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FLOAT TIPS

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TIPS ON HOW TO BUILD A FLOAT AND IDEAS FOR WALKING FLOATS etc

Making bees for Brian Ness's Float 2008

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Here are some tips for building a float
Building/Decorating your own float can be fun, creative and exciting.
Getting an idea.
To begin with, you need a clear idea of what you want to build. A simple idea is to pick on a theme and build around it, for example the Queen of Hearts. For this, you would have one focal point (the queen) and around it, pictures of playing cards, and labels of games such as 21's and snap. Finally stapling playing cards randomly around the float is a cheap way to add an effect.

Hints for Decorating your Float

Participating in a parade can be a lot of fun. It can also be a lot of stress. Use these ideas to take the stress out of decorating your small float by keeping it easy.

First of all, balloons are fabulous for decorating a float. They are so popular because they are inexpensive. There are many ways to attach balloons to a float. You can tape the balloon ends using masking or packaging tape. If they aren't sticking well, duct tape is also an option but it may not come back off easily so you might want to think twice depending on what you will be taping the balloons onto. If you are planning on using cardboard you can attach the balloons onto that. If using thin cardboard, just about any kind of tape will work. If using corrugated cardboard or even plywood, a staple gun will securely attach the balloons. Just be sure not to staple the end past the knot or you might pop the balloons.

Crepe paper is essential to quick and easy decoration. Also known as "streamers" this paper comes in a variety of colours and lengths and is very easy on the budget. All it takes to attach crepe paper is tape; however you may want to consider decorating the float shortly before the parade. Crepe paper is likely to rip if the float is moved at highway speeds so it's best to decorate once you are near where the parade will take place. If making a float on a truck bed you can tape the crepe paper to the roof of the cab and run it down to the end of the truck bed sides. For extra flair, twist the crepe paper as you are unrolling it from one end to the other. If your float can handle some form of pole in the middle you can use crepe paper to make a maypole effect. Attach several strands of crepe paper to the top and run it out to the sides of the float. You can then have people sit under it.

Crepe paper can also be made into flowers or bows. Lay down a piece the length of the flower or bow you desire. Don't cut it off of the roll. Instead run the paper back the other direction. Then you lie it down and run it again in the first direction. You're basically making a pile of crepe paper without cutting it. Once you have about 6 or so loops (that means you've gone back and forth about 6 times), then cut the crepe paper and twist a pipe cleaner around the middle of your crepe paper pile. Then gently pull the loops to turn them into a flower or bow (so if you went back and forth 6 times you should have 12 petals). If you can't get them to stay the way you want them to, tape will keep it in place. You could make a few flowers or bows and add them to your float or you keep even make a whole bunch of them and cover your float with them.

Chicken wire is very useful for building shapes and covering with paper mache and painting.

When the basic float is completed, it can be covered with sheeting products that come in many variations. Vinyl & metallic products are available in every colour of the rainbow.

Multi-coloured fringe adds a nice touch, as do festooning and ropes of flower petals

Tree branches and foliage can be used to give a jungle effect to your float.

Make up Banners to convey your message

Safety
One of the most important things to remember is the safety of those on the float, and the general public. Make sure that everything is well attached, and does not have any screws sticking out. If children are riding on the float, make sure they can not fall out.

Example of Float using a truck from David Murray Transport ( Carnoustie )

Choosing a platform if not using one of the trucks supplied by David Murray Transport.
Most people do not own a 20 foot flat bed trailer, but really any size trailer, with or without sides would do. In fact the smaller the trailer, the easier it is to build! If you have a pick up truck, use of a flat bed lorry, or even a trolley, they can all be adapted to become a float. In fact a child's push chair makes an ideal float for a child to use by simply surrounding it with cardboard and painting it. Once they are decorated, the mechanics of whatever you use will be irrelevant.

Example of building a float using a flatbed trailer