DIY Network

Australian Outback Party: Didgeridoos From "Weekend Entertaining" episode WKE-210

This party is rated 3 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult, and is geared toward the skills of a frequent entertainer.

Hourly Breakdown

Total Prep Time -- 20 hours
Didgeridoos -- 8 hours (to make 1 large and 10 small)

Make an authentic Australian gift that will blow your guests away -- a didgeridoo.

Materials for Didgeridoos --

Drop cloth
5" lengths of 1-1/2" PVC pipe
Medium-grit sanding block
Paper towels
Stucco patching compound
2" putty knife
Ruler
Acrylic paints
Pencil
1" sponge brush
Paint pens
Acrylic glaze
Paint cup
Bowl of water
Two 1-1/2" to 2" paintbrushes
2" wide black tape
Matte spray sealer

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

FYI: The didgeridoo is a long wooden flute, perhaps the oldest instrument on earth and was created by the aboriginal people of Australia. It is made from limbs and tree trunks hollowed out by termites. It was used as an accompaniment to chants and songs, and produces a low-pitch, resonant sound. It is said that the sound that the didgeridoo makes is the sound of Mother Earth.

1. Sand the surface of PVC pipe so that it will more easily accept paint. Wipe off sanding grit.

   
   

2. Measure in 11" from both ends of the pipe and mark. Measure 9" from the mark. These measurements mark the area of the pipe that will be painted and decorated. The remainder of the pipe will be given a faux-wood finish.

   
   

3. Using acrylic paints, paint inside the measured areas.

   
   

4. Apply a thin layer of putty on the unpainted parts of the pipe. Go right to the painted edge (figure A). Make sure to putty off one end of the pipe.

   
   Expert Tip: When applying stucco patch to your PVC pipe, think of it like icing a cake. Use small amounts so that it doesn't fall off the PVC pipe, and spread evenly.

   
   

5. Allow 4 hours to dry.

   
   

6. To give the putty a wood-grain look, use a couple of glazes. Mix the glaze with a little bit of water. Cover the entire puttied area with the glaze (figure B) and use a paper to wipe off the excess.

   
   

7. Allow 30 minutes to dry.

   
   

8. Make the mouthpiece by wrapping black tape around the open end of the pipe (figure C).

   
   

9. Decorate the painted bands using paint pens to mimic Aboriginal dot-artwork (figure D).

   
   

10. Make smaller versions for the party guests to decorate and take home with them (figure E).

    
    

11. Spray the painted area with clear matte finish.

RESOURCES :

Tool, Equipment and Special Event Rental (HSS RentX)
HSS RentX
Denver, CO 80222
Website: www.hss.com/usa.shtml

Fabric.com
Website: www.fabric.com

Quality Wholesale Florist
115 E. 4th Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-546-4610

Busy B's Mobile DJ
Branden Kimsey
PO Box 1121
Alcoa, TN 37701
Website: www.busybsdjs.com

Colorado Boomerangs
2530 S. Ouray Way
Aurora, CO 80013
Website: www.coloradoboomerangs.com

Hamilton Beach
234 Springs Rd.
Washington, NC 27889
Toll-free: 800-851-8900
Website: www.hamiltonbeach.com

GUESTS :

Harry Schwartz
Culinary Expert
PO Box 1320
Yarmouth, ME 04096
Phone: 207-846-8881
E-mail: chefharry@chefharry.com
Website: www.chefharry.com

Jorge Lopez
Technical "WOW" Director
President
J and M Entertainment
26027 Huntington Lane, Units D and E
Valencia, CA 91355
Toll-free phone: 800-585-4235
E-mail: jorgel@jandmentertainment.com
Website: www.jandmentertainment.com

Branden Kimsey
Busy B's Mobile DJ
PO Box 1121
Alcoa, TN 37701
Phone: 865-681-8901
Website: www.busybsdjs.com

Wendy Dodds
Decor Expert
Indigo Moon
498 Main St., Suite 3
New Rochelle, NY 10801
Phone: 914-712-2690