Sue Bowler: The Balloon Expert

With more and more balloon companies offering outdoor balloon decor, I thought I would share some top tips when planning decor outside on hot sunny days. You need to be aware that; Balloons will swell/ expand in the heat. Darker balloon colours will absorb heat and pop faster. Balloons will oxidise and lose their clarity. With the help of David Mahoney of Balloons Everyday in Texas, USA. I have put together this simple set of rules. To combat these issues, follow these rules: Firstly, use quality balloons such as Qualatex ® ;   quality makes a huge difference.  Use much larger balloons than required.  Work with 16¨ latex balloons rather than 11¨, and under-inflated them. A  16¨ balloon should not be inflated to greater than 12¨. This will allow the balloons to expand with the heat. If using 11¨ balloons, do not inflate them to any bigger than 7.5¨.   Always fully inflate balloons to their maximum size and then deflate until you reach the desired size. ...

This week, my granddaughter celebrated her fifth birthday! So naturally, I wanted to help to make her birthday very special, especially as having a birthday party during lockdown was sadly was not an option. I have been seeing some fabulous "Yard Art" decor being posted on the Qualatex Facebook group and decided that I would have a go at making her a Number 5 that stood as tall as her!  I started by designing the frame. You may remember a blog post from last year that featured a "Number Eight" designed by Alexander Solomatin, CBA, for International Women's day.  I really love how Alexander styled the frame by using different sized balloons, rather than having all the balloons the same size. View his post here:  International Women's Day and how to make this fabulous Number Eight Sculpture by Alexander Solomatin, CBA . Click HERE International Women's Day Number Eight  Design by Alexander Solomatin I thought that I would share with you how I designed a...

This is a design that I originally created for the Q Tour in 2015! Today, I would like to share it with the readers of The Very Best Balloon Blog!  This design incorporates the AeröPole System ™️ and demonstrates how to create patterns within an Arch, rather than using the usual spiral pattern we regularly see.  The design also shows great Rhythm . Rhythm is movement within a design created by repetition, transition, radiation, or variation to lead the eye along lines in a composition. In this design you can see: Repetition in shape, colour, and texture Transition in sizing of the big flower to the smaller flowers Radiation with movement from the focal point Variation with the different elements of latex and Microfoils For the Arch you will need: 150 - 11" Onyx Black latex (or the colour of your choice) 50   - 11" Pearl Ruby Red latex (or the colour of your choice) Inflate all of the balloons to 9" Here is the pattern that you will need to follow to create the ...

I just wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate everyone that took part in the recent Q Corner Live Table Arrangement competition!  Eighteen balloon professionals from around the world came together during a Q Corner Show. Through the power of the internet, and some technical know-how from Keith and Dominic - The Boys of Q Corner, they created their own unique table arrangement 'live' during a 40 minutes window.  The competitors were required to follow these simple rules: Rules: Only Qualatex or Northstar balloons can be used including latex rounds and non-rounds, Microfoil, and Bubble balloons.  The arrangement should be air-filled only, please do not include any helium-filled balloons. Accessories such as flowers, greenery, ribbons and other decorative items can be used, however balloons should represent at least 70% of the design. No balloons can be pre-inflated prior to the start of the competition. Should you wish to add Fantasy Flowers...

I n Part 1 of this two-part video tutorial, I demonstrate how to create the perfect frame for this super cute "Baby Moon" design. For a direct link to this video, click HERE . Here is a reminder  of the materials and equipment that you will need to make the frame: Frame Material and Equipment List: 1 x 3m length - 6mm or 1/4" Aluminium Rod  Pipe or Bolt Cutters Gaffa or Duct Tape Pipe Bender if you have one but it's not essential NOT (Lamp) Base - this is an inexpensive IKEA (lamp) product that many balloon professionals use to support designs. NOT (Lamp) Pole x 1 ( If you don't have access to an IKEA NOT Base and Pole you will need to find a good, similar alternative.)  White Floral Quick Drying Spray Paint  String or ribbon to measure Circular Template - such as a hoop Balloon Material List - you can change the balloon colours to suit your client's needs. 18" Baby Girl Pink Stripes Microfoil ™️ Balloon - #88004  11...