Sue Bowler: The Balloon Expert

A bunch of years ago, my friends’ son, then still probably 6 or 7 years old, ran up to me one day to ask, “Where do they make balloons?” The question was inspired by a song with that very name by They Might be Giants. While the song never answers the question that it poses, he didn’t let that bother him at all. He knew I’d know the answer. And he was right. I immediately told him, “Hamilton, Ontario.” I could have easily given him a few different answers, but that was the one that mattered to me. The Hamilton plant is where most of the Qualatex balloons that I use come from. After years of using the product, I was really excited when Kelly and I were invited to the plant for a tour. We’ve often found ourselves in conversations with Pioneer employees (makers of the Qualatex brand) about the abuse we put their balloons through, and also other artists about what they expect from the balloons they use. This tour would be a chance for us to get our questions answered about the product...

L earning how to do things easily or in a better way can take many years of trial and error. I know this well as I have been learning for the past 26 years! "Tips and Tricks of the Trade" is a series of posts that will help you with a variety of different techniques that will make life easier and your work look better. In Part 1 of this series, Chris Adamo, CBA , of  Balloons Online, in Sydney, NSW, Australia,  shared some fabulous techniques for filling latex balloons with confetti and also how to easily apply vinyl to foil and Bubble Balloons. To view this post, click HERE .  One of my favourite tricks is to cover a base board* using the same Microfoil® balloon that I am featuring in a design. How to cover a base board. Here are two designs I made that use a covered base as part of the design. The covered base helps to create visual balance , good proportion , and perfect unity.

W e all have our own ways of doing things when it comes to working with balloons. We learn in different ways and often find our own technique along the way. Over the past 25 years, I have learned many great techniques and some fabulous tips and tricks that have made my life much easier and my balloon designs look even better. But as I always tell everyone, I am still learning and love it when I see something exciting and new! Chris Adamo, CBA , of Balloons Online, in Sydney, NSW, Australia, has very kindly shared a few of his top tips. Confetti-filled balloons are a hot trend worldwide, and finding an easier way to make these balloons was Chris's mission! Confetti applicator: "In our Sydney store, we sell confetti-filled 16" and 36" balloons every day. After trying many methods for over 12 months, I just knew there had to be a better way. The problem was that confetti was sticking to the Hi-Float ®  from the moment we placed it inside the balloon. ...

Day of the Dead House Decoration Picture courtesy of fieldguide35.blogspot.com I am loving the new Qualatex ®  Day of the Dead Skull Microfoil ®  balloon. It is very different from the usual Halloween designs of witches and ghosts.  Not really knowing or understanding this theme, I was intrigued to find out the origin of this celebration.   Day of the Dead — Dia de Los Muertos—  is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico (in particular, the Central and South regions) and by people of Mexican ancestry, especially the United States. It is acknowledged internationally in many other cultures, too. This multi-day holiday gathers together family and friends who pray for, remember, and support the spiritual journal of loved ones who have died.  I really enjoyed working with this balloon. The skull design is full of colour and detail that can be used when creating a design. From all the pictures that I see, Dia de Los Muertos...