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How to Make a Limbo Set

Limbo, a classic party game with easy set-up and simple rules, provides an upbeat atmosphere for party guests. The object of the game is to dance underneath a pole, without knocking it down. As the game progresses, the bar is lowered making it more difficult to pass under. Players are generally instructed to lean backwards to clear the barrier; however, variations include crawling, wriggling, crab-walking and sliding. While you may purchase a limbo set from most party suppliers, making your own allows you to customize each piece for a seamless match to the rest of your party decor.

Things You'll Need

1-inch Poly foam pipe covers
3 dowels, 5 feet 1 inch long
4 dowel caps, 1 inch
6 dowels, 3 inches 1/4-inch long
6 dowel caps, 1/4-inch
Ruler
Chisel or drill
Ribbon
Paint
Hot glue
Safety mask
Gloves
Wood glue
Sand paper
Acrylic sealer
Hook-and-loop fastener tie
Needle
Thread
Cloth pencil case
Party music CD

Instructions

- 1
  Cut all dowels to size. Ask your wood supplier to cut your dowels to save time measuring and cutting at home.
- 2
  Mark two 5-foot dowels, 3 inches from the top. Continue marking 3-inch increments until fourteen marks have been made (i.e., 39 inches from the top or approximately half-way)
- 3
  Put on safety equipment such as breathing mask, goggles and gloves to limit contact with wood dust and prevent injury while drilling.
- 4
  Chisel or drill 1/4-inch holes through the dowel at the marks.
- 5
  Test the holes to ensure the 1/4-inch dowels can be inserted and removed.
- 6
  Sand the dowels.
- 7
  Cap the ends of the drilled dowels. Use a drop of wood glue to create a secure bond between the dowel and dowel cap.
- 8
  Glue a wood cap to one end of each 3-inch long dowel to create the height pegs.
- 9
  Wrap the final 5-foot long dowel with pipe foam. Cut the foam so it covers the dowel from end to end. Tape or hot glue the foam into place.
- 10
  Decorate all pieces as desired. Wrap with ribbon, glue beads to the surface or sprinkle with glitter. Avoid covering or filling drill holes.
- 11
  Spray the surface of the dowels with acrylic sealer and set aside to dry.
- 12
  Ensure the pegs still fit into the drill holes.
- 13
  Sew the pencil case to the hook-and-loop fastener tie.
- 14
  Store the game by placing the CD in the pencil case and securing the hook-and-loop fastener around the holes; additional hook-and-loop fasteners may also be applied to the top and bottom of the bundle.

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