Have you ever found yourself needing a presidential podium for a school project or event? While it might seem like an unusual item to make, it’s more common than you might think. Recently, I found myself in this situation when my son was assigned to portray Barack Obama for his school’s Black History Wax Museum. The project required not only a great speech and costume but also a fitting prop—a presidential podium.
Building the podium became a family effort, and after some research and creative thinking, we came up with an easy-to-make design that looked fantastic and perfectly suited the occasion. Whether you need a podium for a school play, a mock election, or another event, this project will give you a fun and rewarding crafting experience. Let’s dive into how to make a simple, eye-catching presidential podium!
Planning for the Project
When my son received his assignment, we wanted to make sure he was thoroughly prepared. He read multiple books on Barack Obama, wrote a speech, and spent weeks practicing to deliver it confidently. We also wanted to ensure he looked the part—complete with a dress shirt, tie, dress pants, and polished shoes. But there was one final touch missing: a prop that would make him feel even more presidential.
That’s when my husband came up with a brilliant idea—to build a podium, just like the ones presidents use during speeches. While the idea was fantastic, I had no clue where to begin. After doing some online research and examining pictures of real presidential podiums, I developed a simple and manageable plan.
Materials Needed for the Podium
Before starting, gather the following materials:
- Project Board (tri-fold)
- Con-Tact Shelf Liners
- Foam board
- Royal Blue butcher paper
- Wood-patterned contact paper
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Clear packing tape
- Scissors
- Presidential seal printout (found online)
- White cardstock paper
With these materials, we were ready to begin building the podium!
Step-by-Step Guide to Build Your Presidential Podium
Step 1: Cover the Project Board
First, take your tri-fold project board and cover the outer sides with Con-Tact Shelf Liners. These liners come in various colors and patterns, but for a professional look, stick to solid, neutral tones like black or dark blue. Be sure to apply the liners evenly, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go. This creates a sleek backdrop for the podium.
Step 2: Create the Podium Top
Next, use the foam board to cut out a hexagon shape. The width of the hexagon’s top and bottom sides should match the width of the project board’s middle section to ensure a proper fit. Once cut, cover the hexagon with Royal Blue butcher paper, securing it on the backside with clear packing tape. This will form the top part of your podium.
Step 3: Attach the Top to the Project Board
Now, using a hot glue gun, carefully attach the hexagon to the top section of your project board. Be sure to center it properly so it aligns with the board’s middle section. The hexagon shape will serve as the top surface of your podium.
Step 4: Build the Podium Base
To create the base, use the remaining foam board from the hexagon cut-out. Cut this piece into a trapezoid shape—about 3 inches tall, with a bottom width of 28 inches and a top width of 22.5 inches. Wrap the trapezoid with wood-patterned contact paper to give it a polished, sturdy appearance. Once it’s wrapped, hot glue the base to the bottom of the podium.
Step 5: Add the Presidential Seal
For the finishing touch, print a free presidential seal from the internet onto white cardstock. Make sure the seal is large enough to be prominently displayed on the podium—ideally printed on 8.5" x 11" paper. Cut out the seal and use hot glue to attach it to the center of the hexagon. This will give your podium an official, presidential look.
Conclusion
Creating a DIY presidential podium may seem like a challenging task, but with the right materials and a bit of creativity, it’s actually a fun and straightforward project. Not only does it enhance school events, such as history presentations or mock elections, but it also allows children to engage with their roles in a meaningful way.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have a professional-looking podium that adds an authentic touch to any event. Remember, the key to success is taking your time and paying attention to details. The result will be a polished podium that impresses both students and teachers alike.
Thanks for joining me on this crafting journey! Whether you’re building props for school projects or creating something fun for a themed event, you’ll find that crafting can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Stay tuned for more exciting DIY ideas!
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