Ready to Step it UP

Pickles · #1 (**permalink**) 05-08-2008, 05:37 PM

I feel like I've mastered basic balloon sculpture fairly well. I can do about 25-30 single-balloon animals and several two-balloon creations.

Now I would like to take the next step toward "more advanced" balloons. Can anybody recommend any good balloon sculpting books that are a little more advanced than the basic designs, but not so complicated that I will get frustrated? Thanks!

Finito · #2 (**permalink**) 05-08-2008, 09:01 PM

Don Caldwell's DVD's are the very best.

CheckerZ · #3 (**permalink**) 05-08-2008, 10:34 PM

I've ordered a book from Eli "Buster" on eBay. he has two books, volume 1 and 2. I have volume 1 and volume 2 is on it's way. It is very informative and has many pics. I would get it if I were you.

Fitzwilly · #4 (**permalink**) 05-08-2008, 11:06 PM

One of the best books for learning how to "think" balloons is Captain Visual's Big Book of Balloon Art. It not only has simple, clear instructions it gives you basic body parts and lets you know how they can be mixed and matched with little extras added on to make different sculptures. I know you can google him, but I think the website is Captain Visual the World's One and Only Super Clown

magicgeorge · #5 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 05:47 AM

A lot of David Grist's stuff is big and bold so you can learn multiple balloon sculpture without needing to learn especially advanced techniques.

The balloonhq columns have a large number of sculptures that you can learn from. Also browsing the photo section will inspire you to try more advanced models.

Attending a balloon convention is another great way to get up to the next level.

I personally learnt multiple balloon sculptures in isolation. (I thought I was unto something new until I got on-line).
Using the techniques you've learnt for basic sculptures why not just see what you can come up with using several balloons.

George

Pickles · #6 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 08:19 AM

Fitz, are you familiar with Captain Visual's other book, Big Book of Balloons? Is it worth picking up both that and his Big Book of Balloon Art?

(I'm feeling the need to qualify for free shipping at LaRock's. lol)

CheckerZ: I do have Buster's volume 1 and have benefited from that. He has some nice suggestions of how to act like a clown when you're ballooning. (is that a verb? It is now!) He also has the best cat balloon that I've seen.

pixcoco · #7 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 10:50 AM

I wilol second Fitz recomondation for Capt. Visual. I'
m sure that ANYTHING he has willl be great. He can make things very simple to understand. He also works A LOT doing balloons so he understands not having time to make a 6 foot mural.

In fanct I would love to see him at COAI. I enjoy his classes so much.

Fitzwilly · #8 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pickles

Fitz, are you familiar with Captain Visual's other book, Big Book of Balloons? Is it worth picking up both that and his Big Book of Balloon Art?

(I'm feeling the need to qualify for free shipping at LaRock's. lol)

I have his book with the blue cover and it was a great help getting started. A friend had the red book and I remember looking at that but I don't remember much more. Hey, if it qualifies you for free shipping... I'd add it to my collection for that.

Shadpoke · #9 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 04:48 PM

Balloons are addicting. I can't get enough balloons. I think it is the childrens smile when they get a balloon that I like. It is a natural high to know that you can make a happy world with balloons.

Shadpoke T. Klown

Pickles · #10 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 12:21 PM

I was just searching our public library network for balloon sculpture instruction books, and they actually have Captain Visual's Big Book of Balloon Art! I requested that, as well as eight or nine others. I don't know why it had never occurred to me to scope out the public library for balloon books, but it's certainly a cheap way to learn some new balloon animals.