How to make your own poi...

[dancingleaf]

Photo heavy post.  You might also try viewing the photos on my Flickr for larger sizes and notes within the photo.

I had no end of difficulties with the poi that I bought two years ago at the Aziza workshop.

I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me.  I watched online lessons.  I bought a couple videos but I just couldn't get it.  I kept tangling the pair up or winding the strings around - having to stop & unwind, wacking myself in the head or other body parts.

just yeah.

Here are all three sets.


Aziza Poi-

They are really well made.  You can see that the finger holds are canvas strapping (give me rope burn on my fingers) . Rivets in place hold everything together.

But nothing swivels.  AND I did so much better after I shortened them by about two inches each.  They are very pretty.  Soft sand bags sewn with sparkly fabric.


So after watching Dana Beaufort's (?)  video - she gave instructions on how to make your own... First I figured out that clearly mine were far too long.  She says they should be shorter than the length of your arm- fingers to armpit.  So I shortened the cord.  Wow - what a difference.  It moved so much better and I didn't wack myself hardly at all! Finally I was beginning to make progress.

Then when I was trying to plan something for this performance - I was going to need something - more colour coordinated etc and I figured why not?  I could try her instructions - I didn't watch the video again I just went from memory. 

Dog Chain Poi

Start with the Dog Chain Version.  It is the cheapest and BEST version for learning how to actually DO poi.

Get a pair of dog collar/ choke chains at your dollar store - I got two for $1. They are supposed to be 20 inches long. But I measured them - the chain is only 18 inches.
Fishing swivels - pack of 7 for $1.49 at the hardware store.

Two shower scrunchies at Dollar store - these are heavier than I usually buy I think I paid $1 each.

Also - key chain rings - 2 of them (can't see them though...

Take the dog chain, attach a swivel to one end, attach a key ring to the swivel thread the shower scrunchie on to the key chain. Repeat for second one. Presto there you are.

This is what I recommend to start. Cheapest version possible AND the scrunchies are softer when you hit yourself in the head repeatedly while learning to swing the poi.  The chain slides easily around the ring (where you put your finger through) and the scrunchie swivels around the fishing swivel on the other end. 

Gold Chain Poi.

4 key chain rings. 

one  3 ft length of gold chain.  $7.50.  cut in half = 2 lengths of 18 inches.

two fishing swivels.

two plastic baggies filled with sand (I used about 130 grams per bag.)

Same as with dog chain poi.  One key chain ring on one end of the chain, swivel to other end, then the other key chain ring.  Fill bag with sand attach to end with the swivel.  Cover with fabric to dress it up.  I understand you can use rice instead of sand.

Hurts a lot more when you hit yourself while swinging the poi around.
****IMPORTANT NOTE - if you decide to use the bags of sand  - leave the bag loosely packed.  It has much more give on impact.


FOR THE VEIL attachments.  I've been playing with different types & weights of fabric- am still undecided.  Best success so far with chiffon of about 2 1/2 yards/2 meters in length and about 30 inches/ 75 cm wide.

Comments

[tangyapple.livejournal.com]

Cool. Going into the Memories! Thanks, A. :)

[dancingleaf.livejournal.com]

Discovered new fact today.

if the bags of sand are tightly packed - it hurts.
if the bags of sand are left loosely packed - much improved. So don't wrap 'em up tightly when you are binding them to the ring. Make 'em somewhat squishy.

[tangyapple.livejournal.com]

Good to know; thanks!

Hey, what about fire poi?

[dancingleaf.livejournal.com]

I saw a really cool video tutorial on how to make those. Basically you get the metal ends off an electric beater, (you know like you make a cake with) cut them so you just have the metal cage. wind a length of cotton? rope back and forth threw it, soak it in lighter fluid and attach to the end of your poi.

Let me see if I can find the clip somewhere.

(personally - as much as I LOVE fire. I'd be terrified of burning my hair off or something.)

[dancingleaf.livejournal.com]

through not threw sheesh!

clip...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsxcloDoE-I

p.s Johnny Cash - Ring of Fire. :)

[ata1anta.livejournal.com]

Shame crystal organza is so stiff, it's a lovely shimmery crystal fabric (that was used for the mermaid tail I did)