Sore Fingers

[Pinky Shortcakes]

Can anyone give a newbie clown some hints on how to protect your fingers? I've been practicing my balloons, and making some up in advance for my first "gig" on Saturday (I'm just volunteering at a walk for charity), and my fingers are killing me already. Is there a finger-sore-proof method of tying them off? Thanks!

[Scruffy]

put the balloon in your NON dominant hand. Pull the balloon out and wrap the nozzle end around your index and middle finger, spread fingers slightly and tuck the nozzle between the two fingers. Roll knot off fingers.
Works for me, But, after a couple hours, everyones fingers hurt!

[in Harmony with Jesus]

Unfortunately there isn't really a sore-finger-proof way that I know of. Scruffy's instructions are what I use as well. It does cut down on some soreness, but with time it eventually stops hurting. Or your fingers get so calloused you cant feel it... not sure which it actually is. But it does get better. I twisted for about 2-1/2 hours on Saturday & actually didn't hurt afterwards!

[pixcoco]

I let out a little bit of air. But not in general. Pinch off about a 1 inch bubble and hold the base of it and let the air out of the first part of the balloon. This gives you plenty of room to tie it. That will help save your fingers and the little bit of balloon you lose is not even noticed.

[Pinky Shortcakes]

Thanks, everyone! I just hope they don't start bleeding, LOL. I have really dry hands.

[Jamz]

Try using a hand lotion before twisting it helps but dont use an oil based one oil and latex dont mix

[Nettie Belle]

Well, you could tie balloons like my 6-year-old granddaughter does. I told her if she wanted to use my balloons that she would have to learn how to tie them because she kept bringing them to me. I'll be darned ... she did learn how to tie them, but you won't believe this ... she uses her second toe! She wraps the balloon around the second toe, and this leaves both hands to tie. It's quite a site, I'll tell ya.

Actually, my friend uses some kind of gauze or something around her fingers. My fingers are always a dried up mess anyway, so balloons don't make much of a difference on my hands.

Have fun on your gig. Send pictures if you can ... we all love pictures.

[tim]

Once your fingers go numb, they don't feel sore at all.

[Bonkers #361]

I'll tell you my honest thought DO NOT make balloons before you get there to hand out. The magical part is watching the balloon take shape. I finshed Clown class in december I am proud of what I learned I spent an extra 4 hours with one clown in my alley and 3 hours with Frank Bunton President of my alley. I was all hyper about doing balloons at my graduation and the clowns I graduated with worked several hours making balloons and stuffing them in trashbags. I was not able to show what I learned because these amatures wanted to balloons and all they knew was you basic hat and dog. Either do balloons or don't do them but don't do them in advance. You will not be able to get to every child but the ones you do get to will be in awe

[Pinky Shortcakes]

Bonkers, Thank you for your advice. I do agree that watching the balloon take shape is probably more than half the fun. But I am brand new, only know a few animals, and don't want to disappoint anyone with my speed. I read the article here on twisting (all 14 pages), and it was suggested that you have a stash already made up to give out at the end, when you need to go but there are still kids clammoring for balloons. I am just volunteering my time at a charity event, and this is my first real public appearance.