Tips and Tricks of the Trade - Part 1 with Chris Adamo, CBA, of Balloons Online.

We 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. The confetti clumped, the ink was running, the paper confetti was ripping as the latex stretched... we needed a way to add confetti once the balloon was inflated. Driving to work one day drinking a coffee, I came up with a method that was simple, cost effective, and that uses very accessible parts. I rushed home that night to build it!
The confetti applicator requires little to no training for my staff. It has halved the time required to fill and inflate the balloons, but most importantly, you can achieve a perfectly even distribution of confetti every time."

Confetti Balloons by Balloons Online.

This first video shows how to make the confetti applicator.





This second video shows how to use the confetti applicator.

Chris talks about the Clik-Clik™ Slide-n-Size system on his video clip. This is a great tool that enables you to size up to 2 balloons at one time. It can even size a 36" balloon. To find out more, visit www.clik-clik.com

Whilst we are on the topic of using Hi-Float, are you aware that Hi-Float makes a great spider's web inside a latex balloon? It's perfect for Halloween designs! Sean O'Kelly, CBA, of Balloon Decor in Mont Albert North, VIC, Australia, recommends adding a little food colouring or neon paint to the Hi-Float to make the webs stand out a little more!







This video with Keith Burchette of Hi-Float shows how to make a spider's web inside a latex balloon.

Vinyl transfer to flat foil balloons:

"We love our vinyl cutter. It has opened up a whole new product offering to our clients. The ability to turn around personalised balloons to both private and corporate markets is a game changer. We quickly developed a method to apply vinyl to un-inflated foil balloons. Why did we do it?
1. You can prepare the balloons days, weeks, or even months in advance.

2. You can measure and align the vinyl to be placed in the exact spot on the balloon while it's flat. We have even made cardboard templates that go over the balloon with measured points of reference for the application. 

3. You can post flat-packed, pre-printed foil balloons to your clients. 

4. You can have spare pre-printed balloons ready to go with you on-site."

About Chris Adamo. 

Chris is the founder of both Balloons.net.au and the online order relay business Balloons Online (www.balloons.com.au), with a network of more than 27 partner businesses around Australia.

He was introduced to the balloon industry more than 20 years ago, and proudly established his own business in 2004. Drawing from a background in IT, design, and construction, driven by a thirst to continually reinvent the wheel, Chris offers a diverse range of specialties and products to his business and clients.

Chris entered the 2015 ABC large sculpture competition, received 2nd place in the OzJam 2016 sculpture competition, and was featured in the American balloon industry eZine, “Elevated Events” in 2016. Chris teaches balloon décor, framing, and business systems for the Australian industry associations. He will represent Qualatex for Q-Tour in 2017.

Running a very successful business with 4 full-time staff and more than 5 casual staff, Chris and his team specialise in the Australian corporate market, and have long-lasting relationships with some of Sydney's largest event coordinators and stylists. Chris prides himself as being the trusted, reliable, and creative choice for balloon gift and décor, pushing the limits with balloon design.

His skills include: Large Sculptures - Framing - Vinyl Printing - Social Media - Google SEO - Online Marketing - Websites - Business Systems - Efficiency & Management - Balloon Drops - Corporate Relationships.

A huge thank you to Chris for sharing these fantastic tips and tricks of the trade. I am sure that these will help many of our readers! Tips and Tricks of the Trade - Part 2 coming soon!

Happy Ballooning!

Sue

www.suebowler.com