Hi,

So I've been twisting for a couple of years now but due to my parent's lack of fundage for my balloon sculpture growth I have been limited in learning new twists.

I can make generic cartoon animals (3-6 balloons) and a balloon bike but that's about the fanciest I've gotten. I also created my own four foot tall balloon skeleton. These balloons aren't very complicated, just large.

I have not mastered the pop twist and haven't had any instruction in balloon weaving. I'm looking to get a bigger, broader scope of balloons both in size and fanciness, but mostly just unqieu reputation-makers.

I've only learned from people and Captain Visual's book, and dvd's by Don Caldwell, David Bartlett, Ken Stillman, and Bruce Kavler have been reccomened/look appealing to me.

If anyone knows about these dvd's and can reccomend a little more specifically based on my current skill level, (ex. is Don Cadwell's Mad Hatz and Wild Wearables Vol. 1 okay for me at this level?)it would be greatly appreciated.

Also, how easy is it to learn off of a DVD? I've only used books before but I think I need to head into DVD as there is more choice for what I'm looking to accomplish...

Thanks to all,
Alexa

Jim Leffer... thats all i need to say LOL

Remember, the more you twist, the more you twist. Don't let your lack of cash get in your way. A Saturday or Sunday of twisting at the mall or a local park should net you at least a little extra cash with which to buy DVDs or props or lunch!

Just save enough of your tips to buy more balloons!

Hi Alexa!

You are so cute! Anyway, we at Kidz Jam are buckling down hardcore this year on our balloon twisting skills. I sat my mom, 3 sisters and boyfriend down for a balloon class with a T. Meyers DVD.

It was really good for us as beginners. My mom and sisters had an esy time understanding what was being done, and the best part is that if you don't get it, you can always pause or rewind to get a better look.

This was his Ballooning 101 DVD...made in 1989. Even so, it didnt' seem too out of date and it was slightly humorous, too. Every website that I've checked out that reviews balloon twisting DVDs always mentions what kind of 'squeak' factor the have, so I guess this one wasn't bad in that area. I'm just thankful to have something like that to learn from. I really recommend going with DVD's, and I can see us buying more in the future.

I know, I know, this thread has been dead for 3 and a half months. There are a number of very good DVDs out there. There are also a few that are not as well done and/or are not as useful. One thing to remember though is that a DVD is not something you watch once and you're done. I have one video in particular that I watched once or twice when I bought it. I learned a few of the creations, picked up a couple of tips and put it away thinking I had gotten my money's worth but it wasn't one I was all fired up about. A year, year and a half later I picked it up again and decided to watch it again and I was amazed at how much better the tape was than I remembered. What had happened was that I was now a better twister than before and I understood where the artist was coming from. I had had some of the same problems and his suggestions on how to prevent them in the future made a lot of sense.
When you are looking at DVDs check out how long they are. There is one $50 DVD that is about 3 1/2 hours long; making it a real good value. Farther down on the shelf there is a $45 DVD that is barely over an hour. Aside from Don Caldwell and Ken Stillman (both have great ideas and DVDs) I recommend Gilbert Adams disc. It is actually a two disc set running about 3 plus hours and $40. The figures are fairly easy and quick to do (great for linework and parties) but still impressive and he offers a great deal of wisdom along the way.