Tag Archives: Certified Balloon Artist

Eye Catching Entrances

Leave a reply

Clearly marking the entrance to an event or party is important. Guests and visitors need to be able to find their way in easily. Balloon Decorating provides the perfect solution.

One of the most eye catching ways to mark the entrance is to use a Balloon Arch. Not only will this attract attention but it also helps to set the mood too.

A Balloon Arch marking the entrance to a wedding reception would be in pastel colours or white / cream etc possibly  with tasteful trimmings to compliment the colour scheme chosen for the venue.

A Balloon Arch for for a Family Fun Day event would incorporate bright colours to create a happy feeling.

A Balloon Arch for a corporate party, product launch or grand opening is likely to be constructed using corporate colours.

There are many possibilities and I would recommend using a professional Balloon Decorator ( either CBA, Certified Balloon Artist, or NABAS qualified ) as they will be able to advise on design, size, siting etc. They will also have the right equipment to do the job.

As both Hazel and I are CBA‘s please call either of us on 01748 821621  if you require telephone advice or use the comment section below.

Balloon Arch for new Children's Centre by Ron and Hazel Wood, Jolly Good Productions

Night At The Museum | Balloon Modelling

2 Replies

The National Media Museum at Bradford was taken over by hundreds of Brownies from the West Yorkshire area who staged a sleepover as part of the 100 year anniversary celebrations. There were a variety of workshops earlier in the evening to provide entertainment including dance, magic, puppets etc. I was there in my role as a Certified Balloon Artist ( CBA ) running Balloon Modelling Workshops. The event took place after the museum had closed to the public and I am sure that the carnival atmosphere was very different to the normal “night at the museum” Needless to say great fun was had by all and I even got a lovely thank you card and a badge too.

Bradford Media Museum

"Night At The Museum"

Ron Wood, CBA ( Certified Balloon Artist )

Brownies with their balloon models

Brownies with their balloons

The Brownies with their balloon creations

Balloon Modelling | Anxiety And Frustration For Parents

4 Replies

When working as a Balloon Modeller I am regularly approached by parents who have purchased balloon kits for their children either as Christmas presents or birthday presents. Even after repeated attempts they are frustrated when the balloons pop in their hands. ” What am I doing wrong? ” they ask. Well, making a simple balloon animal is no big deal but there are a couple of tips that will help you succeed. So what’s it all about?

Balloon modelling is the art of creating amazing sculptures using  special modelling balloons. Children love to be given a balloon twisted into the shape of an animal,character or object that they recognise and adults enjoy watching the balloon artist at work. The simplest balloon models are made with single balloons but some creations involve multiple balloons and are very complex. Packs of modelling balloons can be purchased in toy shops and from high street retailers however these are novelty items and are not of the same quality as the balloons used by professionals. The most commonly utilised balloon for professional use is the Qualatex 260Q made by the American balloon company Pioneer. This is the long thin balloon most often associated with  balloon modellers. There are however many other balloons that are used including bee bodies, love hearts, doughnuts, etc.
A professional balloon modeller has to know various methods of moulding the balloons into shape such as how to do a fold twist, lock twist, tulip twist and ear twist, how to plat, how to tie off, how to bend. It is also necessary to develop a sense of proportion as you wouldn’t want to see a dog with two long front legs and two short back ones. The balloon modeller also needs to be able to work fast.

Balloon modellers are sometimes known by different names such as a Balloon Twister, Balloon Sculptor, Balloon Artist, Balloon Bender or even Balloon Strangler !

For those interested in learning how to do balloon modelling there are many books and dvds available to buy. You can also find web sites which are dedicated to the art. The best way is to look find someone who runs courses. You will  learn many more practical tips and short cuts and you will see first hand the best way to do things.

If you are thinking of having a go here are couple of helpful tips. First never fully inflate the balloon. Always leave an uninflated tip or your balloon will burst once you start making folds and bubbles. Second, always blurt the balloon before tying the knot. This means releasing a small amount of air to make the balloon more pliable.  Finally always twist in the same direction otherwise your model will unravel.

Good luck !

Need more advice, ask a question here

Balloon Decoration Tips For Your Wedding Reception

Leave a reply

Balloons can create a fantastic atmosphere at a Wedding Reception and completely transform an ordinary room. Balloon Decorating has become an art and there are many companies offering to provide a Balloon Decorating Service. Hazel and I are both CBA’s  ( Certified Balloon Artists ) which means that we have undergone a recognised training course and passed written and practical examinations to prove our competence. We are both very experienced and have undertaken many large and prestigious balloon decorating contracts.

Tips and Advice

  1. Employ someone who is experienced and qualified. Your Wedding Reception is a very important occasion. Use good people.
  2. Compare prices but don’t base your decision on price alone. It’s better to pay a bit more and have the job done well.
  3. Ask to see colour swatches / charts to help choose your colour scheme. When you know what you want ask for actual samples as the colours  on inflated balloons may look slightly different to what you are expecting.
  4. Consider timings. Find out how long it will take your supplier to set up. Liaise with the venue. Make sure that the room will be ready when the balloon people arrive. Agree what time everything should be set by and don’t cut it too fine.
  5. Make sure a parking space is available near to the entrance and let the venue know what is happening. Ask them to be helpful to your supplier.
  6. Exploding Balloons are often positioned above the dance floor and fired electrically by the DJ during the First Dance. Ask for a back up method of initiating the effect in case the electric method fails to go off. A pin taped to a long pole is useful as a stand bye.

Room Layout

A Balloon Display is very eye catching and planning the room layout is important. Balloons should be used to emphasize key features. Discuss these with your supplier in order to decide what will work best.

  1. Entrance. A magnificent arch or fabulous columns could be used to impress your guests as they arrive at the reception.
  2. Top Table. Use a Pearl Arch stretching the full width of the Top Table as a backdrop to the Bridal Party.
  3. Wedding Cake. This is usually placed on a table where it can be viewed and admired. Use a beautiful Balloon Arch to draw the eyes of your guests to the cake.
  4. Dance Floor. This is where you will take the first dance and will become the focus of the after dinner entertainment. A canopy of balloons over the dance floor makes a stunning spectacle.
  5. Special Effects. Exploding Balloon(s) can be placed over dance floor and detonated above the Bride and Groom at the appropriate moment. Check with the venue before putting nails into the ceiling etc !
  6. Table Decoration. Have clusters of three, five or seven balloons. Never use even numbers it looks awful. Have the balloons set high enough above the table to allow the guests to see each other when seated.
  7. Secondary Doorways. You may wish to mark out other entrances and exits from the room with balloon displays.
  8. Floor Displays. If it is a very large room you may consider filling some of the space with floor displays too. These could be columns, clusters, special arrangements or more elaborate sculptures.

Once you have drawn up your plan ask for an itemised quotation. Prioritize your requirements and cut out the items which exceed you budget.

Hope you have found these notes useful. Please use the comment section below or contact me by e mail / telephone if you need more help.