I did pretty good. I bought a new nice suitcase with the wheel and handle for storing my costume.Plus, I bought a stethoscope,and picked up six containers of touch a bubble for 30 cents each.

Not a bad haul at all.


I thought it would be cool to start a thread about the great deals we have picked up from the Clowns version of Walmart. Anyone else have a contribution to make? It doesn't have to be just goodwill, but second hand stores in general.

I look forward to hearing about your great thrift store adventures!

I would say that "Thrift Stores" are WONDERFUL - especially for us Hobo-types.
Over the years I have gotten several hobo-y jackets and vests.

For our school safety play a couple of years ago I did 5 different characters (not in clown) and one of them was "mom." -- I found the perfect dress at CCA that I used for that character.

We have one like a couple of miles from my house and we always go shopping there with
our "clown eyes" on.

I'm not a big fan of the professionally tailored look for clown costumes, so if I were an Auguste clown or (as I am ) a Hobo clown this is where I'd get my costume. Look for wide and narrow stripes and odd plaids. And women's clothes tend to be more bright and "clowny" than men's clothes - several of the jackets I picked up were women's jackets. Take the buttons off and remove the shoulder pads and nobody will ever notice.

It's always a bit of a gamble as to whether you will find anything. It's just the luck of the draw,
timing wise, as to if something is available there.

Ashes

Yes, but the thrill of the hunt keeps us going back!

Speaking of clowning and Wal-Mart. I was making my first costume when the lady at Wal-Mart offered to make it for me. Total cost: $40 w/ materials. I paid her more fo the tip than with the costume labor she charged me!

Sounds like a great deal, Jobee! I wish I could find someone to make my wife's costume.

I've found puppets, that only needed little repair, a balance board [it's one solid plastic piece with a round center]-use it at the ALS walk on the side lines, hats, Found an old surgery dress, that I want to do some thing with to use for the Hospital rounds. My first magic bag was one with wheels from Good Will.

I found my clown shoes there. They are yellow canvas sneakers and they are so comfortable! There have been so many neat clowny props and clothes at the thrift store. Right now I'm looking for a square-dance petticoat. :o) Have fun thriftin'!!!

Mercy me consider using a wedding peticoat, you just have to cut it down to the right size, that's what I did, same material and you can dye it if you want a specific color.

Thrift stores are terrific.
The first time I clowned was as a tramp clown and found some great things at a trhift store (I had worked for Goodwill previosly to that) I found some very baggy grey ladies pants and the perfect hat for the costume and used my old steel toed work shoes. Later, I went to whiteface, and found a pair of , at one time very good, pajamas with lots of stripes and BIG (I'm a big guy). I'm developing a new costume with new materials,but using the Goodwill pajama top still.
Here in Las Vegas there are many Goodwill Superstores (all freshed up and looking like Wal-Mart) and one junky looking one-Jhe junky one is my favorite.
By the way-great props too.

Walmoe (also Wilmoe)

I think I might have mentioned this in chat but I found a fabulous old steamer trunk at Goodwill not to long ago. My husband put some casters on it and I added a few stickers. It's perfect for all my props, etc. I try to hit all the thrift stores at least once a week. It's funny, even my 4 year old is into it. She comes up to me with something in her hand and says " This looks clowny mom!".

GiGi :)