Intro to Balloons

Oddkins · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007, 08:45 PM

So I was searching the website and found some really cool pictures of some of the things people have twisted out of balloons so I figured I would give it a try. I went down to local costume/clown shop and bought some 260's and a pump as well as a book on how to do animals. So I figured I would post a picture of my second animal I have ever twisted. I am not sure as to what it is supposed to be as the manual just says basic animal. The tail should have no air in it but I overinflated the balloon. After I had a couple of go's at the animal, I decided to skip ahead a bit and look at what else I could do with the balloon and I found a chapter on flowers. I am sure most of you know what a tulip twist is and well I decided to give that a try. I can say it was kinda tough for me to finally pull it off with my bony fingers. At one point I had it done but couldn't get my finger out of the balloon, so I think I will stick with going step by step for now. I figure if I start now by the time I get to going to clown classes next year I will be a step ahead. Anyways without further ado, the first pic is the basic animal with a screwed up tail and the other is the basic tulip flower. Enjoy!

Oddkins · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 02:04 AM

So I've been making Balloon Swords to hand out to the little kids on Halloween as well as Candy and had a question: Is there a way to straighten the balloon after you are twisting it? Because the blade on most of the swords comes out a little curved which is alright if I am aiming for a Arabian sword but not for the 3 basket rapiers I have been doing.

Fitzwilly · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 02:16 AM

About the only way is to gently stretch the balloon to straighten. For the tulip you can wet your finger (although in a line situation where you have been twisting great gobs of balloons the last I want to do is put my finger in my mouth without washing it first. Another way is to have a little baby powder and stick you finger into it before the balloon. Congratulations on entering our wild and wacky world. Check out www.balloon-animals.com and www.balloonhq.com

Oddkins · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 05:52 AM

Thanks for the great links! Is there a secret to blowing up a 260 because I can't manage to do it; I think if I blow any harder I am going to end up with a brain aneurysm. Also after playing around awhile with balloons I need to learn how to tie the knot better because the way I am currently doing it, takes too much time, and tends to bruise my fingers after awhile.

Wowza · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 10:41 AM

Welcome to balloon twisting!

Here's my secret for tying a knot. After inflating the balloon, I hold the nozzle with my right thumb and forefinger with the rest of the balloon facing the left side of my body. With my left hand, I reach under the balloon and under my right hand and grip the top of the nozzle with my left thumb and forefinger. I pull the nozzle up and stretch it over the forefinger and middle finger of my right hand then down and under the balloon. I finish by pulling the nozzle between the forefinger and middle finger of my right hand, then slip the looped part over it.

I know it's cumbersome to read, but I can't remember the link to the video I saw that showed me how to do it. I promise that it will make your life much easier once you figure it out.

Dylan · #6 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 10:51 AM

When I tie knots in balloons what I do is twist about a 2 inch bubble, pinch at the twisted area and then release the nozzle. This gives you plenty of balloon to tie.

As far as blowing up balloons, use your diaphram or if not that a pump of some sort. I have been entertaining with balloons for ten years and aside from people telling me I'm cheating, to which I say "No I'm not all those other balloon artists are", I have always used a pump.

Scruffy · #7 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 03:22 PM

Stretch the balloon first. I also find it helps to pull on the balloon as you are inflating it.

My answer to the cheating thing is to hold up my hand and ask; "Anybody here want clown Spit?"

Dylan · #8 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 05:09 PM

So Oddkins I see you frequent Threadless by your avatar

Oddkins · #9 (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dylan

So Oddkins I see you frequent Threadless by your avatar

Huh?

And thanks to all of you whom offered suggestions, though I just don't seem to have the ability to blow balloons myself, I find if I blow to hard not only does my head hurt but my incision also becomes a little irritated so I will stick with a pump for now.

Dylan · #10 (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 10:12 AM

Threadless.com makes t shirts one that happens to have your avatar on the front of it. It is called The Morning After I believe.

Here is the link:
http://www.threadless.com/product/282/The_Morning_After

There are a lot of funny t-shirts on the site as well.