Recently I've become obsessed with paddle tricks. Since I'm never content with something unless I can do it myself, I've started making my own paddles. While I'm eventually going to use some nice wood for these, I've found an excellent practice stock is paint stirrers from builders' supply houses -- and best of all, they're free! (Be nice, though . . . don't take them unless you're making a legitimate purchase . . .)

Between a coping saw, sandpaper, and a handheld grinder (to rescue bad cuts), I can turn out paddles at a respectable rate, giving me opportunity to try out various designs.

Does anyone else have experience making their own paddles? I'd be interested to know designs you've experimented with.

Cheers!
Keith

Hey there, give Chance wolf a shout. He released the most incredible paddle set to date in my opinion. Good luck Brian

Nothing intricate but I once made a color changing pencil.
Using a small block of wood and thumbtacks I made a Hot Rod type thingy.

I can see using candies like Tic Tacs, M&Ms, etc, and then dumping them off the paddle as a give away.

I have a couple of Walnut paddle things on my site.

~michael

I have made them out of craft stir sticks (medical tongue depressors). Look for those that are thicker.

Brian: You can bet I found Chance Wolf's site! (In fact, I've briefly corresponded with him.) Actually, lusting after some of his creations (and seeing how out-of-budget they were for me) is one of the things that inspired me to try my hand at making some paddles.

Jaz: How exactly would I keep the candies on such a paddle? I like the idea (especially since I perform most of the time for kids), but I'm not entirely certain how I'd design a paddle to hold them.

Don: I like the tongue depressor idea . . . I ought to be able to come by some, since I'm at a medical institution . . . Though you rarely see thick ones these days.

I confess, a friends Parrot gifted me with a nice tail feather, Amazon blue on the outside, and a red orange with black on the other, all set and ready made! The "Blue Bird of Happiness paddle!"
k

Now that's entertainment! Seriously, though, I never thought about using a feather for as a paddle . . . I have some friends with various exotic birds. I'm going to have to see if I can come by one. Now, could I ask you about your "Blue Bird of Happiness" routine? How do you present it?

Think of that old Trini Lopez song- Yellow Bird! I mostly use odd bits about seeing red when mad or unhappy, and how looking at things differently changes your whole perception, or outlook. The flexibility of the longer feather allow you to give it a half twist in the hand so you get a slow motion transformation through your "fist" or closed hand too!
k

Okay, feather it is! I love doing magic with "non-magical" items. (You know, certain brands of chopsticks make for grand two-paddle routines . . . ) Now, off to the zoo!