March 2008
You might call this issue the NOSE-Letter instead of the NEWS-Letter!
What’s the history behind Pricilla’s nose?
When I was designing my clown face at Ringling Bro. Clown college in 1982 (twenty five years ago! Ouch.) I wanted to look like a cross between Pinocchio and a china doll. Another guy in my class was quite the artist. He has sculpted this really cool long turned up nose. I liked it and had him do a girl version. Little did I know how far that nose would take me!
Pricilla’s Funniest Nose Stories:
When I was performing at Disneyland, I had the glue come off on the top of my nose. But it was still glued on at the bottom! I figured if I tilted my head back, I could keep it on. That’s vanity for you! I almost had to do a backbend by the end of the show. I looked absolutely ridiculous and the audience had a ball laughing at me trying to keep my nose on.
Also, when I worked at Disneyland, a clown named John used salad dressing to glue his nose back on! Funny thing is…it worked!
And while I was a circus clown, I was running into the center ring. The clown in front of me unexpectedly jumped onto the ring curb, stopped and spread his arms out into a big “ta da!” pose. Well, I was running full speed behind him when I got slapped right in the face! I watched my nose fly off my face and spin into the air. It landed on the circus track and bounced around. It was hard to find it with my eyes watering, but I didn’t want anyone to step on it!
More Nose Stories & Ideas from Moose Camp Staff:
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We just used this funny gag last Friday during a Nursing Home Show. I have a box of red foam clown noses & I become a Clown Nose Vendor at the end of our show. My shtick as I carry the carton of noses is to say: "Noses for sale, Grade A+, Hand-picked this morning!" I then ask each individual - "Would you like to pick your nose?" It gets a laugh or a groan every time. We then apply the nose to the individual, and have a Polaroid picture taken with the clowns. The clients LOVE their keepsake picture with us! |
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When I was working the Flamingo Casino, I used to wear skin bond adhesive on my nose. A drunk came into the casino after a Chiefs game and starting goofing around where I was working at in the casino. He seemed harmless, just drunk, and I was bantering back and forth with him. Well, I dropped my guard for a second and he grabbed me by the nose! The glue was on so strong that my nose didn't come off and he had me. |
- Rex Nolen
Ozzie (Moose Camp Staff member Fred Baisch)
having a nose-to-nose discussion with one of his magic partners, Sugarbaby
Nose Bouquet - Give a clown friend a bouquet of “red noses”. Here’s how you do it: Take a dozen fake roses (found at any craft store or even Wal-Mart) and remove the petals. Then pierce the stem into a red sponge nose. To finish off the look, tie the bouquet together with a beautiful ribbon, or put them in a vase with some greenery. Don’t forget to tuck a silly card into the flowers. Viola! This is one bouquet that won’t wilt or smell funky after a week – you can bet on your grateful recipient holding onto their “Dozen Red Noses” for a long time to come!
I hope this “NOSE-Letter” helps to enlighten and educate you on the sometimes misunderstood nose and its needs. If you need help picking your nose, give us a call! Because, after all, you can pick your friends and you can pick your nose…but you can’t pick your friend’s nose!
In love and Laughter!
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Pricilla |
And now it is our great pleasure to bring you a guest article by Mark Renfro..
"In Defense of the Nose"
It may be the smallest mask in the world but it is also our biggest billboard. Nothing says "clown" like a big red nose!
That little piece of rubber we hang in the middle of our faces is the international symbol for fun. No other part of our makeup (or costume, for that matter) does as much to let the world know who we are.
Think I'm overstating the case? Ask a room full of second graders to draw pictures of a clown. You'll get a wonderful variety of shapes and forms; green triangle hair, square yellow hats, blue oval shoes. Each picture will be different, but most will share one similarity. There, right in the middle of the face, a big red circle!
Often in my makeup classes, I hold up a simple sketch of a face that I've drawn on a piece of notebook paper. I ask the students, "What is this?" Because the drawing doesn't contain much information, the answer is usually "Just a face." When I hold up the same sketch with a red circle added, the responses are always clear and unanimous: "That's a clown."
Clearly, clowns and noses go together. The visual image of a clown nose is important to our audiences. It fulfills a primary expectation they have of us.
Why in the world would we want to let them down?
Sadly, these days many clowns seem to be doing just that. The theatrical power of a clown nose is casually tossed aside. When I ask people why they have chosen not to wear a nose the responses generally fall into two categories.
(Before we go any further, I am well aware that there are exceptions to any rule. Your reasons for not wearing a nose are quite valid, I'm sure. I'm not trying to step on any toes but if you should feel any pressure being applied to the end portions of your lower extremities, please realize that I am only talking about other people - not you.)
First, there are those who claim some kind of physical discomfort. I wonder what these people would think if the next time they bought tickets for "Swan Lake" the curtain went up on a stage full of dancers wearing sweat-suits and sneakers instead of those "uncomfortable" tutus and toe-shoes. It’s not unusual in the performing arts for a performer to accept some level of discomfort for the sake of pleasing an audience.
Clowns are no exception.
To be honest, though, the clown marketplace is overflowing with nose choices. Different materials, different adhesives, noses on a string or attached to glasses, designs that leave the nostrils clear . . . with all these choices, finding a comfortable and wearable nose isn't that difficult.
The second response I often get when I ask people why they aren't wearing a nose is, "But I am." On these occasions I've learned to lean in for a closer look. There is something there. Flat, no bigger than a dime, and often shaped like a flower, heart, or star . . . it’s something. I'm just not sure it’s a clown nose. In fact, these odd nose tip items strike me as some sort of weird tattoo or wart.
Those same manufacturers who offer so many good choices in clown noses offer some very poor choices, too.
"But they are so cute," people tell me. Well, to each his own but I'd much rather have my audiences say "clown" instead of "cute" any day of the week.
Is it getting hot in here, or is it just me?
I can really sense that some people are getting steamy under their big clown collars. But that's my point! We spend so much time and effort enlarging and exaggerating every other piece of our visual presentation (big shoes, big hair, big pants, big dresses, and that aforementioned big collar, too). Why, then, when it comes to something as important as a nose would anyone choose to go small?
It is a matter of scale. In a makeup class, people often ask me for help in designing a "big smile." I'm still waiting for someone to ask for advice on how to make their eyes look small. Yet when it comes to noses . . .
Time and time again, I have witnessed the power of the clown nose - on both the performer and the audience. Can you be a good clown without one? Of course. But not wearing one should never be the first choice.
Red, round, so full of possibilities -- clown noses are the classic symbol of a great profession. I love wearing mine. It is a badge of honor, really. My nose has been the ticket to some great adventures through the years.
Where will yours take you?
March Make-up Tips
What else would we talk about – but NOSES!? Here the simple tip: Follow the instructions on the glue bottle! Sounds silly, but you would be surprised how few people do. Some glue requires you apply them directly to your skin on order for them to work properly. That means you need to take off the makeup first. Paint a dot on your face under your nose if your nose gets knocked off – it’s better than no nose at all! Keep a small bottle of glue in a zip-lock bag in your pocket for long trips. Have a spare nose on a string for when you have a cold!
Jim Howle recommends you wash your hands ands wipe your own nose with alcohol first to remove any oil. Shake bottle of glue well, and then apply some glue on the inside of your clown nose, put on your face, and then remove. Set the nose aside to dry (about 3 – 5 minutes), then put a little extra glue on your finger and rub it on your nose. Let it dry (about 3 – 5 minutes). Stick it in place. Always have clean hands when putting on or taking off your nose -- don’t be sloppy! The less your have to clean your nose, the longer it will last.
Jim Howle “This” Glue – Non-Latex glue; follow the above directions. Glue it on and keep it on. To remove, simply roll off with your fingers.
Jim Howle “That” Glue – Non-Latex glue; has an amazing repositionable property, which means you can take it off and stick it back on (like a Post-It Note). When applying, remember that LESS is best! Follow the same directions above, but extend your drying time to 5 – 7 minutes – this glue has to be totally dry to work. There is no need to remove it, since it should still be sticky the next time you put your nose on.
Jim Howle “The Other” Glue - Water soluble latex; works great for nose tips and smaller noses (follow the above directions). If you do not have a face that sweats, then it is a great glue. It also works for gluing on gems and false eyelashes.
Jim Howle Nose Putty works great! You take a bit and fill in the sides of his larger noses so you have contact with your nose. I was very impressed on how comfortable it was, and how well it stayed on when I wore a round red nose for a special event!
Mehron Make-up Support Line
Need some additional help with your make-up questions?? The make-up company Mehron offers a make-up tech support hotline!
Call them toll-free at 1-888-552-1331 for help in applying any Mehron product. We have talked to them and found their advice helpful and thorough!
Product Spotlight!
Pricilla Mooseburger Originals proudly presents Jim Howle Noses and Nose Adhesives! I have known Jim for years and am proud to call him my friend. I was thrilled to see his new line of noses! They are great latex-poured noses in an awesome variety of styles, sizes, and colors. The neat thing about Jim’s noses is that they are so user friendly! You can put them on with glue, putty, adhesive tape or a string! If the finish gets marked up you can redo it yourself with Acrylic Paint (we recommend Apple Barrel brand, #20415 Real Red Gloss). With every nose bought from Pricilla Mooseburger Originals, you will get a pamphlet on how to care for and modify your Jim Howle Nose.
Jim Howle is one of the most versatile clowns performing today. In addition to his performing skills, which are finely honed, he is also a famous portrait artist and expert on clown make-up. Jim is a native of Darlington, South Carolina, where his mother was an artist, and Jim was pulled into clowning through art. While attending the Ringling School of Art, he learned of the creation of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Clown College. He applied, was accepted, and graduated from the original class in 1968. He then toured with the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus for seven years as a tramp clown. A popular instructor, Jim has taught clowning and make-up skills at conferences across the country. He was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in 1993. His love of clowning prompted him to create his own distinct line of clown make-up and clown noses!
Another Happy Customer!
Here is Pam Mitchell, “Cupcake the Clown,” in her two new outfits from Pricilla Mooseburger Originals. She had us put adorable custom Cupcake appliqués all over the place – too cute! :o)
Thanks, Pam, for sending us these great photos!
Just a reminder..
Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp
Takes place July 29 – August 3, 2008
In Buffalo, MN
Have YOU registered yet???
You know, we could wax poetically on the merits of a Mooseburger education and tell you in minute detail the wonders of the day-to-day training…but what good would that do? Wouldn’t it be better to hear testimonials from the campers themselves? With that thought in mind, we present a few words from clowns who have gone through the program:
I wanted to personally thank you for the way I was treated at Mooseburger. You and your staff put me and other clowns above your own week. The professionalism shown by the entire staff is a credit to your hard work and dedication to the clowning profession. There is no doubt that I will attend more of your events in the future, and look forward to seeing you again. I have been around the world, and seen many things but never has anyone shown as much interest in me and my success as you did. Thank you again for the bottom of my bottom (it is bigger than my heart). Love ya, and hope to see you soon.
-- Randy Harbin
I left camp with so much confidence and ideas. What can I say, except, you guys rock!
-- Marta Hoburg
I really enjoyed Rex’s class. I learned so much and I really admire and respect him for his dedication as a clown and for sharing his tips, advice, experience, and for everything. Right now, my clowning is starting. I have a balloon jam at my church this Friday and my company picnic Sunday. These are my first events so I'm busy getting ready for them. So that's what's up with me. Thanks again, Rex, for teaching at Mooseburger Camp. I'll definitely be coming back next year.
-- Travis Schwartz
I can't thank you and the entire staff enough for everything they did to make 2007 Moose Camp one of the most memorable events in my life! We gained confidence, just as they said. We are actually going clowning, balloons and face paint in hand. We are often questioned about doing birthday parties! Wow! Who would have thought...?
-- Denise and Christopher Sipe
I know you probably will not believe me when I say this, but I really did have one of the greatest times of my life, of course, not just because of the freedom I had to just let loose, but because doing something like that was so contrary to my personality and the type of person I am. I still think about that summer and sometimes look back in amazement realizing what I actually did. Not only that, but that I was now doing "clown shows" for children, carnivals, adults, and even the seminary. If you want proof of how great of a program it is, I think that is proof enough! I mean, before that, I don't think I would have had the confidence or courage to act like a clown, let alone put on make-up and perform. Even now when I tell people I attended a clown school (I don't like calling it a camp, since it sounds like a little kid going off for the summer) they still don't believe me...that is, until I show them the "diploma." They do know I juggle and like to do a magic trick here a
nd there, and even try my hand at some puppetry, but they just don't see me as a clown. Anyway, I just wanted to wish you the best with the camp this year and know that you and all your fellow campers will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
-- Fr. Brian Ditullio
We are always elated to hear from campers who email us about how they are doing after Moose Camp – it tells us that what we are doing really matters and that we’re doing it right. If you are a past camper who has put their Moose Camp training to good use, we welcome you to email us or write a letter; we would love to hear from you! After all, you’re family now!
And if you still need convincing, check out our “What’s Stopping You?” page on our Moose Camp website.
Click here. If your excuse isn’t on there, then tell us about it! What is keeping you from one of the greatest weeks of your life? Email your excuse to Pricilla@mooseburger.com and we’ll try to give you a good reason why you should come to Moose Camp!
Just in case you are keeping track of how fast we are filling up – as of March 1st, we had only 35 spots remaining!
NEW Fabric Item Just Arrived!!!
We are so, so, SO excited to tell you about our new fabric that we could hardly write the first part of the newsletter without blabbing the great news. But now we’ve come to the “Updates” section of the newsletter and can finally spill the beans!
Guess What?!?
We have BLACK and WHITE CHECKERED FABRIC again!!!
Yes! After years and years of searching for that elusive good quality stuff, we have finally got our hands on some really sturdy fabric (not that icky cheese-cloth junk in the craft section). This is WOVEN (not screen-printed) pre-shrunk heavy-duty poly/cotton fabric. We bought as much as the store had in stock, but unfortunately they didn’t have magically limitless bolts of it.
So there is a limited supply, folks!
Order your costume now before someone else uses up all of this lovely bounty of Black and White Check! Call 320-963-6277 or 800-973-6277 to arrange for a Design Consultation with Pricilla. Read up on our Design Consultation process by clicking here.
Summer costumes – PLAN AHEAD!
I bet you are already filling up your calendar with parades, birthday parties, corporate picnics, and everything else you will be doing this summer.
Right now is the perfect time to assess your wardrobe and see if there is anything that needs to be repaired or replaced. Keep in mind that a few bright new accessories can really perk up an older outfit! Need a new shirt under your vest? Got more than one hole in your sox?
Those summer events will happen one right after another, with little time for you to leisurely examine your costume in between each performance. It’s best to take care of the LITTLE things now before they become BIG problems later!
Perhaps you’ve been tossing around the idea of getting an entirely DIFFERENT costume for your character, or maybe you are a new clown and have to start from scratch. Well, if you are considering a new costume, we suggest that you call or email as soon as possible to get some ideas and start your worry-free Design Consultation with Pricilla.
We are here to make your dream costume a reality – just let your imagination run wild, and we’ll try to keep up with it!
Remember that it takes 6 - 8 weeks to make a custom costume from start to finish, so keep that in mind when you have a deadline…you could start your Design Consultation with Pricilla today and have your brand-new costume ready by the First of May – that very important time for clowns!
Why not start Summer with a fresh look for your character?
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...and now we finally come to everyone's favorite portion of the show...
2 MARCH SALES!
Jim Howle Noses and Glue
Save $3.00 when you buy them together!
Purchase any in-stock Jim Howle Nose (either full noses or tips) and any in-stock Jim Howle Glue or Putty at the same time, and we’ll knock $3 off your order!
You can place your order online or by phone: 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277. Don’t forget to tell us the discount code for this special – it is “STUFFEDUP”
Terms and Conditions:
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Supplies limited. Offer good only on in-stock items. Please note: Just because the item is displayed online does not mean it is in stock – all products are displayed online regardless of immediate availability. If you have any concerns, then call us before you place your order: 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277.
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Good on phone-in, mail-in, or online orders. Order must be placed during the month of March. This offer is not retroactive.
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At least one nose and one glue or putty must be purchased at the same time to receive the discount. You can order multiple noses and glues and receive $3.00 off every set of two.
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If you place your order online, the $3.00 discount will be deducted when we process the order at the office -- it cannot show up online.
FREE Shipping & Handling!
Yes, you read that right! We are offering FREE Shipping & Handling on ALL orders placed and shipped during the month of March. Just remember to tell us that you don’t want to be charged for Shipping – it’s just that simple!
Terms and Conditions:
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Shipping method will be U. S. Parcel Post.
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There is no limit to the number of times you can ask for this offer, nor is there a limit on the amount or weight of an order – it is all included in the FREE Shipping and Handling!
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You must ask for Free Shipping & Handling at the time you place the order. This offer is not retroactive.
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Order must be for in-stock items or items which can be made and shipped within the month of March. If your item is not able to ship within the month of March, you will be charged regular Shipping & Handling.
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Offer good on orders placed by phone, fax, online, or by mail.
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If you place your order online, you can ask for Free Shipping & Handling in the “Comments” section at the end of your order. The Shipping & Handling fee will show up online, but it will be totaled out to Zero Dollars when the order is processed at the office.
How else can you save money?
Be sure to visit the new section of our online store, called “Pricilla’s Picks”. This section will display all the monthly specials you see in this newsletter PLUS any other clearance items we may be discounting.
Just recently, we put a few Ladies’ Vests, a pair of Bib Pants, and a Tuxedo Coat up for clearance!
Click to check out the new section and check back often – it will be updated every week, depending on what we need to clear out of stock!
Have a fun and happy (and safe) St. Patrick’s Day!
You can bet that all of us here at Pricilla Mooseburger Originals will be kicking up our heels in Maple Lake (self-proclaimed “Irish Heritage Hot Spot of Minnesota”) during the 31st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We’ll have clowns and Irish Washer Women a-plenty sauntering down the streets of this grand wee lil’ town – wish you could join us!
If you care at all, or have nothing better to do for the next few minutes, we invite you to check out our local newspaper’s website to read about the fine Irish tradition we’ve been upholding since 1976.
Click here to go to the Maple Lake Messenger website (http://www.maplelakemessenger.com/) or Click here to check out the day’s festivities.
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