Summer Fun: DIY Hula Hoops

Hula hoops aren’t exactly what you expect from a food blogger, but they are gluten free!

You’ve probably noticed in the past few months I’ve started sharing a little more than just food around here.  Today’s post is my first foray into sharing a how-to craft, creating outside the kitchen.  I’m bursting with ideas to share with you and I simply can’t contain it in my cooking posts anymore.  

Awhile back I went with a group of friends to a hip hop hula hoop class.  It was a super fun workout, so much fun we decided to make our own hoops.  We gathered in my backyard, a few with kids in tow, and made hoops for hours.  

Supplies
3/4″ tubing (160 psi), available in a 100 foot roll or shorter pieces*
3/4″ to 3/4″ connector
hacksaw or PVC cutter
blowdryer (takes the most time), embossing gun (takes a little less time), or heat gun (fastest)
colored duct tape, electrical tape or other decorative tape (optional)
*You can also use 1″ tubing, however this makes a pretty heavy hoop.  If you are making hoops for kids, the 3/4″ might work best. 

Approximate cost:  $5 per hoop, more if you buy fancy tape

How To:
Make a loop out of your tubing so it is about as tall as your belly button or if you want a larger hoop, go midway between your belly button and shoulders.  Most of us went with 10 foot lengths.  Cut with hacksaw or PVC cutter. It’s important to get a straight cut so the ends come together well.

Heat one of the cut ends with your choice of heat tools.  Insert the connector.  Heat the other end and insert the connector.  Voila!  No kidding, that’s it!

Well, unless you want to get fancy.  Some of us used patterned duct tape, some of us used bright colored electrical tape and some left their hoops plain.  They all spin the same.

Besides being a terrific workout, these hoops are just plain fun.  We giggled and grinned for hours making our hoops.  I hope you will, too. 

Thanks for tagging along on my first crafty post.  Watch for more crafting, entertaining, home decor and out-of-the-kitchen posts soon!