When we see a technique on social media, we get incredibly excited. It feels fresh. It feels new. It feels like we’ve just discovered something groundbreaking.
But the truth? It has probably been done before - just in a different guise.
Let’s remember… social media has only really been around since the early 2000s. Instagram was only allowing 15-second videos back in 2013 - that’s just 13 years ago! Before that, we didn’t scroll for inspiration. We searched for it. We waited for it. We treasured it when we found it.
Today I’m sharing a technique that I first saw demonstrated in an issue of IMAGES magazine back in 1992.
And honestly? As an aspiring balloon artist at that time, finding inspiration was a challenge. There was no Pinterest board. No quick reel. No algorithm feeding you ideas.
IMAGES magazine was the inspiration source. When it arrived, it was studied cover to cover. Pages were bookmarked, designs recreated, techniques practised over and over again, failure was a thing, but it only made us question and perfect our skills.
So when you see something “new” today, remember — our industry is built on decades of creativity. Techniques evolve. Styles shift. But innovation has always been there.
The technique I’d love to share with you is How to Cover a Foil Balloon with Fabric.
As I was scrolling back through an old issue of IMAGES magazine, I came across a competition entry by Amy Stewart of The Balloon Decorating Company, Santa Ana, California.
As far as I’m aware, Amy is no longer part of the industry, but I still very much want to credit her for the inspiration. Our industry has always grown because artists are willing to share, inspire, and push boundaries — and this design certainly did that for me.
If you look at the design below, it was the 1st place winner in the Buffet Arrangement category at IBAC - The International Balloon Art Convention - an event I was fortunate enough to attend twice as a competitor and thereafter as an instructor on many occasions, which I am very proud of.
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| IBAC 1991 Buffet Arrangement 1st Place Winner Amy Stewart, The Balloon Decorating Company, CA |
It’s not immediately obvious, but within this design there are three heart-shaped foil balloons cleverly concealed beneath a paisley scarf-style fabric.
At the time, this was a fantastic new technique. Not only did it demonstrate creative thinking and innovation, but it also enhanced the overall theme beautifully. By softening the shine of the foil and integrating fabric, the balloons became more than just balloons — they became part of the storytelling.
It’s a wonderful example of how a simple material change can completely elevate a design.
IBAC was one of those truly magical industry moments. The standard of work, the creativity, the atmosphere — it raised the bar for so many of us. Seeing pieces like this didn’t just inspire me… it challenged me.
And that’s the beauty of looking back.
Techniques we think are new often have roots that stretch back decades. Sometimes all we’re doing is rediscovering something clever and giving it a modern twist.
And that, to me, is what keeps our industry so exciting.
So, here it is a step-by-step video to show you how you can create your own fabric covered balloons! All you need is a piece of fabric that you wish you use, a good quality spray adhesive, and sharp scissors... and a foil balloon of course!
I absolutely love where our industry is now and the exciting direction it’s heading in - the creativity, the innovation, the confidence we’re seeing every single day is just wonderful.
But as we move forward, let’s not forget the past… and the incredible artists who experimented, competed, shared, and pushed boundaries to bring us the ideas and techniques we build upon today.
So whenever you can, if you know who inspired you or taught you something along the way -please credit them. It matters. It shows respect. And it keeps the heart of our industry beating strong 😊
Sue
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