Okay, Okay... I know. It's not even Christmas. But Valentine's Day is right around the corner; and balloon boquets are an option to roses on this most commercial of holidays. Who not get in on it!

It's important to get the information out there early enough for people to know what you can do. Let's face it - many people don't even consider balloon art, outside of a kid's birthday party. It's time to change their thinking.

A woven balloon vase with a dozen balloon roses can go a long way. The classic teddy bear balloon holding a heart is a possibility also.

Make a few V-Day boquets with different sizes and looks to them and photograph them. It's time to make flyers! I'll be doing three boquets this year - Priced at $50, $35, $25 (additional fee required if I deliver and a larger expense added if I deliver in clown or on stilts). Most businesses will allow you to put a flyer in their window - especially "mom and pop" shops... and especially "mom and pop" shops if you take a balloon or two in with you when you go to ask!

I'm working on my boquet designs for this year currently - I'll post some directions if anyone is interested in them....

8-)

Thinking a holiday or two in advance can be one of the hardest things to do. But it is so necessary if we are to reach out and make ourselves available to the customers who need us.

Definately. I don't do much business during Christmas really. Generally, I have a free balloon day or weekend - where I twist for free for a few hours a day for kids in the community. At best, I may make a twenty in tip. It does give me the chance to get my business card into hundred of hands though, so it's not a bad trade-off.

I've found Valentine's Day to be a great seller though. With florists jumping a dozen roses to nearly a hundred bucks; it's not a bad idea to offer an alternative that can last just as long as the flowers - at half the price or less. Sometime's change is a good thing - a dozen roses year after year can be old - most people stop getting balloons once they reach adult age - tragic! We can change that.. 8-)

Valentine's day is probably my biggest business day that I can count on yearly.

Now this I look forward to talking more about. I would never have thought of Valentines Day being quite that big without a storefront.

Okay, Okay... I know. It's not even Christmas. But Valentine's Day is right around the corner; and balloon boquets are an option to roses on this most commercial of holidays. Who not get in on it!

It's important to get the information out there early enough for people to know what you can do. Let's face it - many people don't even consider balloon art, outside of a kid's birthday party. It's time to change their thinking.

A woven balloon vase with a dozen balloon roses can go a long way. The classic teddy bear balloon holding a heart is a possibility also.

Make a few V-Day boquets with different sizes and looks to them and photograph them. It's time to make flyers! I'll be doing three boquets this year - Priced at $50, $35, $25 (additional fee required if I deliver and a larger expense added if I deliver in clown or on stilts). Most businesses will allow you to put a flyer in their window - especially "mom and pop" shops... and especially "mom and pop" shops if you take a balloon or two in with you when you go to ask!

I'm working on my boquet designs for this year currently - I'll post some directions if anyone is interested in them....

8-)


Thanks Jolly, It seems that I have the problem of waiting too long to implement an idea...Is this true with all new clowns????
Anyway, I would be interested if you would like to post ideas or maybe a link...even a book/dvd suggestion.

That would be great if you could post some directions, always looking for something new to do.

Thanks:applause:

I use two designs similar to Professor Wonder's Fancy Flower (http://www.professorwonder.com/baloon28.htm) and Poinsettia (http://www.professorwonder.com/balloon9.htm). My end products are a little different, but it ultimately started out as these and I developed a couple of personal variations of them. His instructions are easy to follow...



Thanks to Professor Wonder (www.professorwonder.com) for his designs.

Thanks Jolly! I have noticed that there are several ways to make the 'BASIC' flower but, your instructions seems easiest to me, I am definately going to make a go of it...
I also appreciate your quick response and images/links to go with.
I appreciate your sharing with us beginners!
Thanks again and Happy Valentines Day:heart: !!!

I'll be adding a few more over the coming days. I'm looking through my database to find those that have the best instructions with them...

Also, over the next few weeks; I'm going to stat putting together some fantasy flower balloon boquets and will post some images and instructions for them as well - If you've never seen them, you'll love 'em...

I'll try to get a basic fantasy flower boquet up this week...

Thanks! Most appreciated here...
Merry Christ mas!

Boss, de balloon, de balloon boss...
.
.
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Welcome to Fantasy Balloonland. I am you host... Mr. Jolly

These look great Thanks For The Post, I'll have to start practicing them, looking forward to your next post.:applause:

Thank you for the step-by-step instuctions (and especially the photos) for the 6-petal flower Jolly Well. I tend to do more face painting than balloon twisting and am trying to start doing more balloons. This will help me immensely as all my flowers so far have been the basic 4-petal.

Haven't seen you in quite a while Blossom. Glad you have returned.

I think I did something wrong. Mine don't look like flowers. One looks like a man ... one looks like a gun, and one looks like a modern statue of two lovers. I guess I need to practice more, huh?

Haven't seen you in quite a while Blossom. Glad you have returned.

The flower balloons attracted BLOSSOM back to us...Thanks Again Jolly!!:p

Keep on twisting Nettie! Your learning!! You have already learned three new balloon creations and Jolly only gave you instructions for ONE...
Gee Your Good!!!!

I do a bouquet of Roses, tied with a 160 bow - I have touble with the vase, but do love the teddy bear and puppy dog. Attended Stetch the Balloon Dude seminar last year.. and he showed us a few things. Going to start my fliers this weekend. I would be very interested in what you do. ... I have been using these little lines for my balloon deliveries...... "Twysted Kreations... "...the other flower" or "... when flowers just aren't enough" .. or "....where memories are kreated" cant decide which one is the best ... what do you guys think...

I like Twysted Kreations, it says it all and is a catchy phrase.

You might want to check out Balloon HQ because I think there is already a fairly well know balloon company called twisted creations. Not the same spelling but worth a check. Also, and this is a personal thing, why the screwy spelling? It seems these days I have all kinds of problems finding or relocating websites because of abnormal spelling techniques.

I like, "....When flowers just aren't enough." I think that is GREAT marketing.

Hi Jolly Well. I am interested in designs and how too's. I have problems with the weaving the vase. Any pics you have would be appreciated. Thanks

Shadpoke

I know you probably think I'm exaggerating about not being able to do balloons, but this is what I get when I

Inflate
Tie
Discard
Lock twist
Accordian Pleat
Smush and
Twist

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd259/jlsnette/Photo20-1.jpg

What do you think of it?:???: Can I call it something else besides a flower?

It's an octopus!

An octopus? Wow ... that's a good idea. I never thought of that. Thanks! :applause:

It looks like a character from spongebob square pants.

an anemonie

Ha ... I knew I could count on you to help me name this thing. So ... if you hear of anyone wanting a clown who specializes in octopi, Sponge Bob creatures or anemones, would you please give them my number? Of course, dogs and swords would also be included at no extra charge.

.....and here I thought you were learning Nettie.................

I am, Sassy Frass ... I never knew how to make these things before yesterday. I'd like to take a poll here to find out HOW MANY PEOPLE HERE KNOW HOW TO MAKE ANEMONES. :D

AND NOW ... how many know what anemones are.

Little sea creatures that live on coral reefs.

and here I thought you pronounced it "Aw, No Money"

I am, Sassy Frass ... I never knew how to make these things before yesterday. I'd like to take a poll here to find out HOW MANY PEOPLE HERE KNOW HOW TO MAKE ANEMONES. :D

AND NOW ... how many know what anemones are.

I constantly feel like a EGG around you Nettie!! Always cracking up!!

OPPS!! Wrong thread, I should have used this one in the pun-off!!

Aw, Sassy FRASS ... and I always feel like a heart around you ... I love you more each day!!!:D

Sorry for the lack of a response - my laptop power supply went crazy; and just got another one today...

Anyway, here is an example of a "fantasy flower." You can certainly go more complex than the first sample; and if I can find some images of a complete boquet, I'll add those as well.

This orange petal flower only took a few minutes to make. You make complete arrangements and boquets in no time at all...

http://imageigloo.com/images/4786orange1.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/7951orange2.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/2700orange3.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/7561orange4.jpg


Here is an example of a Christmas arrangement...
http://imageigloo.com/images/722123.jpg



You can make butterflies and such to add with the flowers using the same method to make a really nice boquet..

If anyone is interested, I can post a basic introduction to fantasy flowers and provide some helpful links...

It looks like it would take quite a bit of time. You have done a great job, they look fantastic. Please post the basics and links.

They are PRETTY. Actually, they look like they're made out of icing ... something I CAN do, so if that's what they are, I really won't need the link, but I'll look at it anyway.

Actually, my anemones are really getting good, if I do say so myself. I would venture to say that I might be the best balloon anemone maker around the area. :p I just need to market my skills a little more, I guess, because I haven't had a single person call me with a request for a singing anemone. Or a non-singing one. Well, none at all, actually. One step at a time, I guess. I'm still trying to tame the crowd who love my dogs and swords.

I would love to SEE and KNOW more!

They're made from balloons, not icing :)

My new power supply isn't working; so I have 4 minutes left on my battery :(

Gonna run back the computer shop and get a new new one today; then I'll post a walk-through and some informative links.

Til then...

Sorry about the cord, I hope that they get you one that will work better! I finally had to buy a special adapter for mine and it did work great...However the laptop just died and man am I glad the prices have gone down on those!!!
Post when you can I'll keep an eye out:p
Thanks!

Will be waiting for your posts, tried to open your pictures but would not open.

Hey it must be magic, they opened this time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSvniDyWUPE

Here is an example of one type of F.F.

I'll post more later in written/photo instructions...

Ok, here we go! Sorry to all dial-up users as this is a photo tutorial... Follow the steps from top to bottom and you should be fine.

This is for the holiday arrangement. Thanks to Yves at mbd2 for the original design.

Materials
http://imageigloo.com/images/1587materiel.jpg
a quick note here. 5oz plastic cups work well for the vases. Cut the floral foam to fit inside of it, then follow the steps below as used on the ceramic vase. The vase is probably more sturdy, but the cups work fine; plus you can buy 50 or so for around $2

Now onto crafting...
http://imageigloo.com/images/50921.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/72402.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/83163.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/52904.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/39335.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/52596.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/85467.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/25658.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/22009.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/502910.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/930811.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/530012.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/844913.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/253514.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/119615.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/646616.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/286317.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/921618.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/351119.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/605920.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/155521.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/614422.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/203523.jpg
http://imageigloo.com/images/478724.jpg

Another note. Rather than Balloon Shine, I use STP Son of a Gun - found in the automotive department of your local Walmart. It's a water-based polish for tires and dashboards, etc. Other products can likely be used, but some will eat your balloons - STP is proven for polishing balloons.

On the one hand, I say that is truly amazing, and a beautiful creation.

On the other hand, I say what a waste of balloons! Maybe I'll save my weasels (all the balloon animals that go pop) and try that.

Wow. That is really neat. Actually, it looks like something I might be able to master.

Thanks for the posting ... and stay tuned. I'll let you know how mine turns out when I get the time to try it.

Thank you for the How To's Jolly Well. I really appreciate reading and learning more. I was wondering ... Exactally how do you display your twisted balloon flower arrangements? Are there other options instead of just twisting up a vase?

You might want to check out Balloon HQ because I think there is already a fairly well know balloon company called twisted creations. Not the same spelling but worth a check. Also, and this is a personal thing, why the screwy spelling? It seems these days I have all kinds of problems finding or relocating websites because of abnormal spelling techniques.


I just checked Balloon HQ... there are 3 listed for that name... one in Texas, New Jersey and VA I think have twisted creations... I changed the name because my twysted way of thinking. thought it was cuter than with an "I" that is so plan if you ask me. Thanks.

Where have you been Sonshine? The Forum has been missing you sunny personality.

Can you send these to my personal e-mail...I can't open them?????
THANKS!!

thans you so much!!!!! now to get out those balloons and practice more.

Where have you been Sonshine? The Forum has been missing you sunny personality.


Hi Fitz - I have been so busy - trying to do a few things in the new house - &&&DELETE&&&&&&&&&&&, and I am going to Texas in a few weeks to finally get to meet 2 of my grandchildren. I can not wait.

Nice to be back... I promise not to venture too far again. *S*

Sonshine

Will send them a.s.a.p. - my laptop is still acting crazy. Stuck to public terminals atm. As soon as I get back online at home; I'll send them - unless someone can save and send from here...

Thanks! I appreciate you sharing with us!

Thanks for the photo tutorial Jolly Well. It's a beautiful arrangement and the photos make it so easy to follow. Keep those balloon tips coming!

A fellow vaudevillian sent me this link earlier tonight.

Talent Database (http://www.talentdatabase.com)

It's a website that allows you to set up a performers account for free and network with other performers based on specialties and style etc. I created an account (http://www.talentdatabase.com/channels/19-Theater/profiles/1213201-Chance-Marmalade).

If anyone else tries it look me up and bookmark me if you like. I'll do the same. It works similar to LinkedIn. But it is more a matter of what people think of your act and style etc. The more network connections you have, the higher your rating will be.

What will you do with a high rating? I dunno. I guess it shows people your style and art is of interest.

Chance - Thank you for posting that link to the talent database. I haven't had time to chase it like I want to but I have it bookmarked.

You're welcome! At the very least it is a fun way to meet other artists!

those all look so neat thanks for sharing with us.

I like to use hearts occasionally, take 4 heart balloons all same color and twist to make the 4 petals then add stem.

Just to share my Basket of Balloon Flowers which i did for my kid's Teacher's Day Celebration. Any comments are always welcome. Tonite I'll be doing busking for Valentine's Day.....

YouTube - Basket Of Balloon Flowers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVo4b3IlEjI)