Giant Clam Shell Prop

[BayouMermaid]

I am so obsessed with Ginger Valentine. That's awesome that you got to work with her, Blaze.

[Blaze]

I am so obsessed with Ginger Valentine. That's awesome that you got to work with her, Blaze.

She is kinda awesome; we are very lucky to have a big pool of burly talent here in Dallas! Was texting with her today as I was dyeing feathers for her all weekend.

[Odette]

I'm working on making one soon for a big event I have coming up. Just a half shell though. I'm not yet sure what I will make it out of.

[PearlieMae]

Thinking of a collapsible one made with spring steel (think pop up hamper), pool noodles and a fabric skin. It's gotta fit in a Corolla. Hmmmm

[Aquarianne]

Thinking of a collapsible one made with spring steel (think pop up hamper), pool noodles and a fabric skin. It's gotta fit in a Corolla. Hmmmm

I was thinking that, but a fabric skin over that much surface area would catch major wind whenever the breeze blows XD Wouldn't want it to blow over when it's outdoors, although I think that design would be cool for indoor displays.

What would everyone's roundabout budget be for buying a clamshell "throne" set up? I've been working on a few designs and making a couple small-scale models, but it would be easier to pick building materials if I knew the price range everyone would like to see. Would something like 200$ be too much, assuming it's about a 5'6" tall waterproof shell, approx. 6' wide, and collapses down to something that can be put inside a car back seat?

*scribbles furiously on graph paper*

[LauraLWatson]

That's a bit bigger than I would need, but the price is about right. I mean, cheaper is always better, but I want it to last and look good when photographed. Collapsible giant clam shell we can sit in sounds like the holy grail, but if there is any group of people on the planet who could make it work, it'd be a theater person!

[MermaidBrandie]

Thinking of a collapsible one made with spring steel (think pop up hamper), pool noodles and a fabric skin. It's gotta fit in a Corolla. Hmmmm

HAHAHA I want one too, but -- like you -- mine ALSO has to fit in a corolla!

[Aziara]

I'm watching this thread for any updates now... Would you have different sizes too? I was thinking of something that could be put on a cart and would fit through a doorway, so I could be wheeled in on a shell.

[Aquarianne]

I dont know about something that could fit through a doorway...do you mean a standard inside door frame? It would have to be super narrow. What kind of wagon...like a radio flyer style wagon? I suppose you could build the shell onto it sideways, but then you wouldnt be facing the people asyou were wheeled in. Plus it would have to be custom made and built around the wagon.

Although, I was wondering about creating a cool entrance for parties myself! What are the dimensions of your wagon?

[Aziara]

I don't actually have a wagon yet, unfortunately. It was just an idea I've been throwing around in my head. Seems like it would be great way to make a first impression! Though to fit through a doorway, I get that it would have to be narrow (I'm thinking if I get dressed inside and get wheeled out to the pool, at least one doorway would be involved). Perhaps narrow and tall? More like an angel wing shell than a scallop or clam?

[Aquarianne]

I don't actually have a wagon yet, unfortunately. It was just an idea I've been throwing around in my head. Seems like it would be great way to make a first impression! Though to fit through a doorway, I get that it would have to be narrow (I'm thinking if I get dressed inside and get wheeled out to the pool, at least one doorway would be involved). Perhaps narrow and tall? More like an angel wing shell than a scallop or clam?

That's not a bad idea! Actually, now that I think on it...if the person pulling your wagon is in front of you and pulling when you come in the door, the front-facing shell effect would be ruined anyway, because they'd be blocking the kids' view of you as they pull in front. it actually would be better to do the shell longways on the wagon, then have the handler pull the wagon in and take a sharp left or right, so the wagon naturally positions itself facing the audience. Plus there are some modern radio flyer wagons that already have slots on the side for canopy supports, that a stand-up shell design could fit right onto! paint the rest of the wagon white to match the upright shell, hang some seaweed around and over the edges...that would look pretty cool!


Blaze: oh, well if you only wanted it about 4 feet tall opened, that would be MUCH easier and cheaper to make! I was going off the dimensions of a previously posted picture, the one Finfolk made But for a 4 foot tall back shell, say with a matching bottom "shell" that's actually a very big waterproof cushion shaped just like the other half of the shell, which would be easier and more comfy to sit on and involve fewer banged shins for kids trying to lean in for a photo...that would be WAY more economical! XD

[Blaze]

Blaze: oh, well if you only wanted it about 4 feet tall opened, that would be MUCH easier and cheaper to make! I was going off the dimensions of a previously posted picture, the one Finfolk made But for a 4 foot tall back shell, say with a matching bottom "shell" that's actually a very big waterproof cushion shaped just like the other half of the shell, which would be easier and more comfy to sit on and involve fewer banged shins for kids trying to lean in for a photo...that would be WAY more economical! XD

This is the one FinFolk made I believe:


That is the sort of dimensions I am talking about; from where she is sitting on the 'crease' of the shell to the top point of it above her head can't be more than 4 feet.

[Mermaid Galene]

I look forward to seeing that, Laura!

[LauraLWatson]

Yeah, and I need something that can get wet. We're always around water and I just don't want to worry about a safety issue. Our giant clam shell will be finished March 15. I ended up hiring the technical director at the theater I act at to make it for me- my brother in law just couldn't with time and materials to experiment. But Brad is a scenic designer and it's going to look amazing. I will post pictures as it progresses!

[Blaze]

I'm thinking a 5'6" tall shell would be *too* big... unless you mean that is the full length of both pieces when open? Considering we'll be sitting in the shell I'm thinking a height of one half of the shell wouldn't have to be bigger than 3-4 feet tall.

[Mermaid Wesley]

I would love it at that price!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Galene]

If an affordable version of an inflatable clamshell surfaced somewhere, I would be all over it! But $600? Pass.

[Aquarianne]

Yeah that one! Funny, I remember it being bigger when I looked at the photo first, but now I see what you mean, it's not that tall at all!

[Odette]

I started a shell chair. A complete giant clam shell is too hard to move around, difficult to take photos with kids, and too low to the ground for me. It needs to be easier to take photos with kids and something I can fit in the car if I can't use the old truck.
This was the basic idea for the base:

THIS is what it looks like right now in the shop. It's pretty darn huge for the back of a chair, but needs to look less like a fan. The faintly drawn head is how big it is compared to me sitting in front of it.


This is what I will do to fix it. Make it smaller and add more lines. I have the extra lines in already just need to now wait till sunset and use the dirt to trace where to cut. Once the base is finished, I will work on what details I want on this chair. maybe some large shells on the side for arm rests or glittering waves pouring over the sides. Maybe straight up GLITTER! lol

[MermaidMichelle]

What legs?

Your mermaid throne sounds brilliant, Odette, and the kiddie pool is an excellent idea as well; it's an excuse to remain in mermaid form, as you are keeping your tail wet!