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How To Make a Jester Hat

A Jester Hat and Clown Costume are popular with kids of all age groups and more widely accepted than traditional clown costumes. They are simple to make and inexpensive if you follow these directions.

1. Buy a basic jester hat. They are available online or at a costume store. You can choose one with 2, 3, 4, or 5 points on it. Buy florescent glue paint and glitter at a craft store or a store that sells everything for about a dollar.
2. Collect small accessories such as flowers, hearts, ribbons and bells to use as decorations on the hat. Dab the glue paint over a small area and apply the glitter and small accessories to the paint. Attach the bells to provide jingle when you walk.
3. Go to a Thrift Store that sells bulk fabric for as little as a dollar. Find a seamstress that can sew a costume for around $10. Another way is to purchase, at the Thrift Store, costumes others have made. You can layer together pieces from several costumes for one new costume.
4. Now you have the best hat and clown costume around for very little outlay. Most important, remember clown work is about the kids and not the costume. It is the heart that makes a good clown. Even in clown work, it is his character that makes a man and not his clothes.
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Build 15 Bears for $15

Bear making for kids costs a lot of money. Here is a simple and inexpensive way to do this.

Go to a second-hand Store and buy gently used stuffed bears. You can also find them at garage sales.

Cut along an inside seam of the bear. Remove the beads and stuffing from the bear. Discard the beads but save the stuffing.

At your bear making party, set out the saved stuffing and the empty bear bodies. You can also provide paper shapes and small papers for the children to write on to be put in the bears.

Help the children put the stuffing in the bears. Putting the paper shapes and small papers written by the children makes the bear a personal time capsule for the child. 

Provide pre-threaded needles and ask the adults to assist you in re-sewing the seam you opened in the bear. These needles can be purchased at craft stores or you can thread your own needles and use them.

 Provide clothes and jewel for the bears and have the children dress them as a fun option. For instance you could provide diapers and Marti Gras beads to be used on the bears.

The children can take the bear they made home as their very own party favor.

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Face Paint your Kids!

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Safely Face Paint your kids at a Birthday Party for $15 or less

 It’s important that you use the correct products when face painting children. Do Not use acrylics or other kinds of products not designed for use on the skin. Do use non-toxic face paints and make-up made to use on the face.

 Purchase a pack of brushes and a pack of make-up sponges at a store that sells everything for about a dollar. Trim the bristles on the brushes to different lengths and cut some of them at an angle to produce a fine point at the end.

Go to your local Arts and Craft store and purchase the non-toxic paints make to be used for Face Painting. The label should read non toxic and may say FDA approved or have other information regarding approvals. You may also want to purchase a box with dividers and a lid. This can be used to mix your paints with water and save them for later use.

Put together a design book of possible designs for painting on a child’s face. These can be your own designs or you can use the designs provided with this article.

Mix your paints with bottled water to thin or change the color. You can do this in small paper cups or, if you purchased the plastic divider box, use it and you will be able to store the mixed paints in it. You also need a container of water to clean your brushes and paper towels to dry them.

Ask a child to select a design from your book. Have the child sit on a chair or other safe place while you are painting. Ask the child to close their eyes while you are painting them. Move the hair away from the face and secure it if necessary.

Sponge in the background colors of the design. Allow the paint to dry before applying another color next to it to avoid mixing the colors. Be sure to clean your brush toughly between colors. Outline with black using a fine tipped brush when the colors are dry. Do not put glitter on the face; poison control says there is no safe glitter. Make sure child keeps their eyes closing during painting to protect the eyes.

Do not use theatrical paints on a child; it requires soap and water to remove. Be sure to read the instructions on the face paint you buy. Following these instructions provides a safe and low cost way to face paint children.

FREE FACE PAINTING GUIDE HERE 

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Say No To Balloon Strangers

Say No To Balloon Strangers

Some  children are afraid of full whiteface clowns. Not only that, but a full whiteface hides a person’s true identity. A softer looking face and a more gentle approach help to calm a child. It also allows a parent to better see the person’s face.

When you are hiring a children’s Entertainer, call and ask them what they do at the party and how many kids they cover. Most entertainers say the packages are based on 12 kids to get the job. Tell them exactly how many kids you expect you can get a true quote from them.

If you are calling off of the Internet, ask them what city they are located in. See if it meets your needs. They may be hundreds of miles away and will subcontract the job to someone more local to you that may not be qualified.

Do not give out your credit card information to the companies off the net. If you must pay a deposit pay it through PayPal. It is better if you can pay in full at the door when the entertainer arrives. A deposit refund sometimes requires 4 months to get back.

When the Entertainer arrives, ask for ID at the door. Do a written contract at the door. Avoid third party invalid contracts. Use the entertainers Business License or Drivers License for proof of identity. No balloon strangers in the house with the children.

Do not hire an Entertainer without proof of Liability Insurance of 3 Million Dollars or more. Professional entertainers have liability insurance and this check separates the  non-profession from the professional. The entertainer should show you a certificate of insurance at the door with their name on it since few companies have blanket policies covering their entertainers. This helps protect you from personal liability if a child chokes on a balloon.

All of this is to keep your children safe from strangers and to hire a professional. Many companies subcontract out jobs illegally to others and your contract with that company could be invalid. Worse yet, you could have no clue who can in and handled your children. It could have been anyone. The goal is to work together to educate parents and to keep the children safe. 

 
Hanna is NOT a stranger! She has been an active member of the Stockton community for thirty years. She is licensed, insured, fingerprinted, and has recommendations from years of service. Give her a call at 209-464-6677
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Check out our newly revamped website HANNA BANANA! We are sure going places! Give us a call and see what packages we are offering now! 209-464-6677 

This past week we performed for Wells Fargo who were in partnership with the American Ferderation of Government Employees, it was a fabulous event! With summer coming to an end, it was a great time to have a Picnic! Thank you Wells Fargo for letting us help you celebrate!