Prop Help

[Chance Marmalade]

I have a challenging new act I'm working on which I plan on doing at a bunch of street shows throughout the summer. I don't have a lot of DIY know how when it comes to building things so I wanted to ask for suggestions!

I need three different props.

The first is a giant set of instructions. Something that unfolds and unfolds and unfolds but it really needs to look like directions to put something complicated together. A newspaper would probably be a lot easier but it doesn't fit the act sadly.

The second is a set of tools like hammer, screwdriver and nails etc. The nails need to be rubbery, the hammer and the screwdriver should also be gaffed too for various comedic uses like breaking or other unexpected effects.

The third is probably the most difficult.

I need to make a Grandfather Clock. It needs to be light enough to carry on my back and big enough to make it look like a struggle to carry it. It doesn't have to work but it should look somewhat realistic. I need to be able to open it up and mess with parts inside it or at least have the parts exposed. I am thinking about attaching tin foil (or something) gears to those little half balls that you turn inside out and they pop up into the air. That way the gears can spring out. Any other ideas that would be funny are welcome!

In the act Chance is working as a Grandfather Clock Repairman but has no idea how to really fix the thing. I'll have to think of a reason for Chance to set the clock down outside on the street to work on it but other than that I think I have a good rough idea on how the act should go.

If you might have some suggestions on how to make any of these props please let me know.

[pixcoco]

Well, for the instructions...they sell banner paper in walmart. This would probley be good paper. News print paper would be to fragil. Butcher paper is also fairly strong. In fact that would be the best if you can find it. The butcher would be the obvious place is they would give or sell you a lenght of it.

Teacher supply stores have paper they cover bullitin boards with but I don't think it is as strong.

Once you get it drawn and ready for use...try putting clear packing tape along the seams so repeated folding will not damage it.

[Scruffy]

The nails can be made from foam rubber. If fact the make hair curler rods that have sponge on them. the tools, could be over size also made from foam.
The Clockcase could be constructed from a frame work of one by pine stock. (Actually 3/4X3/4.) and covered in a wood grain paneling.this would make it very light.
A craft store might have a face of the proper size, or Go to a good will and by a heap kitchen clok and mount it to the face, the weights could be made of PVC and a light weight chain. there are a few other ideas that come to mind. If you can PM me the script, and annotate what you are thinking, I'll look at it, and see what I can think of. Sounds ike a real gas of an idea!
Scruffy

[Snugglesnort]

K.I.S.S. man that is all I have to say K.I.S.S.

[Happy Chappy & Daisy]

Balsa was the first thing that came to my mind for the clock. It would probably be way too expensive, and possibly too fragile, to make the while thing out of balsa, but if you made a general frame out of pine as mentioned, you could glue on balsa details to keep it light - and make it easier to carve and shape into a clock.

We're going to want to see pictures, Chance.

[Sir Toony Van Dukes]

I was thinking some foam insulation boards for the clock. I know they are often used for halloween to make coffins and tomb stones. Not sure if being able to transport it to your skit location is important. It might be too sturdy.

Not sure if you can buy old blueprints on ebay or some other website. They would look like instructions of some sort. Otherwise, you may need to use Kinkos to print a poster.

You may be able to make the tools out of foam. Maybe the kind used for pillows. That should be soft.

[Bumbles]

Home Depot or another store like it also has plastic chain link that you could use to connect the weights and like Scruffy suggested use PVC for the weights. You could also make the clock out of a large cardboard box, the kind fenders and other body parts come in (local auto repair shop) and cover it with woodgrain contact paper.

[milo]

Don't know how much you're looking to spend, but a company like this might be able to help?

Foam Props - foam props, props, custom props, fiberglass props, foam sculpture

[pixcoco]

I'm likeing Bumbles idea about cardboard. The wood grain shelf paper would re-inforce it. I saw a prop building class once where they used all cardboard. The guys were from Mass. Maybe Jams will know who. Maybe La Blance? If not him then he would know. If we find the guy he was great.

[Bodiddly]

Kmart has a 3ft foam hammer.