Hickory's
Tips of the Week

Costumes

If your character wears a nose ( as opposed to a painted one ) purchase a spare !! You NEVER know what might happen to your original and it could take some time to order another, costing you business

Thank you BUNGLES THE CLOWN - As a novice clown I became over-zealous cleaning my nose after a show, leaving it in pieces. It took me several days before I could replace it via mail order. A lesson to be learned. "Hickory"

More ideas for Makeup on the Collar

Another idea for reducing and/or totally eliminating makeup getting on the collar or neckline of your clown's clothing, for any type of clown, is to wear a turtleneck top as an undershirt under the costume. MO is whiteface and wears a white turtleneck top, from which I cut the sleeves, under her clothing. I also keep a long sleeved turtleneck top to wear when working outside in cool weather. The turtleneck top can match your makeup color, or coordinate with your costume. I suggest white or a pastel for whiteface's because the white that rubs off onto the turtleneck is visible on a dark color. Mock turtleneck tops don't work quite as well. If you don't want to wear a full turtleneck top, a lightweight turtleneck dickey can serve the same purpose.

MO

A Tip From the Convention

At the WCA convention, Pricilla Mooseburger gave a talk on costumes. One of the things I carried away from there was her tip on buying fabric if you are making a costume. Pricilla recommended that you buy the entire bolt instead of just what you need. You will probably get a better price per yard, and you will always have extra on hand in case something needs to be fixed or you want to make an accessory. Also, she advised that material designs are frequently recycled. If you go back to find that fabric again, it may not be there for another couple of years. If you get a chance attend a Mooseburger Caravan seminar, it will be worth your investment. Also, Visit the Events Page to find a convention near you.

Sharpie Marker Tip!

If you're using a ProKnows nose, if the paint gets scratched or scuffed, they are exactly the same color as red Sharpie permanent markers! It's a quick and easy way to do touch ups that dry right away. (I'm starting to think Sharpie Markers are my clown alley's best friends. ;) )

Thank You Polly Wogg! Polly Wogg the Clown's New and Improved Website! http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/Dell/6543

Keep Cool! A lesson in Biology

With the heat of Summer baking most of America, there is a special threat to clowns. Our makeup, wigs and heavy costumes inhibit the body's natural cooling mechanisms. Whenever possible, work in the shade, wear cooler costumes, drink plenty of water, try not to let your salt levels drop too low and don't over-do it. The big challenge is not keeping your makeup from melting, it is making to the next gig.

The Wordless Bible
A costume idea for Christian Clowns

I use all the colors of the Wordless Bible.
Black: sin or spiritual death. (Romans 3:23)
Red: the Blood of Jesus shed to pay for our sin. (Romans 5:8)
White: forgiveness and cleansing of sin to those who trust in Jesus. (Acts 3:19)
Blue: public profession of Jesus by baptism in water (Acts 2:41)
Green: spiritual growth which occurs as we pray,
worship, read the Bible, etc. (2 Peter 3:18)
Yellow: heaven and glory with Jesus. (Rev. 2:1-3.)

I have worked each color somewhere into my costume.
My sleeves are yellow, my dress is blue and green, my apron is red,
white and black. I wear "WWJD" bloomers under it.

I tell the story with all the colors and then I tell them
that when I'm not sure of what to do
at this point I lift up the hem of my dress a little bit and show the
"WWJD", and I ask myself "What Would Jesus Do?" When they ask about my
RED NOSE, I tell them it reminds me that God Nose everything I do.

Submitted by Biblena. You may e-mail Biblena at biblena@yahoo.com

Inexpensive Clown Shoes

I went to some shoe stores and sports shoe stores and asked if they
had any large or extra large -extra-extra large shoes on hand, or shoes of
that size had been orderd and not picked up.

Surprise of all surprises one store had a size #16 tennis shoe
on hand. They cost me $50.00. I stuffed the front toe area with newspaper
and then left room to put a shoe my size in side the shoe, so I had a
comfortable fit. I get a lot of "OOOHS" and "AAAHS".

Submitted by Alan Twing.
You may E-mail Alan at alantwin@hotmail.com

(Hickory Note - My first pair of clown shoes were oversized sneakers which I painted with fabric paint. Kids loved them, and I've actually gotten more comments on those sneakers than I have on my "official" clown shoes)