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I have made most of the activities in my Pop-Up Playground kit. I loved putting on the creative hat to imagine ‘what would be good to have’, then sourcing the materials, developing, testing, refining and mastering the production of each activity.
It was actually a necessity in the early stages of my business, as buying new gear was surprisingly expensive, and I repeatedly found the quality was terrible. As thousands of people can use my gear over a single weekend, it can get quite a working over!
My Event Activities have been described as ‘good old-fashion fun’, but most of what you can buy is plastic, expensive, and not very durable at all.
The quality of my gear is obvious. I’m repeatedly asked where I get it, and it usually raises an impressed eyebrow when I tell people it’s mostly my own handy work.
Yes it costs more than K-Mart, but it’s not made of plastic in an Asian factory.
Honestly, it’s worth more to me to use over and over again than to sell. (The hourly rate works out terrible!) but I sell it because I enjoy creating it – and I love to see how much some people appreciate it. You can check out our Upcoming Events to see this gear in action!
Purchases
If you have an interest in purchasing the equipment below, please make contact.
I don’t often take gear to sell at events unless it’s arranged prior. Currently, I don’t post it, stock numbers are limited, and I don’t do bulk discounts. It all takes valuable time to create and I have already priced it as best I can.
Juggling Sticks
Juggling Sticks, (also called Flower Sticks or Devil Sticks), are best for children from 5 years of age. As your children grow, so will the complexity of the tricks they can accomplish.
Having worked with thousands of adults and children, I have developed my own range of Juggling Sticks that I know work very well, and most importantly, last a very long time.
Many experienced jugglers who use my sets always comment on how good they are. I’ve done my research, and accidentally broken a few store bought sets the first time I used them.
My juggling stick sets consist of 2 x handles and 1 x Flower Stick, (so called because the weight on the end looks like a flower).
Sets are cheap at $40 each, as they will last you a long time.
Although relatively simple, each set takes hours to make, and there are many stages to the production process. If I was counting my time I’d be losing money, but I make them for love, to spread the joy.
Juggling sticks offer hours of fun, and can be equally enjoyed by all members of the family.
I have hand-crafted theses juggling sticks from recycled pool fence, bike tyres, and electrical tape, (the tape was new).
There are basic tricks to learn, with tricks progressing in complexity right up to pro-circus level.
They are great for eye-hand coordination, confidence, listening to instructions, team work, and for a shared family experience.
Hula Hoops
Big-W Hula Hoops are relatively cheap, ($7 to $15), but they don’t last very long. They lose shape and kink with ease.
I needed to make my own, and it took many attempts to find suitable materials, and then refine the production process so that they have strong joins.
I hand craft my hula hoops from 50 meter rolls of PVC plumbing pipe. I reinforced the join with an internal connector, and use pop-rivets to secure it. I’ve not lost a single one yet through mindless handling!
I have Large Black Hula Hoops and Smaller Purple Hula Hoops. They both cost the same at $30, as they take exactly the same amount of time to make.
I only sell them from events when you have ordered them beforehand. They don’t post well as they are big.
Hula Hoops have been around forever. They are a great developmental tool, best for ages 5 and up. Toddlers are always keen to play with them, but don’t quite have the physical capabilities to master them in most cases.
There are LOTS of skills you can do with Hula Hoops apart from spinning it around your hips. No matter how developed a child is with a hula hoop, there are always more tricks to learn.
It’s physical, cognitive, and a full body work out.
These weigh more than cheap store bought hoops, so adults find them easier to use. They are much closer in quality to professional hoops that can cost upwards of $100.
Poi
Poi originated from the Māori people of New Zealand. It has been adopted and adapted globally as a performance and circus art.
Poi involves swinging tethered weights from each hand in a variety of patterns.
The practice can start with basic skills, and develop as the user develops in skills and confidence.
Basic techniques can be learnt alone, with advanced tricks learnt from other spinners, DVDs, and YouTube videos.
They are great for hand/eye coordination, rhythm and timing, and arm and wrist strength.
The Poi’s I have made are tennis balls on cord covered in heat shrink. They are great for beginners, because they are cheap, durable and safe.
Once a spinner develops confidence, they can purchase or make Poi’s that glow, or can be lit on fire.
Obviously, receiving instruction from those more advanced than you is essential at this level for personal safety.
My Poi cost $20 per set. They are available in Green, Blue, Pink and Purple.
Naughts and Crosses
My sets of Naughts and Crosses are tactile and durable. Each set comes with a base board, and 5 X’s and 5 0’s. They are perfect for schools, vacation care, libraries, waiting rooms, and anywhere people are waiting.
They allow novices to learn a new concept, developing communication, understanding and strategy. They allow children to play together, and to play with adults.
They always have attention when they are activated in my Pop-Up Playgrounds. The board in painted with several coats of Enamel, so they are resistant to spills and light rain, as are the x’s and o’s, which are made from plumbing connectors and garden hose.
If you have an interest in purchasing the equipment below, please make contact.
