Hello All,

This is my first attempt at creating my own illusion prop since I was in scouts and my dad helped me build my first square and circle for a scouting show I did, I was 10 at the time and after doing this project my gosh I did not give my dad enough credit for helping build my first illusion.

So let me give you some background as to why I built this prop. I received a call from the local parks department asking if I would be willing to help with a fund raiser this summer, because of funding cut the parks needing money for little league diamonds.

I agreed and asked what type of show they would like, while talking to the guy he said it would be neat if I produced a very old collectors baseball that they would be selling for a donation bids the next day.

I knew there were many ways to do the production but I wanted this to be special and include a childhood story of losing my first baseball that I treasured. Really get the emotions going for this baseball sale. This got me thinking of how I could do this, and I recalled many years ago reading someplace about a box that could do what I needed.

I found a pre-made box at our local craft store that I felt would be perfect for this prop. Good thing too because no way do I have the talent to make a box look this good.

Not being a prop builder I turned to the Café here and asked Michael Baker for help, someone who I have read a lot of his posts on building props and over the years checked out many of the fine props that he has created.

He drew up some plans and e-mailed them to me. Once I looked it over it dawned on me where I saw this before. So to my library I went to dig out the good old Tarbell books. There is was, just what I wanted to build “The tar bell tip over treasure chest”.

With the suggestions from Michael and Tarbell I was all set. Creating the needed gaffs to make the tip over load area was a little more difficult then I first thought, but I just sanded and worked it till everything came together.

I also wanted this box to be handled in the hands and not need a table so I made a few more adjustments so I can operate the box with no table needed.

I stained it, buffed it, made it look real nice then beat it up! You will see some scuffs and marks on this box in the final photos. I need this too look aged some due to the routine I have put together.
Please don’t flog me too bad for what you see. I truly bow to you all who make props look so nice.

Total cost of this box came in around $30.00 it is worth a lot more to me just to have something I built the way I want it that works perfect.

Thank You Michael for all your help

Here are the photos of the box before and after.

http://www.collinscomedymagic.com/TipOverPhotos/


Floyd

That looks terrific, good for you!

Great job Floyd.

Looks awesome!

Nice work Floyd! using props you've built adds depth to your show. what's next in your workshop?
bob

And you thought performing MAGIC was addictive...welcome back to the workshop! :o)

That is a dandy looking prop, and -- from your brief description of your routine -- a nice presentation as well. I'll bet you will knock/have knocked that ball straight outta the park!

Awesome, this is something I would like to start doing myself!

Hey guys thanks for the complements. I am not sure what my next project will be but now my mind is humming with ideas. Again thank you for the comments, I appreciate it.

Floyd

Very nice job!

Excellent job Floyd. I did not know you were a carpenter.

Floyd,

You give yourself too little credit. That is one beautiful prop! I would consider making them for sale if I were you!

Hey Floyd, did you take the pic down? The link no longer works?

Hey Floyd, did you take the pic down? The link no longer works?

I don't see a thing on that link.

Nothing but a 404 error. It's a dead link maharajademagia.