balloon racing flag

edwardtristamom · #1 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007, 01:43 PM

Does anyone know how to make a balloon racing flag (large or small)?

Fitzwilly · #2 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007, 04:10 PM

Are you looking for the black and white checkered style of flag? If so then you might try.... Mmmm... it really depends on how experienced you are with balloons as well as what you have planned for this piece. It could be as simple as a backer (say foam core poster board) a bunch of five inch rounds and a stapler or roll of tape (for the nozzle end.) If you want to twist one there are a number of ways also. If you are fairly new to balloons then something like this isn't the easiest thing you could be making. Actually it isn't that it is that difficult but it is time consumming.

edwardtristamom · #3 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007, 04:23 PM

I've been twisting for almost 20 years. I was hoping to twist the entire thing.

Mandi

Fitzwilly · #4 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007, 05:09 PM

Perfect, in that case have you thought about Rei Hosaki X-weave? Or simply using a double layer of 350s with a clear cross rib...

Grandpa Weatherbie · #5 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007, 05:34 PM

In the words of a clown I know of,

"I'm clueless!!!" It's best I stay that way. Sounds very interesting though.... Does this have anything to do with Chubby Checker?

Jolly Well · #6 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007, 07:42 PM

I'll try to work one up this week and post instructions.

How big are you looking to make it? Want the flag pole as a balloon also?

Fitzwilly · #7 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007, 02:42 PM

I was hoping to hear more about the race flag. I haven't had the time yet myself to play with the idea.

Sassy Frass · #8 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 09:44 AM

WOW!! When Sassy grows up she wants to be one of you guys!!!

(not guy's ...You know what I mean!!)

Jolly Well · #9 (**permalink**) 12-25-2007, 02:14 PM

Me too... Busy with the movie theater thing, and then Christmas..

I'll work on it over the next few days...

Jolly Well · #10 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 07:57 PM

Ok, sorry I've not gotten to this sooner. I played around with some 260s tonight and think I have something you can use. I only made a portion of the flag, and had no means of photgraphy - but here goes.

You'll need Black and White 260's.. You can use 160s for a smaller flag.

Begin by fully inflating a black 260. Release some air to soften it up a bit.

I shaped mine into an S-ish shape by squeezing bends similar to how you fashion a 260 heart.

make an ear twist about 2/3 down the balloon - this will make the balloon look like an L

Repeat this process with a second black 260.

Twist the balloons together - the 2 "L" 260s will make a rectangle shape. Bend them into a waving flag shape (S shape)

Now we start attaching balloons to the frame.

Partially inflate your remaining black 260s to the length of the height of your rectangle flag frame. Twist them into the frame vertically every 1.5 to 2" apart.

Inflate your white 260's to the lenght of your flag frame. Twist them into your flag frame and weave them in between your vertical black 260s, and finally lock them by twisting the other end into the flag frame.

Sorry for the crappy imagery - but it's all I had access to tonight. If you can make any sense of it, goodluck. I'll try to put one of these together this weekend at my theater gig and get some photos up :/