Costumes, Shoes and Vivi-Ann, Oh My!

[Wowza]

Bubbles and I recently attended a TnT Road Show event in Ft. Worth, and were completely re-energized by it. We learned so much, and have so much to look forward to, both with our ministry clowning, and private endeavors. The instructors were PeeWee and Bumper (Bo and Brynda Brown), Troubles and Rainbow (Randy and Terry McMaster), Junior and LaLa (Tony and Nikki Jones) and David and Teesha Laflin.

We've also realized that we need new costumes if we really want to take this further. While we realize that costumes are a small part of our overall clown characters, we both feel that we'd benefit from more professional looking attire. We saw some stuff at the Road Show, and almost made some purchases, but wisely decided to evaluate what we want.

So, on to my questions. I looked at some Betty Cash costumes, and I liked them. Nothing that was at the show really clicked for me, though. So I'm still looking. Anybody have any experience with pianobsharp, an Ebay costumer? She has some really nice stuff but I'd like some feedback.

Also, I'm looking for clown shoes. All the choices between vinyl and leatherette and leather have my head spinning. I know that Shoq loves his ClownMart shoes, but others have commented that their durability may be in question. Any thoughts?

Finally, I read somewhere that Vivi-Ann used to be a seamstress and has ideas of possibly costuming some clowns. If so, my wife and I would love to be your first customers. Email me and we can work something out, if you are interested.

Thanks guys!

[Fitzwilly]

I have never heard of PianoBSharp, so I am of no help there. However, now that you have seen Betty's costumes also look at Pricilla Mooseburger's "stuff" at www.mooseburger.com and Barbie's at www.costumesbybarbie.com at least I think that is the address.

Now for shoes... The costumes shop I work for has a shoe that sounds similar to the clownmart shoes. I don't know for sure. It is leather, with an open toe (meaning that inside the shoe is a big open space, all your support comes from the ankle area.) I have tried these on and walked around the store a few times. For years I have worn a pair of costume built shoes by Wayne Scott at www.clownshoesandprops.com (Wayne and his family have made shoes for Ringling since the early 70's) With the custom clown shoe a person sized shoe is made to fit your foot and then the large clown shoe is built around the inner shoe. This makes walking very natural because the stability and support are distributed around your foot. Saying that, I did get somewhat used to the open toed shoes we sell but I am now spoiled. I love my real clown shoes, I'll never go to an off the shelf model. There was a gentleman that bought a pair of the open toed shoes in a patent leather style from the store, they were bright lime green with almost a mirror finish and looked great with his outfit. They only lasted him about nine months before the leather broke through where he bent his foot when walking. Now he used his shoes quite a bit but not that much, the sole was still in good condition. He came back in and bought another pair with the natural leather finish, still green, and those have lasted him about a year now. Oh, after six years of hard use I finaly decided that it was a good idea to get new heals on my shoes and while I was at it I has a Vibram sole (that foam type material that they use on walking shoes all the time) added to the leather sole. I figure in another 10 years I may have to do it again, but I might make it to 12.

[Scruffy]

I have looked at pianobsharp's costumes and wondered the same thing.I really like the red plaid suit that she has on her site. I wish I could give a definitive answer on it. The clown mart shoes look really good. I've never seen them up close. Shoq has had his the longest on the forum. I would like to see a pair up close. I have a pair of caboots. They are no longer made though. I have had mine two years. They are real leather and can be polished. There are no wear marks on them.

[SunshineTheClown]

I also attended the TNT Road Show here in Winston Salem, NC lead by Junior and Lala. It was absolutely awesome!

[saphireSue]

Tony's great, LaLa too.

[Wowza]

Bubbles bid on and won a costume off Ebay.

I'll be sure to post a pic as soon as she gets it and we're in clown.

Now I've got to find one!

Clown jealousy is not a pretty thing.

Wowza

[saphireSue]

Looks good, she'll be the prettest clown at the party

[The_Princess_of_Bozonia]

Tell Bubbles it looks nice

[Lolly Plop]

That is so pretty.

[Fitzwilly]

Very nice and colorful. She will be the belle of the ball.