Poi update

Did I tell you I spun fire for the first time last month? I didn't? Well I'm telling you now. No need to be sassy, jeez! It was so fun I bought a wick set and a LED set for myself online. I'm always a little hesitant about buying things online, but the other girls in my group have ordered from "Home of Poi" before so I figured it would be alright. And it was.


I also marched with my group, Fiametta Poi, in the local Mother's Day Parade... up hill... in the sun... wearing all black... doing an actual physical activity... without a break. Yeah, I'm awesome. But seriously, how cute is that bus!?! I heart you orange Micro Bus. I heart you.


- Sarah

How to Make "Practice" Poi for Fire Dancing

How to Make "Practice" Poi (aka practice fire dancing balls that probably shouldn't be used for fire itself)
I know.... You probably couldn't care less, but one of my (many) nieces wanted to know how to make a set for herself. So here it is. Granted, this tennis ball version doesn't look as nice or professional as some of the woven ones, but they are very close in weight and movement to the "real" wick poi.

You need:
* 2 tennis balls
* 2 lengths of bicycle chain that is the length of your arm (from your chest to your thumb joint) plus 8 inches
* 2 "S" hooks
* 12 inch length of cotton or nylon cord cut into 2 pieces
* tools: pliers and exacto knife


1. Cut 2 parallel lines on the top and bottom of each tennis ball.
2. Push the chain through the top, out the bottom, in through the second cut in the bottom, and out again through the second cut on the top of the tennis ball. This should form a circle with the chain weaving through the tennis ball.
3. Where the beginning and the middle of the chain meet at the top of the tennis ball, use your pliers and link them together leaving one long end.


4. Now re-measure the length between your chest and where your thumb meets your hand. Unhook any extra length of chain.
5. Attach the "S" hook. Use your pliers and make sure both ends of the "S" hook are tightly closed so the chain can't slip through. I added an extra chain link to where the long chain meets the "S" hook for extra security.
6. Now tie your cord or thin rope in a loop to the other end of your "S" hook. Try it on your hand before tying the cord securely.

Ta da!

- Sarah

Spring?

First of all, didn't Phil say that Spring would come early? Um... then I ask you Phil, what's with all this snow lately? That's what I thought. Hide in your creepy little groundhog hole. And take those guys that wear the top hats with ya!

So looking through my Google reader (sounds vaguely dirty doesn't it?) this morning, everyone was spending time the last few days thinking about Spring. I don't know about you guys, but screw Spring... I'm looking for Summer! I've got stuff planned starting May. Here's the breakdown:

May: Put together art show at the school with my mom. Dab the sweat off my brow from hanging up 450 kids worth of art in one day. Also, Mother's Day! I think I may join my poi class in the parade. I'm not totally decided on that yet.
June: Summer Arts Camp at Columbia! 3 days being administrator, 1 day teaching painting (wait till you see what I have up my sleeve), and 1 day putting together an art show and eating hot dogs. AND I need to sew a teepee for Camsters and I to hangout in and "administrate".
July: My nieces come up to stay with my parents for a week just for fun. I'm going to teach the older two how to sew. How to sew cool stuff like fancy pants, and skirts, and clutches, and creepy dolls.

So move over Spring! Summer and I have plans.

- Sarah

Oh My Gawrsh!

I have so much to tell you! But first---

Camster and I watched "The Grinch Grinches The Cat in the Hat" today. I'm sure you all know how mean that grumpy ol' Grinch is... but I can't help but feel so sorry for his little dog. He's always so frumpy and sad. I just want to give him a puppy treat and a hug or something. Geez, doesn't the Grinch know how to take care of a pet properly?

Anyhoo--- I have exciting news! We...are getting... the Internet hooked-up next week! That means I can be a little more consistent in my posting and perhaps even open an Etsy shop. I have a few things together already, but I have SO much more I want to make. My only... one of my problems is that I always want to keep the cute stuff I make.

Also, I think I've mentioned that I have been taking fire dancing "poi" classes from Fiametta Poi since last October. For class we all use "practice poi" which is basically tennis balls on chains. That way nothing accidentally gets caught on fire (including yourself). Well, I just found out that my instructor wants me to practice poi dancing to a particular song to get ready for the real thing. The real thing... as in real poi... as in flaming fire balls on chains that I will be expected to swing and twirl around my body, and head, and hair. Hopefully I can make it through this poi solo of sorts with my eyebrows intact. Cross your fingers for me.

For anyone who has never seen a poi performance, here is a picture of one of my classmates fire dancing.



Now you know my fear. This isn't a long exposure either! I will have Husband record it so I can post a video clip here.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad