Hickory's
Tips of the Week

Skits / Face Painting / Balloons

A BOX CROSS skit

We have often used a box with all sides as equal squares. It looks like a present, wrapped in colorful paper and tied up with string.  There is a note (as on all presents) saying: from: God To: Everyone. We open the box, very slowly, (this usually keeps the audience on their toes).  Normally it is empty and we are very disappointed. We try to look more carefully, but we only break the box!! Then we discover that by holding up the "BOX" IT BECOMES A CROSS!!! 

Once we had a small heart-pocket in the middle of the cross, and when the clowns discover it they also
find that it contains small hearts which they can give to the audience. Another time we had a large heart made of red cloth. After we had unfold it we pointed upwards - GOD, then at the heart - LOVES, and then at the audience - YOU. The unfolding of the heart makes a very exiting atmosphere. In a bigger setting this can be a routine in it self! 

Last Christmas we preformed at at a Christian party where they had a Christmas crib. But Jesus was missing.  We found him in a present. And the box became a cross. And with help from the pastor (Chuckles & Sofi don't talk that much) the gospel was explained. 

Please send us an mail if you have questions or comments. 

Chuckles & Sofi. 
You may e-mail Chuckles and Sofi at Solveit@online.no.

Your Puppet As Your Partner 

Many clowns are afraid to work with a puppet because they cannot do ventriloquism, their lips move.  I would just like to offer a few words of encouragement.  If you can make your puppet a living character, with "real" movements and a funny personality, you don't have to worry about your lips moving.  The kids will be too attracted to your partner, too busy laughing to pay much attention to your lips.  Certainly, practice your vent, the better you are the more confident you will be and your show will improve because of it.  However, do not let moving lips get in your way ... bring your puppet on stage.

Contributed by Hickory
E-mail Hickory at hickory@webclowns.com 

Balloon In the Bag Trick

I have a tip for next month, especially for new clowns who don't have extra money for props. It is probably an old trick , but the first time I had seen it. It was in our Smiles Unlimited Newsletter last time .

All it takes is a paper bag,( I just bought a package that you use for lunches.) It is the invisible ball trick . You show the children your invisible balls naturally they think they are just beautiful. You throw the invisible ball up in the air , follow it with your eyes and when it come down. You snap your fingers. Opps I didn't tell you , you need to hold the bag with fingers inside the bag and thumb on the outside. I just practiced snapping my fingers on the bag for a couple of days and then used it for a church function with about 8 children. They are so wonderful and their imaginations are better than mine . They threw me the ball . and passed it around and a great time was had by all. You can make up all kinds of patter, you drop the ball, it does all kinds of tricks before falling in the bag etc. You can also give the invisible balls as a prize with the bag it's so inexpensive. 

Hope someone will like this idea. Sometimes simple is best. Bump a Nose!

Contributed by Sugar Bear
You may email her at spogue@webtv.net

Balloon Instructions for the "Blues Clues Dog"

Hello. I will try my best to try to write directions for this character. 

1 light blue 260, 1 dark blue, and a piece of white 260.

Start with the light blue:
Do a roll through by twisting 3 bubbles together approx. 2 or 3 inches each. This will be the muzzle. For the head do 2 or 3 in. bubble then a 1 in. then a 2 or 3 in. one again. Lock the 2 long bubbles together so that the smaller one is on top. Ear twist the small one. Do the rest of the body just like a basic dog body. 

White balloon: Make 2 bubbles just a little smaller then the head bubbles. Tie theses together and attach to the head at the center of the head bubbles. These are the eyes. 

Dark blue: Fold the blue 260 in half and attach around the ear twist at the head. These are your ears. (I like to shorten the ears a bit so they are not too long) Draw freckles on the sides of the muzzle and eyes on the white sections.

Good luck!

Contributed by LuLu and Junebug
You may email her at DazyTwist@aol.com 
or visit on the WWW @ http://www.CBDecor.com/ 

A Pie in the Eye

When performing a skit involving pies, use shaving cream instead of whip cream. The oils in whip cream
can stain your wardrobe, plus it can get really sticky. Make sure the pie skit is the last gag you do because the shaving cream will "eat" your make-up (it is a soap product you know). If you use it in the middle of a show, make sure you take a "touch-up" kit with you. P.S. Powdering extra heavy before the gag will allow the make-up to withstand the pie better.

Contributed by Bungles the Clown
You can e-mail Bungles at jpotts@neo.rr.com 

Oh! Stop Clowning Around..
I carry a sponge nose for this one. I get as tired as the rest of you..
When that line is thrown at me I am ready. I get the sponge nose and yell..
my replacement is here, and offer the nose. So fare no takers..
Most run away from me..
Try it it's fun and make sure to always respect the public in fun...
Jay Jay the clown jjclown@hitter.net

Poster Paints are NOT Face Paints

When you're doing face or hand painting, make sure you use paints that are designed for use on the face. Poster paints have permanent dyes in them that can stain the child's skin or cause allergic reactions. Make sure your face paints are designed to wash off with soap and water, that means you shouldn't use your clown makeup as face paints either. There are many quality face paints available that are not too expensive. Visit your favorite clown dealer, or visit the Dealers Page of this website to make sure your kids are happy and want you to paint their faces again.

Puppets - Your Next Partner

If you are tired of working alone, or simply want to add a new character to your show, try using a puppet. You can work up some great two person skits using a puppet as the other character, and you don't have to be a ventriloquist to make it work.

One way to make a puppet "talk" to you, is to ask the puppet a question, and then have the puppet whisper the answer into your ear. You then repeat the answer so the audience can hear what the puppet said.

Another way to work with a puppet is simply to ask it to do things. How it performs the task (or doesn't) can be very entertaining.

Finally, puppets are a great pre-show warm up for the audience. Often, while I'm waiting for the show to start, I'll carry a puppet into the crowd, having the kids pet "Doc", my little furry puppy dog. "Do you know why they call him Doc? ... Because every time you pet him you feel a little bit better!".

I've put together some web pages of puppets you can order from Amazon.Com, directly from my web page. Many of these are also available at your favorite clown supplies dealer.

So if you're looking for a new twist to your show, click here to begin your search!

Add Music to your Show

One of the best ways to liven up you show is to add music. Play it while you set up, play it while you break down after the show. But most importantly, the proper music will set the right mood for your audience. I am taking this opportunity to introduce a new page which I've put together, which allows you to see some interesting albums you can purchase through Amazon.Com, or your local music store. I've selected some old TV shows, cartoon sounds and some mood music which I thing will enhance your show.

Check out the music page at /music.htm/

Parade Routine

For anyone who does parades, here is one of my favorite walking gags. It is not original with me, but I have no idea who shared it with me. I have made it my own over the years and am quite well known for doing this bit. I will try to explain this as clearly as possible. While walking a parade route, I will pass some children. I will go up to a child and begin to shake her hand. As soon as I get close, I will notice a child I passed and rush back to her to shake her hand first, and maybe the hands of one or two more.
Then, I will quickly go back to the first child and start to shake her hand again. But as before, I stop just short of doing that, notice another child I missed and rush back and shake his hand. I go back to the first child, who has now had two chances to shake my hand, and each time I stopped just short of doing it. If there are enough children, I will do this a third time, even shaking hands with adults before going back to shake the hand of the first child. The last time I go back to the original child, I stop and put out my
hand. As she starts to take it, which could be a while (often there is some hesitation), I bend over and kiss the top of her head and then shake her hand and thank her for being so patient. The more frantically you run back and forth, the funnier it gets, and more and more people will watch you. Being in
a parade is more than just walking and waving at the audience. Make people watch you, make them laugh, make them part of the fun. Another parade bit I love is done while riding a unicycle. As I wave at someone, I fall off the bike and rush over and yell, "MOM!" and run up to give a lady a hug. Usually,
she will yell back, "Son!" I often grab her, put my face close to hers, quickly put a sponge nose on her nose and say, "See the resemblance?" People will take snapshots of this, and, again, it involves the audience without doing a big routine.

Contributed by Pockets the Clown
You may e-mail Pockets the Clown at Sorly@aol.com

A Little Bit of Fun

Another fun thing to add to your show is this: as you hand a scarf, silk or handkerchief (call it what you like) to a helper, hold the silk at the very top between two fingers. Make sure the child has to reach it for it from the top (not the bottom), and as he grabs for it, you let go of the silk. It falls
to the floor. You pick it up and apologize. Do the same thing again. As you pick it up the second time, ask to see the child's hand--the one he used to try to hold the silk. Examine the hand and say, "We will have to use the other hand...this one doesn't work!" Let him hold the silk in the other hand. In addition, you can also look at him and say, "Okay, do as I do. Open your hand, close your hand, open your hand, close your hand." (Do the actions with the words.) Now, when you hand the silk to him, he will grab it tightly. Make sure you catch your own finger in the silk when the child grabs it. Act as if he is crushing your finger and exclaim, "I said, 'Grab the silk, not my finger!'" This will get you many laughs and will also make the helper a hero. Remember, it is okay to use your helper to help, but make him part of the
show, not just a prop holder or a magic wand waver. He should be getting laughs at your expense, and you should always be in control.

Here is another fun bit I do with most children I meet. After shaking their hands or saying hello, I will gently tousle their hair (as a casual aside) with a quick flick of my hand. I will exclaim, "It must be windy
outside--your hair is a mess!" After they comb it or straighten it, I may come back and say. "That is much better!" and tousle it again. The tousle is very quick and often not even noticed. Try it. Play around with the timing, and you will surely get some laughs.

Contributed by Pockets the Clown
You may e-mail Pockets the Clown at Sorly@aol.com

A Little Bit of Magic

If you have a problem controlling children at a party, let me recommend a book by Bob Markwood, "Poof You Are a Frog". This book is probably the best book for children's entertainers I have ever come across, if for no other reason than the technique Bob uses for controlling children. I incorporated his
technique in my show years ago, and it made my shows 100% better. Invest the money and buy the book from your favorite magic dealer, or contact Bob Markwood directly in California.

Since most of my performing deals with magic and juggling, I will impart some of my favorite gags to use with children. When handing a child an object, right before she tries to grab it, I turn to the audience and ask or tell them something and take the object with me, moving it out of reach of the child. I then turn back to the helper and hold the object out to her again. As she reaches for it, I turn back to the audience and again move it just out of reach of the child. The removal of the object is not a snatching motion. It
just occurs naturally as I turn to speak to the audience. You can do this 2 or 3 times. The last time you turn to the helper, ask her politely, "Don't you want to hold onto the _______ ?" She will sometimes grab it right out of your hand. This can be very amusing with smaller children; however, older children will not let you get away with it more than once or twice.

Contributed by Pockets the Clown
You may e-mail Pockets the Clown at Sorly@aol.com

Cups and Balls

The cups and balls is a very simple trick that a person learns in minutes.
In fact when I teach clowning to kids it is one I teach them to do.

The audience sees three cups laid out side by side turned upside down. The three balls are placed in front of each cup. The magician puts ball on middle cup. stacks the remaining two cups on top of ball,turns bottom cup over revealing ball. Looks like ball fell through cup. Put ball under bottom cup lay two cups open end down in front of remaining balls. Put second ball on top of middle of cup,stack cups over ball and reveal bottom cup with two balls under it. Repeat process third time, after the third ball is revealed then pretend to pull a invisible ball out of ear, or tell audience that when the king looked in the fire he said he thought he saw a fourth man in the fire then reveal all four balls, and he did see the
fourth man and the king said He looks like the son of God, because the fourth man is the son of God.

How It Works
You already have a ball in middle cup. When turning cups over for set up turn cups toward body. This will hide the middle ball. Any magic shop should have this trick and is cheap. I find little pom poms and baby sip cups perfect for me. I have had teens look at cups thinking there was a hole in bottom

Hope I explained okay any questions feel free to write Mike

Contributed by Mike Wells
You may e-mail Mike at mwells@arkansasusa.com

A Cute Little Gag

Since most of my performing deals with magic and juggling, I will impart some of my favorite gags to use with children. When handing a child an object, right before she tries to grab it, I turn to the audience and ask or tell them something and take the object with me, moving it out of reach of the child. I
then turn back to the helper and hold the object out to her again. As she reaches for it, I turn back to the audience and again move it just out of reach of the child. The removal of the object is not a snatching motion. It just occurs naturally as I turn to speak to the audience. You can do this 2 or 3 times. The last time you turn to the helper, ask her politely, "Don't you want to hold onto the _______ ?" She will sometimes grab it right out of your hand. This can be very amusing with smaller children; however, older children will not let you get away with it more than once or twice.

Contributed by Jelly Bean.
You may e-mail Jelly Bean at sorly@aol.com

Helpful Hints on Face Painting, by Mama Clown

For the most comfort, sit down in a chair and have the children stand in front of you if their height is eye level to yours or have them kneel down in from if they are taller. Use your clown shoes or a small pillow to cushion their knees. If you are worried about hygiene, put a few drops of alcohol in your water and change the water often Keep brushes wrapped in a baby wipe. The moisture will keep them good longer.

Helpful Hints on Face Painting, by Mama Clown

Keep your brushes in a small soap box. For crowd control - get a roll of stickers. Mark a number on each of them and give each child a sticker with a number on it. The stickers can be placed on your table and the mothers can help themselves. If you forget your stickers, using the paint, write a number on each child's hand. If you need to stop at a certain time - stop giving numbers a half hour to fifteen minutes before you have to leave (depending on the crowd). Have a small token to give to those kids you will not have time to paint.

Mama Clown is one of the Master Face Painters of our craft. Visit her WWW site a http://members.aol.com/mamaclown2/

Some Tips from Mama Clown on Face Painting

Use background music as you face paint. Calliope music is good, but sing-alongs are better. Jokes are a great way to entertain as you face paint. Learn a few. Share them with the kids. If you are in a rush: start with the fastest designs. Ask who would like to be a kitty - most of the kids probably do not want to have kitties but they do want to be first. Pick 4 or 5 kids and do them assembly line style - all at the same time. Repeat this a couple of times to take care of half the crowd fast. Then proceed as normal.

More Helpful Hints on Face Painting by Mama Clown

Have baby wipes with you at all times. They are useful to clean your hands, brushes, dirty faces, wipe off paint etc ... Always leave your work area as clean as you found it Be careful not to place the baby wipes or anything wet directly on top of fine furniture or tablecloths. Keep a small plastic bag to use as a surface

Visit Mama Clown on the WWW @ http://members.aol.com/mamaclown2/

Here's a cute little routine from "Mischief":

When in costume (or even out of costume) carry with you a small mirror that you can hold in your hand. With the mirror cupped in your hands, walk up to a child or adult and say, "Do you want to see somebody very special? But you can't tell anybody who it is." When they say "Yes", open your hands so they can see themselves! Move on to the next person and repeat the routine again. Guaranteed for loads of laughs and wonderfully warm smiles.

Keep It Crisp

For the vast majority of clowns, this is not our profession. In a busy month we may have two or three gigs. As a result, our skills loose their edge, our timing is off, and we may pay less attention to our props then we should. Regardless of how often we perform, all clowns are responsible for being professionals. This means we keep our costumes clean, our routines rehearsed and our props clean and in good working order. When you work a birthday party, grand opening or local fair - you represent all of clowndom. Make us proud.

Here is a goodie for you, (make a big wave and say ) WAVE!, (now bring your hand to your shoulder and wiggle your fingers where the audience can see your fingers wave, now say) MICRO WAVE! Enjoy.

Thank you Bangles - Hickory is always looking for some good - quick routines to pass on. Please E-mail me with your one liners, puns, sight gags or anything else that will make an audience laugh.

I learned a valuable lesson the other day, while doing the "Needle Through The Balloon" trick. I had gone through my entire setup routine, getting the audience primed for when the needle went through the balloon without popping. Unfortunately, the balloon popped when I was pulling the needle through! Not only was it embarrassing, but I fell short on two areas: 1) I didn't have a good comeback for when the balloon popped 2) I didn't have any more balloons (it was my last one) What did I learn? Be prepared for the unexpected and have a line prepared for when a trick fails. Second, carry spare parts. Third, an old lesson relearned, balloons become less elastic when they are old or stay in heat. Keep your stock fresh! Hickory

Making balloon sculptures has become a necessary skill for today's clown. There are many books, videos and even WWW sites (see list below) teaching the art of balloon sculptures. One thing that you don't often find in books is the need to entertain while you're making the sculpture. Parents and children may have to wait a long time in line waiting for your creation. If you have the energy - try to keep 'em laughing. Using your balloon as a prop, play with the person you're making the sculpture for. They'll enjoy it and so will you.

Here's a routine I use when working in a religious environment: Props: 260 Balloon Hand Pump with "God's Love" written on side.

Routine: Take the balloon and show it to your audience. Wiggle it to show how limp the uninflated balloon is. "Many lives are very much like this balloon. Full of potential but not much happening. But! .... " - take pump and show it to the audience - "if we fill our lives with God's Love" - fill balloon to proper size. While making your favorite sculpture - "then God will be able to turn us into something magnificent."

While doing a worship service at a Summer Camp, I used this routine for the "Assurance of God's Love". Later during the Sermon I needed to blow up a large heart balloon. For some reason I couldn't blow it up until a child from the congregation reminded me, "You need to fill it with God's Love". I used the hand pump and everything worked fine. The lesson had been learned and taught back to me.

Here is one of the most fundamental pieces of advice, that cannot be pressed home enough:

PREPARE YOUR PROPS in ADVANCE! Before packing up for a show have a script of what you are going to do, and then follow that script as you load up you stage, case or prop box. Have a list of every routine you do and the props that are required. Then if you are short of time - just go to your script and prop lists to make sure you have everything you need. There is nothing more embarrassing than getting half way through a routine and realizing you forgot a key prop.

Moral of the story, be prepared - be rehearsed - be professional.

One of my favorite hobbies is to take magic routines and put a gospel message to them.

The main prop for this story is the Stratosphere Magic Tube (R) that has the green ball on the bottom, the yellow ball in the middle, and the red ball on top. The balls are inserted into a clear plastic tube which is surrounded by a metal tube.

"Jesus tells us that we should ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your strength and with all your soul.' And that we are to ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Hold up each ball to show the audience before putting it into the tube.

"Well I try to put God first in my life" (insert green ball) "And I try to love my neighbor as myself" (insert yellow ball) "And I always try to put myself last" (insert red ball)

(While removing metal tube..)

"But it doesn't matter, I always come out first."

(Balls are revealed as red on bottom, then green with yellow ball on top)

Return the tube. Try it again ... same results.

Instead of putting the red ball into the tube, put it in the Jester (hiding) box.

Try again ... same results. Show the ball has disappeared from the box.

"Will you help me say a prayer? By calling on God's help I know I can do it." (say appropriate prayer)

Try again ... this time it works! "Thank you God for helping me."

This is a comedy bit that can be done as an interuption while you are performing. An assistant hands you a letter (the postal kind). You say, "What is this? Fan mail?" Fan yourself with it. Open the letter and pull out a 3 X 5 piece of black construction paper. "Hey what is this, black mail?" Pull out a 3 X 5 card with a large letter "E" and say, "No, I was wrong. It's an e-mail. (asking the audience) Want to see a display of E-motion?" (Move the card around in circles. e-motion, get it?) Finally you pull out a small bead chain. "I was wrong again, it's a chain letter!"

Thank you Ralph Dewey for this excellent routine.

Here's a cute routine courtesy of SWEEPER the Clown:

Try putting T G I F on the toe of your shoes. When someone asks you what it means you tell them "TOES GO IN FIRST!"

This is an idea that only another clown would appreciate. Maybe you can use it at your next alley meeting or convention. * Glue a doll's wig on top of a set of chattering teeth (the wind up type). Ask your clown friend, "Have you noticed my new Yak wig?" Pull out the teeth and let them chatter.

Once again, thank you Ralph Dewey

A quick skit idea for your Tip of the Week.

Use a toy drill (like the one that is powered by pulling a string).

Clown #1 Well kids, it's time to have a Bible drill. (He pulls out the drill and aims it at some of the children.)

Clown #2 That's not how you have a Bible drill!

Clown #1 Sure it is. (Aiming it at the kids again) How else are we going to make them HOLEY?

Clown #2 Put that away. That's not the right kind of holy. In church when we say holy, we mean set apart and righteous, not kids with holes drilled in them. Jesus makes people holy when they turn from sin, repent and trust Him to be their Lord and Savior.

Thank You Ralph Dewey

Jun 20 - Jun 29 - Handy Water Container

Do you use water during your show? Are you always trying to find a good container to carry it in? Kool-Aid comes in handy plastic containers with a screw on lid. They hold just the right amount of water for a Lotta bowl. No leaks and no fear of breakage.

Keep A Spare

Whenever possible, always have two of you favorite props or tricks (especially if they are your trademark), and keep them in separate locations. This will protect you against breakage, fire or some other mishap.

A Cute Routine

Props: Giant Deck of Cards, Miniature Deck of Cards

Routine:

Take the Giant Deck of Cards and pick someone from the audience. Tell them "Pick a card, show it to the audience and then stick it back in my deck. I will be able to tell you exactly which card you picked."

After the card is picked, turn your back to the audience, all the time instructing the child to show everybody the card, but not say out loud what the card is.

When the time is right, turn back around and spread the miniature deck of cards and instruct that the giant card be placed in it. You will get a mixed response of laughter, "Your cheating" and the like.

For clown ministry there is a moral to the story, "We think we can hide stuff, but God knows exactly what we do."

Balloon Care

Even though the hottest weather is behind us, this tip will help keep your balloons fresh all year round. Keep them in a cool place. The latex material of balloons will break down in the heat, making them pop easier. Don't keep them in your car or near the radiator in your clown room. A good friend of mine keeps hers in the basement and they last a long time.

Balloon Tip

I'm sure we've all been there - making balloons at a picnic or some other event - 20 children are in line and by this time you want to get home. Along comes the cutest little girl and you ask her what kind of balloon animal she wants. Patiently you list off the sculptures you make, and after a long while she decides on the butterfly. To help your children make a decision - soon - make a sign out of all the sculptures you are willing to make that day. If you can, draw pictures of the sculpture so they know exactly what kind of flower to expect. Your lines will move faster and everyone will be in better spirits.

Practice - Practice - Practice

As you practice your skits and tricks, it's always a good idea to have a video camera watching you. By taping your routines you can critique from the audience's point of view.

Before you do a new trick/routine for the first time, make sure you do a dress rehearsal. Full costume and maybe even full makeup. Big shoes, baggy pants and cloth gloves may effect the way props are handled or how they move.

When you perform with a religious theme, and your trying to impart values onto your audience, don't be a preacher. Let your skits and tricks deliver your message. Blend in a healthy portion of simple, fun & funny clowning. When your audience has a light and happy heart, the seed of your message will land in ripe soil.

Buy More Than Your Need

When buying props, costume fabric or your favorite magic trick, always make sure you get two of them. Eventually what you have will wear out or lost. If you have a another one then your clown is not without something very important to your show. With respect to fabric, there is a good chance your pattern will not be available when you need matching accessories. Buying more fabric than you need will help make sure you have enough for when you do need it. Besides, if you can buy the entire bolt of fabric, it is cheaper by the yard.

Be the Best You Can Be

Whether you've been clowning for a week, a decade or a lifetime, always strive to be the most professional clown you can be. Attend conventions, join an alley, go to clown camp and learn new routines. Every time you put on makeup and perform, your are making a lasting impression on somebody's life. Please, make it a good one.

Let 'em Know in Advance

If you do clown ministry, hospital or nursing home visits, make sure everything is arranged and approved before your arrival. In a religious environment, introduce your clowning in a neutral situation - at a dinner or during youth programs. If your clown becomes part of the traditional worship - let the people know well in advance. Clowns are not always welcomed in a worship environment.

Doing hospitals? Know the rules. Contaminating a patient with someone else's disease is not good clowning.

Video Tape Your Show

If you have time to setup and permission from your sponsor, make video tape of your show. This tape will allow you to see yourself in action - the way your audience does. Do your movements come across the way they should? Do you project your voice? Is your back to the audience? Seeing yourself as others see you can be a real eye opener. This works well for rehearsals too.

Tips for Parades

I have seen so many parades where the clowns just walk and wave. Nothing funny goes on. Clowns are suppose to be funny, so be funny! Even if it is just a sight gag, be funny. Please do not throw candy, toys, etc. Why? Because children can get hurt when things are tossed at them (they cannot catch well), and they run onto the parade route and endanger themselves (never bring children onto the parade route--they are there to watch, not walk). Those who do not get any candy or toys feel disappointed, fights break out over who gets the item being tossed, it leaves a mess, and you are not Santa Claus! You are clown, so be funny!

Another parade bit I love is done while riding a unicycle. As I wave at someone, I fall off the bike and rush over and yell, "MOM!" and run up to give a lady a hug. Usually, she will yell back, "Son!" I often grab her, put my face close to hers, quickly put a sponge nose on her nose and say, "See the resemblance?" People will take snapshots of this, and, again, it involves the audience without doing a big routine.

Submitted by Pockets

You may e-mail Pockets at Sorly@aol.com

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

What to say when your Balloon Pops

1. Well that one's definitely been fired!
2. You just can't get good help anymore!
3. Hmm... some balloons are just sooo lazy, they'll do anything to get out of working!
4. Gosh that sure was a lot of wind beneath my wings... ooppss... did I say wings?! Sometimes I can be such a silly bird!
5. I never could blow these little critters up right, but I sure can twist 'em up right!
6. (sing this to the tune of "Another one bites the dust") Another one bites the air and another ones gone and another ones gone and another one bites the air!

7. Gee.... sometimes I get so full from my own meal, I feel like I could burst just like that too. Yes indeedy, I know that too full feeling very well!
8. Wasn't that somethin'.... thank you, thank you and now ladies & jellyspoons for my next trick.... I will attempt to create a balloon that doesn't explode!
9. Some days are diamonds & some days explode & some days the exploding days just won't leave me alone!
10. Golly gee, if that balloon didn't like me, it could've just told me so!
11. That balloon was close to retirement anyway, it just took a little earlier retirement than "WE" expected.
12. That one sure knew how to have a good time... it went out with a bang!

Contributed by Ellen aka "Chess-Z" The Clown. Click here e-mail "Chess-Z"
or you may visit her on the WWW at http://www.tricountyi.net/~thepartyhelper/page10.htm

Chicken Hat!

I thought that I would share an idea with you. I made a regular helmet hat, from balloons of course and was wondering what I could add to it to make something different. My husband come in with some regular, unpowdered surgical gloves so I took one and he blew it up for me. We tied a knot in it and I put on eyes, nostrils, and made the thumb a beek. I attached it to the helmet with the knot and tied the little finger to the center of the helmet. I call this my chicken hat for people who are just plain chicken to wear one. Naturally, you would only use these on special occasions or where you know you will get your moneys worth for them or if you just want to seed in to make someones day. You can get the gloves at many department and drug stores. You may have a better source for getting them. I made up this hat for the teachers at a church daycare today and had all the other teachers wanting one too.

Contributed by Biblena. You may e-mail Biblena at biblena@yahoo.com
You may visit Biblena on the WWW at http://www.angelfire.com/tx2/gospelclowns/