How to Make Poi Balls
Poi balls are juggling instruments used in dancing. Originating with the Maori people in New Zealand and migrating to Hawaiian popular culture, poi balls are swung and hit against each other to make percussion sounds to go along with the music. While poi balls can be purchased in cultural or dance specialty stores, they can often be expensive. Fortunately, it's easy to make inexpensive poi balls at home.
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Instructions
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1
Roll up a bunch of newspaper--about three sheets or pages--into a tight ball.
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2
Cut 15 pieces of yarn that are each 35 inches long. Tie all 15 pieces of yarn together at one end.
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3
Divide the yarn into three sections--five pieces each--and braid the entire length of the yarn. Tie a knot in the other end. Tie one end of the yarn braid to the newspaper ball.
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4
Place a plastic bag over the newspaper ball and secure it tightly at the bottom of the ball with a rubber band.
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5
Cut off the excess plastic from the plastic bag and repeat the entire process for the second poi ball.
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Tips & Warnings
Tissue paper, or any other similar material, may be used instead of newspaper.
To give the poi balls added decoration, use two or three different colors of yarn instead of only one.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit new zealand beach image by Inhumane Productions from Fotolia.com
