Antipodism: the act of juggling objects with one's feet while lying down, usually in a special chair. I am so very blessed to have a father who is also a master carpenter! Over the years, he has helped me to make so many props-- from meteor bowls to plate spinning sticks, from a rola bola to a cardboard box oven. Most recently, he and I made a foot juggling chair. Day 1: The Base We started with some rough plywood. Dad cut the pieces to size, and used wood glue, an air gun, and screws to put the base together. He then cut small blocks of 2x4 for the shoulder guards. We started late in the evening, so as the sun went down, the lantern came out! This thing is crazy sturdy! If my dad does one thing well, it's overkill durability. At least I know it's super safe! :) Day 2: Upholstery The next day we brought the work inside. First we laid the batting and stapled it in place. (I am so amazed at how expensive batting is! It's probably worth $2, but they charge $20... ) I was going to do this part myself, but as it turns out, even all my aerial muscles were not enough to work the staple gun. Those things are so hard! So once again, Dad did most of the work while I assisted. I got some gorgeous blue velvet fabric on sale at Joann's, and was so excited to cover the chair with it! I love velvet! Also, navy blue is my favorite neutral. So much better and richer than a black would have been, but still dark enough to hide any dirt or stains... and to match any costume. ;) Day 3: Usability The only reason we had to push this project into a third day is because I ran out of batting and had to buy more the next day. MORE BATTING?! I seriously can't believe how expensive it is! But anyway, on the third day, we finished off the basics of the chair by upholstering and attaching the "neck guards" (what I am calling the two pokey bits that keep me from sliding down). As we were wrapping the blocks in the batting, my dad says, "Hey, this kindof looks like the guy with the hair." Bello Nock. He was talking about Bello Nock. Gosh, I love my dad! (I also love Bello! He is super talented!) In the future, we will add legs to raise it up, but for now, keeping it on the floor is a good way to learn and practice! I bought a few soccer balls to play with (and of course, they are pink!), and will build some more props soon. I also purchased some gorgeous antique gold fringe trim and nail heads to pretty-fy it once it has legs. This new act is on the way to glory!
3 Comments
Niki
2/1/2021 08:23:24 am
Hi,
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Brittany
2/1/2021 08:38:26 am
Hi, Niki!
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Niki
2/3/2021 04:37:44 pm
Thank you so much!! I'm super excited about finally getting a chair so I can learn some tricks!! :)
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Brittany Sparklestravelling circus performer, trying to make adventures out of every-day life! Archives
February 2018
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