Making your own props

[Gecko_D_Clown]

Hello all,

I am new to clowing...in the investigation stage now and I want to know if there is a supplier for foam to make your own props?

Can anyone help?

Thanks,
Gecko_D_Clown

[Scruffy]

Welcome Gecko!
We have a foam factory here in town but it's more difficult than getting missle secrets out of the pentagon.
Check with an upholstry shop. They quite often have the stuff for rebuilding couch cushions and such. Colored foam, Not a clue. But I'll see what I can find out. I have wondered myself.

[saphireSue]

now that it's getting summer time, foam doodles can be made into several props, also home depot, has some pink foan sheets[made for insulation] I've not tried it, but I don't see why you couldn't use it and spray paint it.

Oh and Welcome to the group.

[RedClownFred]

I once checked out a store that specialized in Futons. To my surprise, a lot of the stuffing is actually foam. They also had an area out back for discarding old beds. The foam was free for the taking. Good luck!

[Scruffy]

Thanks for the tip, Red Fred! Old couch cusions are great too!

[Gecko_D_Clown]

You guys are great....lots of great ideas, keep them coming.

I did take saphireSue's advice and rush right out to the nearest all-purpose, get anything you need store and purchased a couple of pool noodles. Those noodles will work great for a prop I want to build right away. I looked for some of those rafts made out of the same material but couldn't find any...I reckon those would be great also.

I am still looking for a source to buy colored foam (primary type colors), kinda like the foam used for sponge balls and dove pan productions. I am beginning to wonder if you have to mix your own cold foam chemicals, add dye in the process and pour it all into a mold???

Speaking of color--Has anyone added color to the foams you have mentioned here, like couch cushions and futons? If so, what kind of paint did you use?

Thanks again for everything guys,
Gecko D. Clown

[saphireSue]

well I'm dumb when it comes to types of foam, but a puppet class I went to the guy there said he use regular spray paint for his and they looked good, so I guess you could try it , I never have.

[Scruffy]

Best advice I can give you: If you don't frequent yard and/or tag sales, Start. Yesterday I bought a GIANT clip board (24"X 30"!) for a buck. I have no ide what I'll use it for, Likely a skit or walkaround; but, come on for a buck?--
Some of my best ideas come fromwalking around in a store and thinking about a prop I have in mind. Also, check out goodwill, or any local thrift store. You'll be amazed at what you find there to make into gags and such. :wink:

[ashes]

Scruffy is right on (as always!) -- Yard Sales, Garage Sales and Thrift Stores
are a clown's best friend. I always call it shopping with my 'Clown Eyes' on.

It also helps to frequent toy stores, Wal-Mart and such. Be sure to try to keep
up with what the kids are into these days.

And I never go to the hardware / home-improvement store for a "normal" project --
it seems that I'm always looking to build something way different.

Ashes

[ashes]

Be careful with spray paint on foam (test a scrap piece first) because the paint
might melt some types of foam.

We used combinations of spray paint for large areas, and permanent markers for
outlining and such when we made foam words "Stop" "Drop" and "Roll".

By the way, a good tool to have to work with various types of foam is an electric
carving knife!

We spray painted some of the foam "noodles" but it didn't stay on very well. It
all flaked off as we used the props.