The Wow Factor

  Having owned and run discount party supply stores, we saw a steady flow of people coming into the shop, looking for the "wow factor". In search for something that will add that something extra that makes the day special. Most often that something special isn't something you can purchase. It is the thought and effort that is put into the day or event that sets it apart from other days. 

  We found that balloons where a great way to add a personal touch to the day. What we did was remove the intimidation of creating that special cake or balloon sculpture. We have taken balloon sculptures and made them easy to make. They are basic but as your talent level increases the sculptures allows you to add your own personal touches. These sculptures are great for a beginner or someone with more advance skills.

Often times people would come into the shop to learn how to make the wedding day arch, the luau palm tree, a welcome home tower for a returning soldier. Sometimes we would make something for the event while the host shopped for other items, but often times we would just instruct and guide the host in making their own creation. Now we are bring those instructions and guidance to more people through the internet. If you are not located near us, no problem, we have put together a number of easy to make kits that come with a wide variety of balloons, and instructions.

This is a gothic towner, great for a gothic theme or Halloween but by changing the color of the balloons and changing the top the same style tower will work for almost any event.

I like some of the darker themed balloons and they are some of the more popular balloons. There is just something about sharing the balloons with someone who would not normally like the everyday carnival style balloons.

Balloons

  In my mind, one company wins the "best balloons award" hands down. Qualetex or Pioneer ballons are the best quality. Qualetex and Pioneer are the same company. They make balloon for both under both names. I can't tell any difference between the two. Some balloons are only offered under the Qualetex name but most of the 5" and 12" round balloons are offered by Pioneer. If I have the option between the two, I purchase Pioneer balloons because they are less expansive. Since they are made by the same company, you can mix the two as they are the same colors and shape.

  We mainly only carry Qualetex and Pioneer latex balloons. If the latex balloon is made by this company, that is the one we choose to carry and sell. The balloons are easier to work with, and have less failure rate.

Cost of the balloons

  Balloons are the biggest bang for the buck (no pun intended). The most expansive part of a balloon is the helium inside the balloon and the printing on the outside of the balloon. By filling the balloons with air rather than helium, you have greatly reduced the cost of the balloon. Helium is like gasoline. It is a natural resource and price of this resource continues to climb and rare comes down. 

  Go green, same some money and give something that will last longer than helium filled balloons. Since air is heavier than helium it takes longer to escape from the balloon and will stay inflated much longer. In most cases the air filled balloons will last longer than cut flowers.

  By removing the helium from the sculpture, we can offer a longer last sculpture, have the balloons last longer than cut flowers, not hurt the planet and save a lot of money.

Storage

  Latex balloons are biodegradable. They are made from tree sap. Unused balloon need to be kept out of the reach of small children as they are choking hazards. They also need to be placed in an airtight container, kept out of the sun and heat. I keep mine in a larger zip lock type plastic bags, placed in the basement or closet. If you are fighting a summer heat wave, you can place the balloons in your refrigerator.

Balloon Inflation

  When building a sculpture, arches or towers, consistent balloon inflation is important. Some artist use a cardboard box with a properly measured hole in the middle.  Cut an 11" round hole in a cardboard box. When the balloon slide threw the snug hole it is inflated to the desired size. By repeating this for each balloon, all balloons should be the same size. This system can also be done by placing two heavier larger items 11" apart. Usually two banquet chairs work well. When all the balloons slide snug between the two well measured chairs, all balloons should be the same size. By using this chair type system you can adjust the size of the balloons by adjust the distance between the two chairs. Having a small tape measure in your balloon making tool box is a good idea.

Glue

  I struggle with gluing balloons together, so I try and avoid it. The acids in the glue will eat threw the latex causing the balloon to pop. Heat from the hot glue gun will cause the balloon to pop. Double sticky tape doesn't work. Some artist use glue dots which I have had some success with.  Some artist stick with a cool glue gun. Every artist has his or her favorite method of gluing balloons together. Since I usually work with newer artists, or need to put together something in a few minutes, my favorite method is to avoid the need to use glue.

Twisty Twirls

  Often time you will need a spring shaped twisty balloon to fill in holes in your sculpture or to just give your work a more festive look. It is easy to get your long straight balloon to curl, but an extra set of hands is helpful.

1. Inflate your long skinny balloon. Then let the air out. 

2. Wrap the uninflated balloon around something round. A piece of PVC pipe, about three feet long, works great, but it can be something like a soda bottle. I've seen some artist use their forearm. 

3. Inflate the balloon while it is wrapped around your round object. As the balloon inflates it get larger and needs to be constantly adjusted to keep it wrapped around the object. This is where a second set of hands is nice.

4. Once the balloon is inflated, the object can be removed and the balloon will hold the shape.