring a personal item for a custom piece.
The session runs about 2 hours; some listings note specific times such as the April 11th class that met 2–3:30pm.
Children can participate but must be supervised due to hot-glue use; check age minimums on the booking page if attending with young children.
Workshops are often scheduled with limited seats—book ahead to secure a spot rather than relying on walk-in availability.
Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind a little glue or fabric lint on; tie back long hair and wear closed-toe shoes.
Cancellation details are set by the event host; check the booking page for the specific session’s refund or reschedule rules.
Toy taxidermy playfully references Victorian taxidermy forms while participating in modern craft and upcycling movements in urban communities.
The workshop emphasizes reuse—repurposed stuffed animals and frames keep items out of the landfill and highlight practical sustainability.
Black Hound Clay Studio West is a ceramics studio offering a broad schedule of pottery classes, workshops, open studio sessions, summer art camps, and members-only events. The studio presents structured multi-week series such as Wheelthrowing 101 and Wheelthrowing 102, short-format workshops like Make Your Own Holiday Mug and One Day Wheel Workshop, and skill-focused courses including Handbuilt Tableware for Beginners and Intermediate Handbuilding options. Classes emphasize hands-on instruction in wheelthrowing, slab and coil handbuilding, surface decoration, glazing, and functional tableware. Several class listings note small, supportive settings and instructor-led guidance; named instructors appear in class descriptions, including Frankie Iadarola, Corinna Cowles, and Caroline Hayes-Charuk. The studio also runs open studio sessions for students, member-focused demos and refreshers (kiln, glaze, reclaim, slip, extruder), and bookable private workshops. Seasonal programming includes Mid-Summer Open Studio Sessions and Black Hound West Summer Art Camp sessions scheduled for August 2025. Multiple offerings show waitlist status for popular time slots, indicating high demand. Membership-only entries provide additional hands-on opportunities and technical demos. Black Hound Clay Studio West’s program mix supports beginners through intermediate students, offering repeatable class sequences and specialty workshops for makers seeking practical skills, creative play, and finished functional work. The studio lists explicit class names, waitlist entries, and member events to help prospective students find a right-fit experience.
Book with Black Hound Clay Studio West