Showing posts with label Valentines decor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valentines decor. Show all posts

Monday, January 9, 2023

Step-by-Step Air-Filled Valentine's 'Love' Arrangement by Sue Bowler

'I Love You with Love' is a design that I created last year for the Qualatex Online Education video program that is available on Vimeo, called Expressions of Love! Today I am sharing one of the designs from that program.


This year, with the continually soaring cost of helium and its lack of availability, we will all be looking for exciting air-filled designs that can be recreated quickly, with much of the prep work done in advance, and this design ticks all of those boxes! 

Material List:

58271 7" Gold Chrome
99352 5" Pearl Magenta
59570 16" Northstar Magenta L Shape
59590 16" Northstar Magenta V Shape
59556 16" Northstar Magenta E Shape
16766 18" Love Gold Heart Shape Microfoil™
58283 260Q Gold Chrome
25577 260Q Wild Berry
36336 4" Metallic Gold Hearts

Check out the video below for full step-by-step instructions on how to make this design.


To view the other designs on the video visit https://vimeo.com/ondemand/qualatexlove, or if you are a Rockstar Member of Q Corner you can watch the whole video as part of your membership!

Here are some more inspiring design ideas using a similar style and techniques.


All my love to you!
This love-filled design is a little extra, perfect for a Valentine!
Designer name: Cam Woody, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA




A New Kind of Love Letter…
What better way to show your love than with love-letter themed balloons?
Designer name: Eve Antonello, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA


Love is Golden
Do something a little different for your love!
Designer name: Cam Woody, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA


Together Forever, and Ever
Make a statement with this design!
Designer name: Cam Woody, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA


Gnome body loves you as much as I do!
Designer name: Julie Dunham, CBA, Pioneer Europe Ltd.

 
And don't forget, Qualatex has a great selection of FREE marketing materials available for you to download that will help you to promote your Valentines campaign, as well as other seasonal events! 

Facebook Cover Photos

https://us.qualatex.com/en-us/inspiration/marketing-materials/

Download beautifully crafted cover photos, created by a professional graphic designer at Pioneer, and upload it to your Facebook page.

Ready-Made Social Media Posts

https://us.qualatex.com/en-us/inspiration/marketing-materials/

Qualatex has created simple social media posts using the latest Qualatex bouquets with fun headlines within the graphic. These designs make it simple to promote products with minimal effort on your part.

Qualatex Lifestyle Images

https://pioneerballooncompany.widencollective.com/c/vozhdikn

Many of the lifestyle photos used on the Qualatex social media accounts are available for you to download and share on your social media account!

I hope you find the video and the inspiration helpful! Be sure to use the great resources available on www.Qualatex.com for all your holiday needs!

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue
Follow me on @Suebowler





Monday, February 1, 2016

14 Day Countdown to Valentine's Day - are you ready?




Now is the time when most people start to think about what they are going to buy or send for Valentine's Day. Many leave it to the very last minute! I remember receiving telephone calls on the actual day asking me to deliver a balloon arrangement and pleading with me not to tell the recipient that they had only just placed the order! 







If you have a balloon shop or store, then I assume that your windows are packed with a fantastic range of beautiful balloon displays and all the items that you are hoping to sell! The next few days is the perfect opportunity to make sure that all the balloons are looking fresh and well- presented. How about your other shop window? Your website? I have noticed that many balloon companies do not refresh or update their homepage very regularly. If I was looking for Valentine's balloons via the internet, I would want to find them quickly and easily on a website. The same applies for your Business Facebook page, too. Do you have a Valentine's cover at the top of your page? 

Creating your own cover for your Facebook page is easy. I wrote a blog a few years ago called,

How to create your own Facebook cover photo using PicMonkey Photo Editor. It guides you through the simple process, and it's free!


U.S. Patent No. 6,782,675


Think Pink! Is a top tip from Tope Abulude, CBA, of Balloon Inspirations, in Essex U.K. 
"I use as much pink as I do red, and air-filled Qualatex® Deco Bubbles... Simply so I can immediately convert my designs to Mother's Day as soon as Valentine's Day is done. I guess for me it's being able to create arrangements that I can still sell after Valentine's."


Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Adding a touch of "Glitz" to your balloon decor. January 2016

Last year I created a class called "Elegant Decor for Black Tie Affairs," that I taught in four cities around the U.S. as part of the Qualatex® U.S. Tour. The first stop on my leg of the tour was a visit to burton® + BURTON in Bogart, GA. It is always a wonderful treat when I get the opportunity to visit a wholesaler. Seeing all the gorgeous products that a wholesaler sells alongside balloons is inspiring, especially for me as I am based in the U.K. and visiting a U.S. distributor is such a bonus!  It was during this tour stop that I was introduced to an amazing product called "Diamond Mesh" by the lovely Peggy Williams, who is the education coordinator at burton® + BURTON. Diamond Mesh or "Rhinestone Ribbon" as I have also seen it called, was a totally new product for me. With a little creative help from Peggy, I soon had some lovely ideas that I felt would really add a little glitz to our designs and also adds greater perceived value to our work!



Diamond Mesh Ribbon

Love You Red Ribbon 18" Microfoil® Balloon - #21647






One of my favourite Valentine's balloons is the Qualatex®  "Love You Red Ribbon". As much as it is a Valentine's balloon, I can also see it being used at other times such as anniversaries or to simply say "I love you" at any time of the year!





I created two designs using this balloon and added the "glitz" to each of the designs using satin and Diamond Mesh ribbons.

The first design is quite simple. You will see that I have cut a single strip* from the ribbon and used it to highlight the edge of the ribbon line that is featured on the balloon. I also made a simple bow from satin ribbon and trimmed the bow with a little of the Diamond Mesh ribbon.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Valentine's Shopping mall decor with Romana Kolenc, CBA, of Baloni Romana in Šoštanj, Slovenia. - 13th January 2016

I am always in awe of the wonderful photographs posted on the Qualatex® Facebook groups from balloon artists around the world. Last year Romana Kolenc, CBA, of Baloni Romana in Šoštanj, Slovenia, posted some stunning photographs of decor that she had created for a shopping mall in Slovenia for its Valentine's campaign.

Romana Kolenc, CBA.

Romana first started working with balloons 16 years ago in 2000. With a creative background, and after a few years of searching for the "right job," Romana spotted an article featuring Niko Fric, CBA, in the newspaper. Three days later, she met up with Niko and bought her first balloon pump and some balloons!

With Niko's help, Romana launched into the world of balloon decor very quickly, decorating a disco party within the first month of starting her balloon business! One month later, she made a large stork for her niece's newborn baby. In March 2000, she got her first big job, decorating for prom night at the local secondary school and has decorated it every year since!

Last year, Romana embarked on one of her biggest jobs to date, decorating a shopping mall for Valentine's Day. Although this was not the first time she has worked at the shopping mall, it was the first time working with a new agency who organise all the decor for the mall.

"I started communications with the agency and the mall in December 2014. I was presented with their ideas, wishes, and photographs that they had found on the internet to give me an idea of what they were looking for. 
At our first meeting we discussed the places where they wanted to have balloons, and what exactly their wishes were for the final appearance. Their main focus was on elegance. We had big ideas for the decoration, but in the end everything was connected with the budget. It really did take a lot of emails and meetings before we finally found the best solutions for everyone."

1. Big Display Window
"The main focus was on a big display window; the idea was to make something that would invite people into the mall. They sent me a picture of a big heart made of small paper hearts. I got the idea to make a heart 3 x 3 meters out of 9˝ Microfoil® Hearts. The whole appearance was very spectacular.
Because the display window was set with one big and two smaller parts, we decided to decorate the smaller windows with five 36˝ foil hearts."

Monday, January 12, 2015

A little last minute Valentine's Inspiration.

One of my New Year's resolution's is to be more organised and to take every opportunity to plan ahead rather than give myself last minute stress that I could have so easily avoided! 


Balloon Images Oct/Nov/Dec 2014

I was reminded of that when I picked up my Oct/Nov/Dec 2014 Balloon Images magazine and on opening the Trade Secrets pages "It's Never Too Early for Love", it reminds us to 'Get a Head Start' and offers us some great suggestions on how to get our creative juices flowing! So just in case you missed this great article I am sharing some of these tips with you today!












STEP ONE: GET INSPIRED! Here is a list of resources that can help you to get started, for immediate access to the relevant pages just click on the links, all links will open in a new page/tab.
  • Check out the Valentine's Day Business Booster on Qualatex.com
Valentine's Day Business Booster
  • Enhance your websites and your Facebook Business pages with these great seasonal bouquet ideas on Qualatex.com



Valentine's Seasonal Bouquet Ideas

Valentine's Pinterest Boards 

  • If you are a member of the Qualatex® Facebook Groups you can use the search feature just below the pages cover photo to search for "Valentine's Day", I have added a red arrow to indicate the box you need to type your key search words into, this is a great tool when looking for specific ideas.
Qualatex Facebook Group 

  • And of course don't forget to check out The Very Best Balloon Blog, click the Valentine's label on the sidebar, (I have indicated this with a red arrow), this will bring up all the blogs that relate to Valentine's day including some great step by step designs and recipes!
The Very Best Balloon Blog

STEP TWO: DESIGN YOUR OFFER
Now that your inspiration is flowing, it's time to start preparing your designs.
  • Select designs at a variety of pricing points, so that you can appeal to customers with any budget.
  • Include a couple of options that are suitable gift ideas for family or friends, not just significant others.
  • Brainstorm catchy names to make it easier for people to request a specific design.
  • Remember that 9" and 14" air-filled Microfoils make great add-ons, grab-and-go gifts, or party favours.


STEP THREE: GET READY
Once you have decided on your offerings, start making a list of the products you'll need to stock. Order your stock NOW to ensure availability. When ordering general love-them balloons, remember that these can be sold year-round not just on February 14.
Don's forget to show your staff the Valentine's Day offerings you've chosen, and print out any necessary instructions sheets so everyone will know how to create them.

If you have the opportunity I recommend that you check out the whole article as there are some other great pointers to help you to get the most from this fantastic 'ballooning' day!
'It's Never Too Early For Love" Balloon Images Article

Happy Valentine's Ballooning!

Sue
www.suebowler.com

Friday, October 24, 2014

Part 6 Beginners Guide to the Elements and Principles of Design - Unity & Harmony

I would like to conclude this series of blogs by taking a look at Unity and Harmony.


Unity
Unity refers to the relationship and incorporation of all the elements in a design or decor such that it imparts a sense of wholeness or 'oneness'.

I find it very easy to create unity when I am working with Qualatex balloons as many of the balloon designs co-ordinate... let me show you what I mean.

Here is a really obvious one to start with. Let's say that we want to create a design with a farming theme for a birthday, look at all the balloons we can use, and there are others too!


The Very Best Balloon Blog

Anne Cahill McGovern made a great design using a selection of these balloons, along with added texture with a little raffia added into the base, this design demonstrates perfect unity!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Air-Filled Funky Monkey Step-by-Step Design


Taking less than 10 minutes to make, this is a great design for retail, delivery and decor too! Standing over 3ft tall (1m) this monkey is perfect for a variety of occasions by simply adding additional balloons which we will look at after we have learnt to make this 'cheeky chappy'.

The Very Best Balloon Blog
Funky Monkey Balloon Sculpture by Sue Bowler CBA


Thursday, January 9, 2014

Yes it's time to get ready for Valentines 2014!

'Monkey Love' - Design by Sue Bowler CBA

I wonder why most people leave buying their Valentines Day gifts to the last minute? Maybe it's just human nature or because people are still in a post Christmas recovery mode or maybe it's because they have no idea what they should buy?

Valentines day is a strangely funny celebration as it means different things to different people...maybe a person has been in a long term relationship and the word 'love' is a familiar saying, however, there are those who's relationships are nowhere near using that word (LOVE) and they certainly don't want to send or give anything that is remotely soppy!
I love you Script Modern # 29133

Friday, October 18, 2013

How to make a simple Quick Link Heart... for the uninitiated Quick Link users!

Like with anything new it takes a little time before it becomes second nature, like tying a balloon for the first time... and what about creating an 'apple twist' and other balloon art techniques?







Working with the new Qualatex Quick Link balloons is for me a whole new world, different design ideas and concepts and the construction methods are again new, but great once you get the hang of it... and most importantly it's SO QUICK!

So before I show you how I made my very first Quick Link Heart, in fact my very first Quick Link anything, I will share with you some of the great tips, hints and terminology that Lisa Swiger CBA (my Quick Link guru) shared with me. Lisa will be teaching a Quick Link Class at WBC along with Alberto Falcone, who you know will use these balloons in a completely new way... I think both classes will be awesome!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

How to inflate a Microfoil™ balloon inside a Qualatex Bubble - Part 1

I have seen a number of requests recently on the Qualatex© Facebook group asking how to put a Microfoil balloon inside a Qualatex Deco Bubble?


I am always up for a challenge and decided that this would be the perfect opportunity for me to write a blog with step-by-step instructions on how to do it!

Is it easy? No, it's not one of the easiest techniques, but the effect is pretty cool!

I suppose the first thing to decide is why are you doing this?

What are you trying to achieve, does it add value to the design that you are creating? Once you have decided that it's perfect for you then it's time to have a go!

The hardest part of the whole process is getting the pressure balance correct with both balloons, and of course, closing the Bubble so that air/helium does not escape once you have completed the inflation part!

Monday, January 28, 2013

Beautiful Gift Wrapped Microfoil® Hearts


If you are looking for a great add-on for Valentine's Day, this lovely gift wrapped Qualatex® Microfoil® hearts are just perfect!
These beautifully wrapped hearts are quick, simple, and inexpensive to make, however, the perceived value is so much greater!


If you have a retail store, you should be selling 100's of these all year round! So, don't delay, fill a vase today, and position the vase right by your point of sale. Don't forget to add a little ticket that says —"buy me now, I last forever! I'm yours for only $£", and remember that customers like to see a price rather than having to ask!


Friday, January 25, 2013

Valentine's Balloon Character Step- by Step from me to you xox



With only 3 weeks until Valentine's Day, here is another great design that your customers will love!


Monday, January 14, 2013

Are you ready for Valentines day?

With Christmas and New Year a distant memory - it's now time to turn our focus to Valentines day!

Last week I was in Denmark, at Pegani, Denmark's Qualatex Distributor with a great group and together we created some fun designs for Valentines day!


Sue Bowler
Mischievous Monkey with Love in his Tummy! - Design by Sue Bowler CBA

Monday, January 2, 2012

Love is in the Air! ... Valentine's Day is one of our biggest trading days of the year!

I Love You Sparkle Filigree # 29347

Valentines Day, is probably one of the biggest balloon selling opportunities that we have. With Christmas over and the new year just starting it's time to starting working on our Valentines campaign! If you do not have the Qualatex 2012 Valentines Collection download it today! Please remember to download the correct brochure for your country, as not all the balloons are available in different countries.



Who are our competitors... florists, the gift, sweetshops and candy stores and not forgetting the card and multiple retailers too! If you have a shop, plan your shop and window displays, these should be changed on a regular basis, changing your display during a seasonal period or campaign such as Valentines could stimulate increased customer footfall and new sales!


Keep your displays fresh, here’s a few tips.

Air- fill latex with nitrogen rather than air for longer lasting balloons. Nitrogen is an inert gas; it is also know as dry air, therefore keeping the balloons plump and full with little or no reaction to temperature change - ideal for window displays!  Did you know that the Dual Split Second Sizer and Duplicator 2 can both be used with nitrogen to air fill balloons, saving you crucial prep time! Another great tip is to use Hi-Float in air-filled balloons that you want to last, such as 160Q & 260Q's that would can lose their plumpness within a few days.

Keep your latex balloons shiny and clear. Work with a product such as Balloon Shine, which helps prevent oxidation.

Use Qualatex Bubbles and Deco Bubbles. These can float for up to 5 weeks! Deco Bubbles can be used to show Gumballs and Double Bubbles, like the 15" Heart inside the 24" Deco Bubble shown below!


Be creative!

Like a good Portfolio with designs and decor, displays really can help you to sell, so here’s your opportunity to sell your creative skills and bring your balloons to life!
Sue Bowler
'Love Bug'
The recipe for this design can be found in my recipe section!

Here are a few simple ideas that will bring new sales and greater profits!

Gift Wrapped Balloons, this was something I saw in a Japanese  party store some years ago, wrapping balloons in cellophane or using a pre-made cellophane gift bag really adds value to a product with very little extra cost or preparation time.
Sue Bowler
Vase of gift wrapped 4" Hearts!


I created a beautiful vase of balloons by simply working with 4” hearts – you will need to heat seal these –‘did you know that a heat sealed air filled foil will last forever! This is a great selling point!’ With the simple addition of beautiful ribbons and bows you have the perfect gift. Gift wrapped hearts make fantastic add-on sale for Valentines day, also wedding favours and a gift wrapped star makes the perfect wand for little princesses!

Use the Qualatex Valentines Seasonal Bouquet Idea's for inspiration, there are so many great bouquet designs for you to sell!


Display what you want to sell, some design tips for a Valentines window display.


Don’t overdo it. Less can be more, or at least more easily discernible to the eye. A cluttered window loses appeal and featured items can get lost. 

Air-filled display’s will stay fresh and look good throughout your Valentines marketing campaign!

Make ‘REAL’ merchandise the focal point! Make your displays ‘sellable’ and appealing to everyone.

Valentines day evokes different emotions, romance, fun and sometimes embarrassment too, so ensure you cover all angles as it may take only one item on display to bring a customer through your door!
Frog-Kiss Me Princess # 29351 39"

Accentuate products with good lighting. Whether the window is recessed or under a spotlight, the goal is to highlight the products within the overall display. Remember that even when your shop is closed your window is still ‘working’; it’s your 24 hour & 7 days a week silent salesman, so make sure that it works hard for you!

Stack products or use a pyramid. Place items in the window at varying heights and depths to catch shoppers' attention and make the overall display inviting to the eye.

Have fun with mannequins. If you are using mannequins, create interesting poses, and make sure that each one is well lit and easily visible to customers passing by.

Be creative. Let your imagination run free — as long as you don’t lose sight of the objective — and draw customers into the store with innovative, attractive, and compelling displays.


Don't delay, start your Valentines campaign today!

I will share some new Valentines day designs over the next few weeks... so keep on reading 'The Very Best balloon Blog!

Sue Bowler
Sue