July 10, 2002
Kids clown around with Daffie
Clowning session part of Border's Books summer camp program
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Wielding sponges, brushes and a powder puff, Daffie the Clown transformed two children into clowns Saturday morning at Border's Books and Music.
Using volunteers from the audience, Daffie applied traditional whiteface clown make-up to Sawyer Larson, 9, of Ortonville and a lighter, water-based face to Emma Bixby, 5. Both participants were pleased with their new look.
"I will probably keep this as long as I can," said Larson, pleased that after a liberal application of powder, Daffie promised his face would stand up even to water or sweat. "I want to be a clown, it's fun and this is the kind of clown I want to be."
"I like to be silly," he noted.
The Clown for a Day session was part of Border's ongoing Explorers Summer Camp, which features a different topic for children each week. This Saturday will feature a visit from members of the Grand Traverse County Fire Department to discuss basics of fire safety and show their fire fighting gear.
But last week, clowning ruled as eager attendees learned about all things clown.
They learned about the three types of clowns - tramp, goose and whiteface. Daffie told how when she first started clowning 12 years ago she was a traditional whiteface clown. She gradually noticed, however, that this make-up did not fit her personality and changed to a goose clown, which features a pink face.
She also noted that clowns, no matter the type, never allow their real skin color to show; covering it all up is part of the clown character.
"To decide which kind of clown you want to be you have to decide which way you want to look good and feel good," said Daffie, who attends clowning seminars to improve her craft. "Each clown is different and every face looks like a new face - that's a clown rule."
Daffie also passed around a mirror, telling the children to observe their smile and think about a type of clown face that would work best with it. She also said to turn facial features, such as wrinkles, to an advantage when applying make-up.
Regardless of the type of face or the performance given, Daffie said that clowns have a universal appeal, especially with children. That is the rewarding part for her, one that keeps her donning make-up and costume year after year.
"All the bright colors of a clown make kids smile," said Daffie. "I think that as a clown, you get to enjoy the children and also go back to the way you wish things were as a kid."