Welcome to Hanna Banana's California Clown School!

How to Make a Balloon Jester Hat, Sword and Belt

2012-01-21T19:55:00.000-08:00

Kids love balloon sculptures such as hats, animals, wings and many others. These instructions will get you started on 3 different sculptures and are popular items at birthday parties. It is best to hire a professional for your party but if this is not possible these instructions will provide for your children

CHECK THIS ARTICLE OUT ON WIKIHOW!

1 Pick 5 different colored twisting balloons. Inflate each of them with the pump leaving an unblown tail of about 5 inches at the end. Tie each of them off and set all but one aside.

2 Use that balloon for the hat base. Put it around a child’s head and twist the 2 ends together to form a circle that fits the child’s head.

3 Next take one of the remaining balloons and at the inflation end make a one inch bubble. This is done by moving one inch from end and pinching the balloon together to form a bubble. Then twist the bubble around the twist on the base balloon. Take another balloon and make a one inch bubble in it. Take the base and pinch it opposite the place where the other balloon it attached. Now twist the bubble around the base balloon to attach the balloon to the base.

4 Attach the other two balloons in like manner so that all 4 balloons are evenly spaced around the base of the hat. Twist the four balloons together about one third of the way up from the hat base. Then twist the balloons together again about two thirds of the way up from the hat base.

5 Inflate 4 water balloons and tie one on the tips of each of the four upright balloons. Bend the balloon tips outward.This completes the Jester Hat.

6 The Balloon Sword is simple to make and requires only one balloon. Take an inflated balloon and make a one inch bubble at the inflation end. Twist the bubble several times in one direction. Hold on to the bubble, go down 4 inches and fold it against the balloon. Pinch the balloon at that point and twist it and the bubble together to form a rough circle. Open the circle and poke the end of the balloon through the center leaving a larger circle at the end as a handle for the sword.

7 The Belt is the same as the hat base except it goes around the waist loose enough for the sword to be put between the belt and the waist.

Make Soap Bubbles for Your Children

2012-01-20T08:04:00.000-08:00

Here is an easy and inexpensive way to entertain children on a warm summer day. It not only keeps them busy but exercises their bodies and their brains.

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE ON WIKIHOW!

1 Obtain the necessary materials. Many of these items are sold at stores for around a dollar. Thrift Stores are also a possible source for them.

2 Put approximately 3 gallons of water in your container.

3 Add one half of a bottle of the liquid soap you bought.

4 Put the soap bottle out of reach of the children as it is toxic.

5 Watch the children so that no one falls into the container.

6 Put one of the nets in the water and remove slowly so there is soap film in the holes in the net.

7 Move the net though the air so the air passing through the holes in the net forms a bubble. It may take several tries to learn the best speed to the net.

8 Make sure the children stand away from each other so they do not get soap in their eyes

How to Have a Crazy Frumpy Hair Party

2012-01-18T11:57:00.000-08:00

Here is a fun idea for a party or a sleep over. Have the girls come ready to have there hair done up crazy. Believe it or not this is a great idea for adults as well as kids.Some times girls just want to have fun.

CHECK THIS ARTICLE OUT ON WIKIHOW!
Steps
1 Shop and purchase inexpensive hair combs so you can use a different one on each girl. Later you can send it home with them as part of their goodie bag.

2 Purchase colored hair spray of different color to use on the hair when you have styled it.

3 Style hair. Be prepared to do many crazy hair styles, using coated rubber bands and bobby pins, to hold the hair in place.

4 Select the color. Usually you can have several different ones to chose from, let the children pick their favorite.

5 Spray the hair. Make sure you are not going to get paint on anything other then their hair. A good idea is to have them use their hands to cover their face so that they do not breathe in the spray.

6 Air dry hair. Do not add loose glitter because it could go in the eyes and damage the eyes.

7 Have the guest make hair ribbons, head bands and other accessories that can be used on the hair. They are a great party give away and a fun craft project.

8 Prepare a doll beauty shop. Have them bring their dolls wash their hair and have the kids do to the doll's hair what you have done to their hair.

9 Make flowers to go in the hair, flower head bands, flower with ribbons, and netting, anything that adds fun to the activity.

10 Play games, hair curling contest, who has done the best hair on the dolls. The idea is to have fun.

J.S. West

2011-06-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

Another great summer and another great Company Picnic with J.S. West! The temperature is high and so is the entertainment!

Davis Community Park‎
2701 College Avenue
Modesto, CA 95350

Want more information on Company Picnics? Contact: Hanna Banana at California Clown School or call Hanna at: 209-464-6677

Summer Time!

2011-06-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

Summer has come and we are excited to get outside! Tis the season of Company Picnics, BBQ's and Fun in the Sun. See what we can do to help make your GET TOGETHER more fun!

HANNA BANANA
209-464-6677

www.californiaclownschool.com

Muddy Kids!

2011-05-13T16:47:00.000-07:00

SCHEDULE CLOWN SCHOOL!

2011-05-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

Our clown school dates have been changed!! We will be meeting in Reno, Nevada at Circus, Circus for Clown School between: October 31st to November 3rd, 2011

Contact Hanna Banana at: 209-464-6677 or visit our website at: www.californiaclownschool.com for more information!

1930's Birthday Party

2011-04-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

The pencil toppers are sewn pieces of felt which I then Hot Glued onto the pencils. At the top of the party bags, just white lunch sacks, I bought a pack of wooden clothing clips (100 for $1) and then glued on two squares of decorative paper. The notebook came with the butterfly cover, bought from the local dollar store and then I added their name and the ribbon along the bottom.

I made doll-sized party hats with the same decorative paper that I used above.

I wanted to make deocrations that would emphasize the decade. I found these images on Google by simply typing in phrases such as "1930's children."

How to Have a Happy Feet Painting Dance Party

2011-03-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of the same old tired, boring birthday parties? Instead have a foot painting birthday party. Tell your guests to come ready to have their feet painted. The idea is to paint their feet so they look like they have on shoes or socks.

Study face painting directions. Look at the wikiHow article titled “How to Face Paint a Child As a Butterfly”. This article covers the basic techniques and gives you information on the paint and supplies that you will need.

Foot Painting Designs. , Use the designs provided on this article for painting the feet. However do not paint the bottom of their feet so the children can walk and play without getting paint on everything. You can paint the top of the feed and lower part of the ankle. If you know the children and know that they won't have an allergy reaction to the paint you can paint higher up on the ankle to provide a sock.

Be aware of the weather. This should be a warm activity where the children can come wearing shorts and if possible sandals so you can easily paint their feet. Remember they will end up barefoot because you will be painting on their socks and shoes on the top of their feet. If necessary they could put on flip-flops or wear their sandals protect the bottom of their feet.

Chose feet activities. Such things as soccer, line dancing, Limbo dancing, the Hokey-Pokey or a sock hop.

Create foot invitations. Put a foot outline on your invitations. Add a paint bucket with a brush and some paint splatters on it as well. Tell your guests to come prepared to get their feet painted fancy.

Play dance music. Play lots of dance music for dancing for these wild feet. If you like, you can teach them some line dances or other fun dances that they can easily learn. This would work well for older children who really want to learn ballroom dancing or other types of dancing.

Make a foot cake. Put together a birthday cake that looks like a shoe or a foot. You could even make it look like a foot in a cast.

Play foot games. You can use balloons and have the children step on them. The balloons can be loose on the floor where everyone can step on them. Or you could tie the balloon to a child's foot with a ribbon and they would have to pop their own balloon or another person could pop their balloon.

Craft activities. Provide papers with a foot on it. Let the children design a sock or shoe or some other design for a foot. The design can be used either as the painting on their feet or in a contest to pick the best design.

Promote dancing. Let's try to get the kids back to dancing and dance the night away with their wild feet.
WIKI HOW
Want more information? Contact us at: 209-464-6677
www.californiaclownschool.com

Happy Mother's Day

2011-02-05T08:22:00.000-08:00

2011-01-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

How to Love the Unlovable

2011-01-21T11:01:00.000-08:00

How to Love the Unlovable has become a RISING STAR article on WikiHow!

Why do some people act unlovable? The answer is fear!

READ MORE HERE!

Birthday Party Websites

2010-12-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

Check us out HERE at Birthday Party Websites

Hanna Banana's Banner

1) Your banner is up on the top of the Home Page of www.SanFranciscoBirthdayParties.com, www.BayAreaBirthdayParties.com, www.OrangeCountyKidsParties.com and www.FresnoBirthdayParty.com!

2) Your Hanna Banana - The Clown School listing is up on the following BirthdayPartyWebsites.com:

www.SanFranciscoBirthdayParties.com
www.BayAreaBirthdayParties.com
www.CaliforniaBirthdayPartyPlaces.com
It is under Party Comes to You categories:
1. Balloon Fun
2. Clowns
3. Crafts to You
4. Face Painting & Airbrush
5. Fun & Games
6. Create-A-Pal
7. Magicians
8. Mitzvah Comes to You
9. Preschool/Toddler
10. Teen/Tween Parties

Krispy Kreme

2010-12-13T11:28:00.000-08:00

What better way to celebrate then at Krispy Kreme? Thank you Krispy Kreme for inviting us to share in your GRAND OPENING!

Krispy Kreme
Stockton
2809 West March Lane
Stockton, CA 95219

Haggin Museum

2010-12-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Haggin Museum for their 2010 Christmas Celebration! What a beautiful event that truly brought in the Christmas Spirit for everyone, especially me! Thank you Haggin Museum for the fun!

Phone: (209) 940-6300 Fax: (209) 462-1404
Mailing Address: 1201 N. Pershing Ave.
Stockton, CA 95203-1699

2010-11-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

We are making headlines again on WikiHow! Once again, one of our articles is on the front page and it has gone viral! As Child Entertainers we want to help people know who it is they are bringing around their children. We want you to have fun and be safe! Check out the article HERE!
Want more information?
Give us a call at: 209-464-6677

How to Teach Kids to Be a More Thankful Person

2010-11-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

What a great message this month of November! Parents are often thinking of ways to help increase their children's gratitude for work that we all know is HARD! And, though we are happy to do it, it will make them a better person to recognize gratitude! Check out our new WikiHow on How to Teach Kids to be a more Thankful Person!

For more information check out our website HERE
or call Hanna at: 209-464-6677

Balloon Crazy!

2010-11-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went Balloon Crazy at Carson Oaks Community Church! A HUGE THANKS for letting me help celebrate in your fun!

6509 N. Alturas Ave.
Stockton, California 95207
Phone and Fax: (209) 478 - 5866

How to Make Balloon Heart Fairy Wings!

2010-10-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

Our listing for How to Make Balloon Heart Fairy Wings is on the FRONT PAGE of WikiHow right now - and boy are we moving....over 13,500 hits!

Be creative and frugal this Halloween! Make Balloon Fairy Wings!

Find out MORE about us HERE or give us a call at: 209-464-6677

How to Hire an Entertainer for School Assemblies

2010-10-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Choosing an Entertainer or Speaker for a School Assembly is a difficult task. The following steps will help you make the correct choice.

Decide on the message you want to project, such as kindness, peace, teamwork, etc... Some topics, such as anti-bullying, have, in my opinion, been overdone.

Research Entertainers and Public Speakers for schools on the Internet.

Find the person you want for the assembly on your own. Do not use a Speaker’s Bureau or Booking Agent. Third Party Contracts are not always legal or binding and may have fees that will increase the cost for your school.

Ask the following questions. Does the Entertainer have Liability Insurance, a License (if needed), and Fingerprinted for the safety of the children? Verify this information.

Check out the person, what is their background and experience? Ask for a bio and verify the details.

Be sure to verify the character of the person you are bringing into the school to teach the students character.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES, CALL 209-464-6677

Wiki How - Rising Star

2010-10-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

Our hard work on Wiki How is paying off! Thanks Krystle for choosing our article to be a "Rising Star"!
Message from Krystle at Wiki How!

Congratulations, your article on how to Make Soap Bubbles for Your Children has been selected as a Rising Star, which means it is one of the very best new articles on wikiHow. Since this is a wiki, every new contribution gets reviewed by an editor, and experienced editors are asked to pick out the best-written new articles to be Rising Stars. Your article was one of them!

The most recent Rising Star articles are instantly shown on the wikiHow homepage, on the right sidebar under "New Articles".

Since you've demonstrated excellent potential as a how-to writer, we'd like to offer you the chance to take your skills to the next level with the help of wikiHow's free, professional writing coach. If you are interested, take a look at How to Work With the wikiHow Writing Coach.

Thanks again for your fantastic contribution to the world's how-to manual. Your writing will help thousands of people learn something new. Keep up the great work, and if you have any questions, let me know!

Free Money for Schools!

2010-10-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

Our PTA has become quite adept at seeking FREE MONEY for our students. The programs we use are:

BOXTOPS for Education We raised over $3,000 last year from this program.

Safeway takes part in the Escrip Program and with their 10% Back to School Program, we raised over $5000 last year.

Aside from Safeway, we recieved another $1000 from the Escrip program itself which includes sales from Amazon, Burger King, and a large listing of local small businesses who give us 2-10% of the purchase prices of those who are signed up for the Escrip program.

If you are doing your math, we raised $9000, probably closer to $10,000 last year in FREE MONEY for our PTA, meaning that our parents raised it purely by making the purchases they would make anyway!

Other programs include: Campbell's Soup Labels for Education Program, Company Matching Programs (we have raised several thousands of dollars from companies that our parents work for such as, Nike, Intel, Wells Fargo, McAfee, and more! See if your company matches donations!) Target RedCard Program (they have paid out a total of $273 Million since 1997!)

The PTA pays for "Extras" meaning, they pay for things that your school can not afford. Our purchases have included: All Field Trips, All Assembly Performances, a Track, Playground Equipment, "Teacher Checks" which help to reimburse what they buy for their classroom out of pocket, Books for the "Walk to Read" Program, an up to date Sound System for the Gym, a class set of laptops for our 5th graders, we will be replacing 15 computers in the computer lab this year. These are items that the School District would not/could not replace and was brought to the school by the PTA.

See how you can help your school raise FREE MONEY today! It's your child that you are helping!

How to Make Balloon Fairy Wings for Birthday Parties

2010-10-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

HOW TO MAKE BALLOON FAIRY WINGS!

Fairy wings are very popular with the girls at a party. The adults like them and some of the boys as well.

Using the balloon pump, inflate a balloon leaving about 4 inches un-inflated at the end. Remove the balloon from the pump carefully while pinching the end so no air escapes.

To tie off the balloon, use your other hand to pinch and then pull on the end to stretch it. Release the first hand and re-pinch the balloon a short distance away from the end. This action will give you enough room to tie off the balloon by making a loop and pushing the end through the loop and pulling it tight.

Put this balloon around the waist of the child and twist the ends together to hold it in place. Make sure the twisted ends are in back of the child.

Inflate another balloon and tie off the end. Now tie the ends of the balloon together to form a rough circle.

Now do the same with another balloon of the same color.

You now have two balloon circles of the same color. Tie them together tightly to form a figure eight.

Now form each balloon into a heart. To do this, take the middle of the side opposite the tie and form a fold that just fits into your hand. Squeeze your hand into a fist and hold it briefly. When you release your hand the circle will now be heart shaped. Do the same to the other balloon.

Take the completed wings and attach them to the balloon around the waist of the child. Do this by twisting the free ends of the waist balloon around the center of the wings.

Now you are done. Now tell them to fly away!

Check Hanna out on Wiki How! Be sure to also see her website HERE. Or - give her a call at: 209-464-6677

Being Kind

2010-10-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

How to be Kind to Others

As our world has become fast paced, goal oriented and stressful, we may have forgotten how to be kind to others. This not only takes a toll on others but also us.

Be sympathetic to the needs of others first.

Put your needs second.

Take action, Think “What can I do that will help the person to achieve their goal.”

Do whatever it takes to further their cause.

Continue working in this direction so you can accomplish the task.

Feel good about yourself for you have not taken advantage of anyone and you have promoted another’s welfare.

Know that you have been an honest, caring person and can live at peace with yourself. Now you can sleep well.

Hanna teaches these ideas at schools!
Contact Hanna at: 209-464-6677

eSanJoaquin.com

2010-09-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

Check out our listing on eSanJoaquin.com we are growing more every day!

How To Make a Jester Hat

2010-09-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

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.
CHECK US OUT ON WIKI!
Give Hanna a call at: 209-464-6677

Build 15 Bears for $15

2010-09-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

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.

CHECK US OUT ON WIKI!

Face Paint your Kids!

2010-09-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

We have started blogging for Wiki How! Check out our first article!

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

2010-09-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

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

CHECK US OUT ON WIKI!

Say No To Balloon Strangers

2010-09-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

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
Check us out on Wiki!

Revamped!

2010-09-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

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!

Google Listing

2010-08-30T10:21:00.001-07:00

CLICK HERE to see our newest Google Listing!

Wikipedia!

2010-08-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Hanna can now be seen on Wikipedia! She is listed under "List of Clowns" in the Theatrical Contemporary category by her lesser used non-clown name, Karen Scurto! Visit the website HERE

give Hanna a call at: 209-464-6677 or visit her website at:
http://www.californiaclownschool.com

Hanna Banana Balloon Hats

2010-08-13T10:06:00.001-07:00

Clown School at Circus Circus, Reno 2010

2010-08-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

Once again, what a tiring and rewarding experience!! We had another successful and fun year at Clown School at Circus Circus, Reno. A HUGE thanks to all of our students and their hard work. A HUGE thanks to Cuddles the Clown who is Circus, Circus's own clown and her time and interest. We would not be who we are without the wonderful people who are involved!.
To contact Cuddles the Clown call: (775) 971-3553 or (775) 830-4186

CLOWN SCHOOL!

2010-08-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

Hanna preparing for Clown School! More pictures to come from this incredible week!

held at:
Circus Circus
Reno, Nevada

Birthday Parties Website

2010-07-19T20:42:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Birthday Parties Websites!! Visit our link!

CLICK HERE

Birthday Party Websites

2010-07-15T12:13:00.001-07:00

California Clown School endorses this site. Birthday Party Websites posts your websites by the state you live in, it posts your phone numbers and the price is very reasonable. It also allows posting in all the categories that apply to your business at no additional cost. $99 for an 18 month listing is a bargain! Debbie is a nice person and it is a delight to find an honest caring person like her.

info@birthdaypartywebsites.com

(800) 481-2166

California Tow Truck Association and Mike's Towing Service

2010-07-13T16:57:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we could be seen at Micke Grove Park in Lodi, CA. We had the pleasure of serving Mike's Towing Service along with California Tow Truck Association! This was our fourth year in a row spending this celebration with them! We are grateful to be a part of their family! Thanks for having us perform for you!
540 West Scotts Avenue
Stockton, California 95203
(209) 466-4953

BALLOONS!

2010-07-06T18:59:00.001-07:00

We had the chance to help the Sister Missionaries celebrate a birthday at John's Incredible Pizza! With their devotion to service, how could we not do a bit of service for them? I hope you had a blast of a birthday Sisters!

4555 N. Pershing
Stockton, CA 95207
209-954-1111

SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES

2010-06-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION ALL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICTS!

Hanna Banana is now teaching/performing for School Assemblies! Bring Clown School to your School! Make a difference - show the children that with small changes they can make the world a better place by teaching peaceful attitudes using laughter.

School Assemblies

209-464-6677

California Clown School

The Pampanga Bakery

2010-06-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

A Birthday Party was celebrated! And we were there to help make it a big one! Many thanks to Pampanga Bakery in Stockton, CA and their desire to have fun!!

1619 E Hammer Ln
Stockton, CA 95210
(650) 359-9628

PDM Steel Service Center

2010-06-14T14:49:00.000-07:00

A HUGE Thanks to PDM Steel Serice Center for letting us perform and entertain your children at this past weekends company picnic! We love being a part of your family circle!

P.O. Box 310 (95201)
3535 E. Myrtle Street
Stockton, CA 95205 (209) 943-0555

JS West and Companies

2010-06-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we performed for JS West and Companies in Modesto, CA for their Company Event! The production was held at Davis Park and was an incredible start to the summer! THANK YOU JS WEST for making us part of your day!

Main Office
501 9th Street
Modesto, CA 95354
209-577-3221

Where is the Love?

2010-06-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

In Shape City

2010-05-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday evening we helped kick off the Grand Opening following their remodel of In Shape City in Stockton, CA! With about 200 children, we face painted, twisted balloons and handed out stuffed animals galore! The excitement on their faces and the length of the lines told of a grand time!

Thank you In Shape City for letting me be part of your fun!

7920 Kelley Drive

Stockton, CA 95209

(209) 472-2105

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

Our deepest fear is not what we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frighten us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

from- A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson

Hanna's Press Release for School Assemblies

2010-05-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to read Hanna's Press Release about teaching at School Assemblies!

Hanna's Press Release for School Assemblies

School Assembly

2010-04-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Having a School Assembly? Hanna Banana has started a program geared to schools! Check out SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES. And - check out our new site HERE

Hanna Banana is now performing at SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES!

2010-04-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we performed at at the Montclair Golf Club in Oakland, CA! We were busy with children and I have the face painted pictures to show for it! We hope to be there again. Thank you for letting us share in a fun day, we hope we made it more special for you and the children!

Montclair Golf Club

phone number: (510)482-0422

2477 Monterey Blvd. Oakland CA 94611

Our Children LOVE Stuffed Animals!

2010-04-23T20:09:00.001-07:00

Laurel's Birthday

2010-04-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

Facepainting Guide

2010-04-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

Would you like to learn to FACE PAINT? Check out our FREE guide to learn some tips and techniques!

CLICK HERE

Check out Hanna Banana's website for more information on Birthday Parties, Company Picnics, and of course - CLOWN SCHOOL!

We serve in the California Central Valley including: Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Modesto, Galt, Tracy, Livermore, Pleasanton and more! Give us a call! 209-464-6677

Easter Weekend

2010-04-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

What an incredible weekend we had celebrating Easter! We performed for Quail Lakes Baptist Church and at Oakdale Country Club. We were amazed at how excited the children were to see the Easter Bunny and enjoyed spending that time with them. We loved driving to each location and enjoyed the excitement of people seeing the Easter Bunny around town.

Quail Lakes Baptist Church

1904 Quail Lakes Dr.
Stockton, CA 95207
(209) 951-7380

Oakdale Country Club

243 N. Stearns Road
Oakdale, CA 95361
209 847-2984 Phone

Bill Corbett

2010-03-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

A HUGE thanks to Bill Corbett and his complimentary write up of California Clown School! We love that the idea of non-intimidating clowns is reaching people far and near. California Clown school along with Hanna Banana is campaigning to make clown work a fun/safe place for children and are hoping to drop those previous fears of the bozo clown.

Bill Corbett is an American Playwright known for his work on Mystery Science Theater, several plays, and his contribution to NPR's Prairie Home Companion (one of our personal favorite shows!) and All Things Considered (another favorite!). He is currently touring with the play The Stuff of Dreams. We appreciate the work you do, Bill! Thanks for the compliments!

Check out his write up HERE or read it below!

Rifftrax.com

2010-02-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

An article posted at Rifftrax.com

Go on, be one! All you need is a little clown training, and then you can enter the wonderful world of clowndom.

“And where does one get this clown training!?” I hear many (most?) of you asking eagerly, ready to sign up. Well, one such place is the California Clown School, located in…. Reno, Nevada! (Those clowns!)

From their curriculum, here's a sample day:

Monday:
The Rose
Philosophies and attitudes of clown work
Your Clown Character
Costuming
Develop your clown face
Face Painting
Your self
Others

Health and Safety Hazards
Yours
The Children's

Right off the bat, I'd say that one of the “Safety Hazards” for the Children is: being terrified into a a lifelong vegetative state.

…And THAT is why I knew — back when I was a younger man, who played in a punk garage band — that we must push back on this clowny-clown-clown madness. I haven’t thought of the following song for many years, dismissing it in retrospect as a 19 year old kid’s grim, nihilistic indulgence. But now I see that I was wiser than my years. This was was about survival, friends.

(Alas, I only remember the first verse and a half or so, and after that it’s all a bong-y haze:)
DECOMPOSING CLOWNS by (the young, sullen, and obnoxious, but full-head-of-dark-hair-possessing) Bill Corbett

Something happened under the Big Top
The lights are out, the colors down
Jolly white faces smiling forever
Oh, what an ugly death for a clown.

Red rubber noses, covered in maggots
Big floppy shoes, in dried blood and dust…

…And then it kinda went on like that. A nasty little Sex Pistols-wannabe song, yes… but if you watch that video above again, you’ll see what we’re up against, and why a young man felt the need to lash out.

Anyway..

Be a clown!

(To be fair to the California Clown School, they’ve specifically addressed the issue of Scary Clowndown. To her great credit, the CCS’s main teacher, Hanna Banana, recognizes the danger of Clowns Who Terrify, and she has released a manifesto on the matter. It’s long, so I’m putting it after the break:
“The State of Clowning in America:

Hanna Banana:

She has a new approach to clowning. She is at the forefront of a revolution in clowning in America. She is not a scary clown but is a new kind of clown. A Modern clown with a soft gentle approach that promotes peace, understanding and unity among all age groups and all cultural and ethic groups. She is a Nanny Clown and her entertainment is soothing to children and entertaining to adults.

Circus Clowns:

The following paragraph was taken from a program for RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS. “Irvin Feld, President and Producer of The Greatest Show On Earth, had just acquired this gigantic circus and found it woefully lacking in clown talent. At that time, in 1967, there were thirteen clowns under contract to RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS. Their ages ranged from fifty to almost eighty. Most of them could barely make it once around the hippodrome track. The mot juste at the time was: we know they can fall down, but can they get up again? There was no question that clowning in America definitely was going downhill, surely staggering to an untimely end.”

Party Clowns:

The status of party clowning is also going downhill in America. More and more children and adults are scared of clowns. The fear of clowns, known as coulorophobia, can cause panic attacks, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea and feelings of dread. It is one of the 10 most searched-for phobias on Yahoo! search engine. Psychologists who have addressed coulorophobia say it usually develops out of some traumatic incident in childhood associated with a clown. Several movies have also contributed to making clowns scary most notably Stephen King’s “It”. Tom Eldridge, secretary of Clowns International, said their make-up had been tined down in recent years.

Not only is that a problem but the traditional clown acts and antics no longer entertain children or provide the services adults want for their children. Hanna Banana has started a revolution as a new kind of clown with her Hands on Workshops and her soft gentle approach. She is not the traditional whiteface clown but a modern clown that has changed her costume and her face to portray a Jester Payaso clown. Children flock around her and accept her readily even those who fear clowns. Adults and older children, who view clowns as for babies, are very accepting of her as a modern clown.”

Good for you, Ms. Banana. As the dad of two very young kids, I’d rather they enjoy clowns than have nightmares about them.

(P.S. But Ms. Banana may be fighting a losing battle… Google “clown” images and see for yourself what comes up.)

Fairy Photo Album

2010-02-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

Elise

2010-01-20T18:36:00.000-08:00

Clown School - We separate the Amateurs and the Professionals!

2010-01-09T10:53:00.000-08:00

California Clown School is now offering Liability Performers Insurance for one year with the price of Clown School! This policy is good for Clowns, Face Painters, Balloon Artists, Street Performers, and Children's Entertainers for Magic and Games. This is a $3 million dollar policy and is included for one year with the price of the class. This allows you access into larger events. I know that when we perform at Mammoth Resort the first thing they want is to see our policy! Contact us to find out more!

My Photo Collection

2010-01-04T18:17:00.000-08:00

Hanna has been working for over twenty-five years and still going strong! We celebrate happiness in children and strive to create memories!

Lexington Hotel

2009-12-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we worked at the Lexington Hotel in Stockton, CA. What a beautiful hotel located on the waterfront. We were hired to perform for a grand 1st birthday with an excess of 30 children.

110 West Fremont Street
Stockton CA 95202
Telephone 209-944-1140
Fax 209-466-1095

Our Clown School is about the Kids

2009-11-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

Comments From the Kids about Hanna Banana, Go to California Clown School to learn more about her Clown School and to download a Free Face Painting Guide.

2009-11-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

Brent's Blog

What we do...

2009-11-04T07:50:00.000-08:00

Here is a brief view of what Hanna Banana does when she comes to your party.

Carson Oaks Community Church - Stockton, CA

2009-10-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

What a lesson to me was this, that clothes surely do not make the man! I loved being able to work and be a part of children who saw who and what we are and what we do and I knew that they went home with a truly memorable experience. Many thanks to Carson Oaks Community Church and for all they do in our community! Hanna was excited to be a part of the work to make 200 children happy!

6509 N. Alturas Ave.

Stockton, California 95207

Phone and Fax: (209) 478 - 5866

Lodi Lake - Lodi, CA

2009-10-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

Look at the fun we have! The opportunity to celebrate at Lodi Lake was great fun!

O'Connor Woods - Stockton, CA

2009-10-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

This last week we were working at O'Connor Woods Convalescent Hospital in Stockton, CA. It was an Employee Appreciation celebration and celebrate we did! It was great to help in the appreciation of those who serve our Senior Citizens. We here at Hanna Banana's also appreciate their hard work!

School Carnival

2009-09-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had the opportunity to work at a school carnival for Saint Catherine's in Martinez, CA. It was incredible to see how excited the children became over our style of face painting and balloon twisting! The joy that we are able to bring children makes my job the best job in the world!

Saint Catherine's

609 Melluse St.

Martinez, CA

Recession - Keep Moving Forward

2009-09-27T17:29:00.001-07:00

People are struggling financially and consequently, in their families. The movie "Meet the Robinson's" has always touched me. Especially the last ten minutes and this final quote: "Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” KEEP MOVING FORWARD - Walt Disney

Clown work is for the children, it's to make them happy. Walt Disney believed in making children's dreams come true and so do we. Clown School is a way to expand that.

Halloween Face Painting!

2009-09-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for ideas for Face Painting this Halloween?? Take a look at this Face Painting Guide!

Click Here

Natural Clowns

2009-09-19T08:41:00.001-07:00

There are many of you who are natural clowns! Fred is one of them! Fred, we want you to come to clown school! Contact us!

Clown School

2009-09-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Get the education of a lifetime and have a great part time job! Attend Clown School! With the economy the way it is, attending clown school is helpful in many ways....serve your community by working as a clown; help in your schools; get hired for birthday parties; company picnics and more!

How to Hire a Clown and Not Get Ripped Off

2009-09-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

Face Painting

2009-09-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

As I ponder my life and start this day, I realize that I think of all children as if they were mine. I have genuine love for all of them. Mine to serve, to love and to protect. There are no dividers or categories with me, I am constantly researching to be sure that all I do in my work with them helps them, nurtures them and protects them as I would my own.

I just completed a major research project on face painting children and am now trying to spread the result across the world to protect children from the very real hazards that exist if the correct products and procedures are not used. I have contacted health editors of major newspapers to alert the public to this potential problem. My books on face painting will reflect this, as well as provide unique designs that can be safely applied to a child's face. Please view and study this face painting guide. Click Here.

Children

2009-09-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

Children bring so much joy! Make all of the memories you can! A great memory and your child's favorite day of the year is their birthday. Sometimes it cant be about the money, it has to be about the people you love.

Validation

2009-09-06T16:34:00.001-07:00

Clown work is a great way to offer "validation" to others. Hanna has had this experience of validation numerous times!

Hanna's Start

2009-09-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

Stockton Record

Hanna Banana

1982

Financial adversity brought Karen Smith and Hanna Banana together.

Karen’s husband, Gordon, was among the air controllers fired at Stockton Metropolitan Airport two years ago, and he couldn’t find another job.

“I had to make money,” she says, “I sat down and evaluated what skills I had. I really liked kids and I used to put on programs when I was a Boy Scout leader for four years and when I taught Sunday school.”

When she decided to become Hanna Banana, party impresario, she set some bard and fast rules for her new enterprise.

“It was going to be good, clean fun – no offcolor jokes.” The formula paid off. Hanna Banana, a winsome clown with a banana painted on one cheek and a heart on the other, is in constant demand, especially by youth groups and families.

“When we go to a family party, we paint everybody’s face,” says Smith. “We have cake-eating contests and bob for apples. It’s old-fashioned fun. We just have a ball.”

On New Year’s Day, Hanna Banana and company entertained 150 members of the Lodi Boys Club. “We painted up the director and bopped him on the head with confetti-filled eggs,” she says “the kids went crazy.”

Smith also portrays several of Comedienne Carol Burnett’s characters.

The Smiths’ offspring – David, 10; Lisa, 5; and Jeremy, 4 – join the act when needed.

Smith’s husband is now a driver with United Parcel Service, but she is having too much fun to give up Hanna Banana. In fact, she now has a trademark on the appealing little character for possible future commercial use.

Terri Ross sums up how she, Powers and Smith, feel about their careers: “We’re dealing in memories. We’re giving people something they won’t ever give forget.”

Clown School Prices!

2009-09-02T20:05:00.001-07:00

Have you noticed the prices at California Clown School?? For $1345 I can spend four days at Circus, Circus Reno including my own private room and attend clown school!

Bubbles!

2009-08-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

Kids are fascinated by bubbles. Try these ideas from products that are already in your home!

Meet the Clowns

2009-08-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

Meet the Clown

Hanna Banana started her clown business in 1981. She is a mom and knew what she wanted from an entertainer for her children. Hanna Banana has been contacted by MTV, PBS, Woman's Day magazine, Parade Magazine and many more. She recently was interviewed on the air by a radio station in the Washington, DC area. She has been called numerous times by Hollywood producers and writers regarding clowns and clowning around. She was featured on Channel 31 in Sacramento, California as one of the 3 clown teachers in the world. She offers a new approach to clowning. She is at the forefront of a revolution in clowning in America. Hanna is a modern clown with a soft gentle approach that promotes peace, understanding and unity among all age groups and all cultural and ethic groups.

Hanna Banana's previous job - Mockumentry done at Clown School

2009-08-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Birthday Party

2009-08-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Having a Corporate Event? Clowns are a great way to keep the children entertained.

Balloon Animals

2009-08-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Want to learn how to twist balloon animals? Visit Hanna Banana and learn how!

Write-Up in Women's Day Magazine

2009-08-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

Women's Day Magazine

Start a Home Business with $500 or less

As a Scout leader and Sunday-school teacher, Karen Smith of Stockton, California, enjoyed working with children. When her husband’s union went on strike nine years ago, Karen invested $20 in a clown wig and makeup and became Hanna Banana, a party clown. After her first job – performing at a birthday party for twins- her business spread by word of mouth. She promoted it further through advertisements in shoppers newspapers. She gets additional publicity by giving free performances at libraries.

Karen’s weekends are now booked with parties at $60 and up. That includes the nontoxic face paints she puts on children and small prizes (always safe items that can’t be swallowed). Karen also performs at company picnics for about $100 an hour.

Written by Robin Warshaw
October 2, 1990

We have fun at clown school!

2009-08-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

Clown school is for education and for fun, watch us have a spectacular time!

Face Painting Guide

2009-08-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

We want you to succeed at face painting. Feel free to view our guide!

*Click here for our Face Painting Guide *