The DIY Balloon Decoration Starter Guide

Transcription

The DIY Balloon
Decoration Starter Guide
*By Sandi Masori * Diy Balloon Art *
www.DiyBalloonArt.com
©2015 Diy Balloon Art, INC
www.DiyBalloonArt.com - 1
Building Blocks of Balloons
We’re going to talk about the building blocks of balloons, some of the different kinds of balloons and some of the different techniques.
We’ll start with Linky balloons. These are so much fun. They basically have
a tail on both ends – the nozzle where you blow it up is one tail, and there’s
another tail or tip on the other end, allowing you to attach all sort of things to
either end of the balloon.
With Linky balloons we can tie them in all the ways round balloons can be
tied together, but what makes them special is they can be tied end to end.
Tying two balloons together is called a duplet. The building block of balloon
décor are duplets. If you take two duplets and twist them together, then you
have a quad. This is what we build a lot of our decorations on, quads. Quads are
a really important part of balloon decorations.
If you really want it to look round then you’re going to want to do a six
pack, which I will tell you that the first three six packs that you put onto a pole
are a pain in the butt, because one of them always wants to pop up. You’ve just
got to have patience and play with it a little, once you get the next cluster on
to pole the balloons stop popping up as much.
If you were to take a single balloon and tie it into a quad then you would
have a five pack. Five packs can be a huge pain in the butt to work with, but
they can be really effective for holding things nice and stable or when you
want your design to look a little bit rounder
Now let’s talk about the non round balloons. There’s a lot of different
shapes and sizes. We have donuts. We have blossoms. We have hearts. All of
those pretty much act the same as round balloons.
The long balloons act differently. A 160 when fully inflated is approximately 1” wide and 60” long. A 260 when fully inflated is approximately 2” wide
and 60” long. A 350 is approximately 3” wide and 50” long. A 646 is approximately 6” wide and 46” long.
The 646 has another really cool property to it. That is that because they’re
long and heavy. When it’s fully inflated, if you put your four fingers and push
the end inside, then if you let go these fly off. That’s something really fun. Once
one of those comes out at a party they’re kind of zooming all over the place.
To see this video go to http://youtu.be/R_fFwVTg--g
When you fully inflate a balloon until it is very taut you cannot put a twist
in it without the balloon popping. Usually when we blow up these kinds of
balloons before we tie them we give it a burp. What that means is we just let
some air out. If I want to use the balloon fully inflated with a small burp, it will
work if you only need one twist. If I was going to make a flower, and I needed
to have a lot of pressure and have six twists in it, this would be too tight. You
want to play with the pressure.
When I (Sandi) am teaching in person, I give them a 260, and tell them to
inflate it until it pops. That’s what I want you to do at home too. The reason
is that you need to get the feel for how much the balloon can take, and how
much is too little pressure to keep it inflated to the end. Popping a few balloons by overinflating will teach you more about the right way to inflate than
any book could.
It’s really hard to get a lot of twists in a 646, because they’re pretty thick.
We won’t teach designs where a 646 needs a lot of twists, it’s a real pain to do.
There’s a lot of things that we do using this 646s as a base of a pedestal, for
example, or for building walls.
How to Make a Balloon Sizer Box
Materials:
•
•
•
•
Box
Ruler
Pen
Box cutter
:
First, get a rigid cardboard box. Then decide what size balloon you are trying to make. Cut a hole to the size that you want to make your balloon. Don’t
worry about trying to cut a round hole, It’s a lot easier to cut a square hole. Just
measure to the size you want and cut it out with a box cutter.
If you’re doing a lot of balloons you might want to have two boxes or have
multiple people doing it.
If you have to force it in, it’s too big, and if it goes in too easily it’s too small.
It should just go into the box.
Now, inflate the balloon larger than the hole. Slowly let air out until it just
slips through the box. When it just passes through the hole, then you’ve got
the right size. If you let out too much air and there is a gap between the balloon and the square hole, put more air in the balloon and try again.
An alternate method to balloon sizing:
Another way to size your balloons is to count how many pumps you’re doing with your balloon pump, because if you’re doing 10 pumps and you do 10
pumps on every balloon then it’s going to be the same size. Every balloon that
I do 10 pumps on should come out to be the same size.
If you’ve never used a balloon pump before, when you use the balloon
pump you want to put the balloon onto the pump so that the tip of the pump
is in the bulb, and then you can’t just start pumping because it’s going to fly
away. What you need to do is actually hold it onto the pump while you pump it.
It seems obvious enough, but this is actually one of the most common mistakes
and frustrations that I see people making.
Also, make sure that the handle is all the way down, so that you get a full
stroke in each direction.
Here’s another mistake that I see people making, they’ll try to pump it,
especially with the 260s, and the balloon will be folded down on the pump,
and they’re wondering why it’s not going. Where’s the air going to go, if they’ve
sealed off the chamber? You want to make sure that you’re blowing straight
into the bowl of the balloon, or in the case of one of the long skinny balloons
straight into the tube.
The Illustration on the left is what not to do. The photo on the right is correct.
Remember to do a full pump from the bottom all the way to the top
Want An Even Easier Way Of Sizing? - Get The Holy Box And Cool
Aire Inflator From The DIY BALLOON ART STORE ;-)
How to Make a Balloon Arch
With Helium
This is a hard one to do in writing, but I’ll try :-) If you find it hard to follow,
look for the video version, and that should help.
First of all, when you’re making a “spiral” arch, it is really really important
that all of the balloons are properly sized. Incorrectly sized balloons can really
ruin the look of the arch. The actual balloon size is relative to the size of balloons you are using and the size of the arch, but it’s critical that all the balloons
in the arch are the same size (Until you get into advanced shaping techniques,
but that’s another topic). The balloons must be filled with enough helium to
float, so at least 10”.
Unless your arch is framed, you’re probably using helium. The easiest way to
wrap the balloons onto the fishing line, or dacron arch line, is by stretching the
line between two chairs. Then you can wrap the balloons onto the taught line.
Make sure that it’s well secured, but with a little bit of slack. As it grows, the lift
will fight against you a bit.
Most “spiral” arches are created using a four- pack of balloons. You make
that by creating two duplets of balloons, (two balloons tied together by their
necks), and twisting them together.
Wedge the string between two of the balloon in the quad. Either wrap the
balloons with the string to secure, or rotate the two balloons that are straddling the string around each other.
Take the next quad, line it up in the right place and repeat the procedure.
So, take the four balloons, and arrange them in the color pattern that you
are trying to create. Make sure to continue the same order throughout the
arch.
Keep repeating the same steps, consistently rotating either to the right
or to the left. You will notice that there is a sweet spot where the balloons
are just offset and seem to nestle in. Also, it’s best if you try not to drag the
balloons across the line as that may result in friction tears. After about four
clusters you will see the pattern emerging.
To finish it off, tie each side to an anchor. There will be a lot of lift, so be
sure that they are heavy enough! An easy to find anchor is a 2.5 gallon water
bottle, just tie on to the handle, wrap it with some pretty paper, embellish as
you like, and you’re ready to go.
To see the video go to
http://youtu.be/hQL5lJegmHc
How to Make a Balloon Arch
Without Helium
Materials:
Two poles and base plates
Aluminum rod or heavy wire
11” balloons, tied in quads
:
Feed your aluminum rod arch into your poles. If you are using poles that
don’t have holes in the top you can duct tape your aluminum rod or wire to the
pole. It can help to put a little duct tape even if the rod fits into the pole, just to
secure it. Always put your duct tape at an angle.
You’re going to pack this arch with quads, which is four balloons tied together.
Take your quad, put it on the base, and twist one balloon on top of the
other. That’s going to lock it. Repeat on the other base. Continue packing up
the pole. It doesn’t matter which direction you spiral your colors, as long as
you remain consistent. This is the same process that you use to make columns.
When it gets too tall for you to reach you can either stand on a chair or
stool, or lean it down so that you can reach.
Continue packing around the wire and down the other pole. Now you have
your balloon arch.
PRO TIP: The thicker the wire or crossbar, the more stable the arch will be
and the easier it will be to load it. Also make sure that your base plates have a
good wide footprint. I like to cut mine to 2’x 2’.
http://youtu.be/Wd8YYwFIh7E
How to Make a Balloon Column Frame
Materials:
Piece of wood, square, cut to size needed, painted black
:
Flange, painted black
Threaded pipe
EMT, coated black
Screw the flange down in the center of the wood. To find the center, draw
a straight line from one corner to the opposite corner twice, creating an X. X
marks the spot to center the flange. Screw your threaded pipe nipple into the
flange. The size is going to depend on what you’re doing. I generally use ¾”
threaded nipple and then I use ½” EMT pipe that slips into the threaded nipple
easily.
Then get your EMT. I generally cut them to 7’, some cut them to 5’. They
come in 10’ lengths. Take your EMT pole and simply insert onto the threaded
flange . Then put a piece of duct tape where it connects. That’s going to make
a good, sturdy base plate and pole.
For columns or arches that may go outdoors, or in heavy traffic areas, use
a larger piece of wood for a bigger footprint. I recommend 2’ by 2’. For added
weight, use two pieces of wood or wrap bricks in something coordinating and
place them on the base around the balloons.
If you’re trying to make a centerpiece, I would recommend 10” x10” or 12”
x 12”.
To see the video go to http://youtu.be/hRVvcM7Ytz4
How to Make a Balloon Column
Materials:
Base plate and pole
Balloons, tied in duplets
:
Inflate balloons so that all of them are the same size, this is very important
for a consistent look and feel.
Tie the balloons together in groups of two.
Twist those duplets together to make a quad.
Wrap the quad around the pole.
Attach your topper- this can be a jumbo foil, jumbo latex or a
bunch of long skinny balloons.
Stack the next quad on top so that the balloons nestle into the
crevice of the balloons under them.
Do it again, and again until you have covered the whole pole.
http://youtu.be/H_qwghqCUOQ
Also, don’t forget to join our facebook community and show us what
you’ve done!
Http://www.Facebook.com/groups/DiyBalloonArt
How To Make A 2- Balloon Spiral Hat
First of all, it’s a lot easier to follow the instructions in a video format rather
than in a written format. For best results visit my YouTube channel under the
channel name Sandiballoon.
Now, having issued that disclaimer, here are the instructions:
1.
2.
3.
Take a 260 and inflate it all the way giving it a good burp. It’s important that
the balloon be mostly inflated. If you’re worried about overinflating, then
inflate all the way leaving only about a thumb tip size portion uninflated.
Twist off a bubble, and HOLD it while you wrap the balloon around head.
Find the point where the bubble you are holding and the balloon wrapped
around the head criss-cross. Squeeze them together and twist them together. You now have a stick hat.
Inflate a second balloon the same way you did for the first. Once again,
fully inflate and give a good burp to release the pressure a little.
4.
5.
Twist off a small bubble on the nozzle end, and attach it to the small
bubble on the hat.
Spiral the two sticks together. It’s a bit easier if you are sitting down and
use your knees hold the hat and stick at the base while you spiral them. It
should look a bit like a barber shop pole. When you reach the end of the
shorter balloon, squeeze and twist the two balloons together to lock them.
7.
8.
Twist a bubble at the end of the free stick. Make sure that you hold onto
the bubble until you lock it to the hat.
Twist the bubble into the attachment point that you made at the back of
the hat. The hat should now have a sort of triangular shape.
9.
Take the balloon at the top of the hat, towards the back and give it a little
shape by squeezing the air out of the balloon (in that area) and slowly letting it back into that space. This will “train” the balloon to keep that shape.
Play with putting that bend in various places and see the different shaped
hats that you get.
10. Place the hat on the head, smile big and take a picture!
6.
Find the center of the hat at the back (directly opposite of the sticks).
Pinch the center point and twist ONE SIDE of the hat. This puts an attachment point at the back that will make the next step much easier.
http://youtu.be/pRmgwXjsxAs
To get the balloons come visit our store at
http://www.DiyBalloonArt.com
How To Make a Balloon Water Weight
Water weights are very convenient weights. They really help in a pinch, because if you’re setting up at a party and you realize that you don’t have enough
weights with you, or you have more time and want to make more decorations.
You can make more weights where ever you are, (as long as there’s a sink.)
First of all, it’s really important to double stuff the balloon! I can’t stress this
enough! By double stuffing the balloon, you ensure that even if there is a little pinhole in the balloon, the water will not leak out.
To double stuff, take two 11” balloons- colors don’t necessarily matter, but if
you won’t be wrapping the balloons in paper, make sure it coordinates with the
rest of the decor. Choose which balloon will be the inside balloon. Fold the balloon lengthwise in quarters. This will make a nice little point that will make it
easier to stuff one balloon inside the other. Thread the quartered balloon into the
other balloon, making sure that the nozzles of the balloons are stacked one on top
of the other. ; (Tip from Rachel) If you want to use the straw method, inserting the
first balloon in a straw then inserting both into the second balloon, understand
that if you’re even a little rough, you can weaken the balloon and the force of the
water can break through.
Now, just like making regular water balloons, stretch BOTH nozzles over
the water spigot in the sink. Make sure that you are using both nozzles as
one, or you will have a big mess. Now fill the bowl of the balloon until it just
stretches a little bit- about the size of a baseball (maximum). Do NOT fill the
balloon all the way. You just want enough weight to hold down a bouquet, but
you want the balloon to stay squishy and strong.
Tie both balloons as if they are one. Some, (Rachel), will say that you only
need to tie the inner balloon, but I, (Sandi), have always found it works better
to tie both of them together.
Now, you have a water weight. You can stop here, and tie the balloon bouquet to it as is, or you can wrap it with paper to make it look more decorative.
Assuming you want to wrap it, you first need to make an attachment point.
Take a piece of ribbon, find the center, and tie it around the neck of the balloons,
so that you have two ribbons hanging out to tie onto. Make a double knot, and
set aside.
Take 2-3 sheets of foil paper, cello paper, tissue paper, or even plastic tablecloth-or any combination thereof. Figure out which color you want to be
the base of the weight, and put that one on the bottom. Lay the next piece of
paper on top of the first, slightly offset so that it makes a sort of star. Take the
3rd piece and do the same.
If you just drop the water weight in the middle of the papers and wrap it
that way, it will look nice, but it will wobble from side to side. This could be
a good thing if you want that effect, but if you don’t, you need to create a flat
surface. To make a flat surface, take something flat and put it on top of the
paper. An easy flat object to put on the paper as a base is money- a quarter is
a good size, but a nickel will work as well. It’s handy and most people have it
in their purse or pocket.
After you put the coin on the bottom, place the weight on top of it. Take
the ribbons that you tied to the balloon earlier in one hand, and with the other,
reach under the papers and grab them and bring the corners together- making
a little bundle with the weight in the middle. Be careful to make sure that you
don’t trap the ribbon inside the wrapped weight. Grab the whole thing around
the neck, and tie a second piece of ribbon around it to secure it. The tighter
you tie the ribbon, the nicer it will look.
After you tie your helium balloons to the weight, (with the ribbon you attached to the balloon), you can fluff out the pieces of paper to make it look nice
and decorative.
If you are attaching it to clusters of balloons, as shown in the monthly
designs, you don’t need to wrap the weight with decorative paper. It’s mostly
when using helium balloons that you would want to wrap the weights. Basically, weights are wrapped when visible, and left unwrapped if covered by
another part of the design.
To see the video go to http://youtu.be/MRlYNGMtlbo
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The DIY Balloon Decoration Starter Guide

Transcription

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