When I look back over the years, there are certain moments in our industry that truly changed the way we work—and the introduction of the Bubble Balloon was definitely one of them.
I still remember just how exciting it felt to see something so completely different from anything we had used before. It wasn’t just a new product, it opened the door to a whole new way of thinking about balloon design and what we could create.
For many decorators, it wasn’t just a new balloon—it was the beginning of their journey.
There's no doubt that the introduction of the Bubble Balloon completely transformed the balloon industry. What began as a simple innovation, a beautiful clear, stretchy balloon unlike anything we had seen before, quickly became one of the biggest turning points in modern balloon design.
Almost overnight, it opened the door to a whole new style of creativity, from personalised gifts to stuffed balloon designs, and for many, it marked the very beginning of their balloon journey into the world of balloons. Businesses Like Bubblegum Balloons helped bring these designs to life and into the spotlight, inspiring a new wave of home-based businesses and creative entrepreneurs who discovered that single balloons could become so much more than just decoration, it could be a business!
What is a T-Balloon™?
Bubble Balloon™ and T-Balloon™ are the same balloon.
Key characteristics of T-Balloon™:
Like Deco Clear and Deco Print balloons, T-Balloon™ balloons do not have a valve. They can be inflated until the surface is completely smooth, with no wrinkles.
How it differs from Bubble Balloon™:
T-Balloon™ is available in a wider range of 10 sizes, from 125 mm to 555 mm. In comparison, Bubble Balloon™ (under the Qualatex range) is typically available in three sizes: 440 mm (20"), 490 mm (22"), and 555 mm (24").
Bubble Balloon and T-Balloons are a balloon made from stretchable plastic, making it unusual and eye-catching. Unlike Microfoil or Mylar balloons, it is inflated until all the creases at the seams disappear, giving it the look of a beach ball, and making it attractive from every angle.
Bubble Balloons are non-allergenic, making them ideal for hospital gifts and deliveries. They do not oxidise* and floating times are mainly measured in weeks rather than days.
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This stunning Bubble Balloon design was created by the super talented
Zoe Adam-Jones, CBA, Gold Coast, Australia.
Single Bubbles
These stunning balloons are available in 22", and will float for approximately 2-4 weeks.
They come in a diverse range of designs including licensed characters, birthday, milestones and age, new baby, and other special occasion. They are extremely versatile and can be used in balloon bouquets, centrepieces and even to make fun little character designs.
These balloons are simple and elegant, with 3-D designs that look beautiful from any angle. They have self-sealing valves and come with a pre-attached ribbon.
Watch the video below to see the correct way to inflate and tie the Bubble Balloon™ and T-Balloons™
T-Balloon & Deco Bubbles
These are probably one of my favourite balloons. They are perfect for so many different occasions with endless creative possibilities! This unvalved balloon is available in both 20" and 24", with floating times of 7-10 days for the 20" and 3-5 weeks for the 24". The different floating times are subject to the type and amount of balloons that you add to a Deco Bubble. Once filled and fully inflated, they should be closed using a 260 balloon. Deco Bubbles are available in clear 20" and 24", in addition to 24" printed designs.
The design below was made by me using a 20" Deco/T-Balloon. I used HIFLOAT and a square shaped Confetti to coat the balloon inside, with a fabulous end result!
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| This centrepiece design was created by Sue Bowler |
Personalising Deco Bubbles
Deco Bubbles are perfect for personalising. Add a name, a special birthday or a cheeky message: anything goes!
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| Bubble Balloon Design by Jennifer Wood The Personalised Assistant, Aberdeenshire, Scotland |
Bubbles Helium Guide
Over or under-inflating Bubbles can decrease float times, so follow the package instructions to inflate correctly and achieve the best float times. Actual flying times also depend on temperature and atmospheric conditions. Deco Bubble float times vary if other types of balloons are placed inside. Giving accurate gas capacities is almost impossible, as everyone inflates their balloons slightly differently. Personally, I only inflate a Bubble Balloon to the point at which all the creases disappear, however, if I am adding tassels or tulle to a Bubble Balloon, I might add in a little more helium or balloon gas to give it greater floating capacity. As I already mentioned, giving accurate capacities is not easy, but I used my Dual Split-Second Sizer to help me measure the volume of helium that is used to inflate the 20" and 24" Deco Bubbles and found that a 20" Deco Bubble took approximately 1 cu.ft. - 0.0282 of helium or balloon gas and the 24" took approximately 1.5 cu.ft - 0.0425 m3 of helium or balloon gas.
Here are the suggested average number of Bubble Balloons inflated from a 3.6m3 tank.
22" Single Bubbles 90-130
24" Double Bubbles 85-105
For me, Bubbles Balloons are a truly magical balloon in every way! For decorators and retailers, the Deco Bubbles are just fabulous! They look so elegant and can be prepared several days in advance of an event, giving you more time to work on other event decor that cannot be prepared in advance. Decor Bubbles are so versatile, they can be filled with latex balloons, Microfoil balloons, confetti and even feathers! Bubble Balloons are long lasting, vibrant and fun!
It’s amazing to think… so many beautiful businesses began with something so simple.
Happy Ballooning!
Sue
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