Extra Special Birthday featuring a Daisy-themed Eight-Number Balloon Frame!

Who doesn't love to create special moments for their children and grandchildren?

During the pandemic, I started a tradition to create something special for my granddaughter, Alexa, each year. Despite the challenges, I was determined to make her feel loved and appreciated on her special day. For her fifth birthday, we couldn't gather indoors as a group, but we made the best of it by celebrating outside. I created a beautiful framed number "Five" which became one of my most popular posts ever! The following year, on her sixth birthday, I crafted a stunning mosaic fish for her and added a large number Six to a pedestal that I designed. Unfortunately, we were away for her seventh birthday, but this year, I have put together a wonderful number "Eight" to commemorate her special day. So the tradition continues, and now I now have another new baby granddaughter to create for. Watch this space for something special for her first birthday in November! 

The number eight frame was a pre-made frame that I bought from a UK wholesaler - Balancebest. I would normally make my own frame, but honestly, the frame was so reasonably priced it wasn't really worth the effort of making my own! 

Deciding which colours to use this year was my first challenge. My previous two birthday designs were bright and colourful, which always looked great in our garden. This year I decided to base my design around one of the new Qualatex® Microfoil™ balloons - Birthday Retro Daisies.

Birthday Retro Daisies

• Size and shape: 18" Round
• Package item #: 26563
• Flat item #: 26554

Using this balloon enabled me to pick out all the accent colours: Caribbean Blue, Yellow, Rose and Spring Lilac, would all be perfect for my design! 

If you would like to see how I created the number design view the video below.

If you would like to learn how I created the Number Five frame design, click HERE or visit https://theverybestballoonblog.blogspot.com/2020/06/how-to-make-styled-framed-number-and.html

And finally, if you would like to read my post: The Rainbow Fish inspired 6th Birthday Celebration click HERE or visit https://theverybestballoonblog.blogspot.com/2021/06/the-rainbow-fish-inspired-6th-birthday.html

The question is, what will I make for Alexa's Ninth Birthday... the pressure is on! 

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue

www.suebowler.com

Follow me@suebowler

From Unicorn's to Fairies - Whimsical Theme Decor Perfect for Summer Parties

There is something simply enchanting about Unicorns and Fairies! It is such a magical theme when it comes to creating decor! This magical idea is perfect for birthdays, new baby celebrations and baby showers too!

I am not traditionally a lover of outside decor, primarily because of all the problems that you can incur when putting balloons outside, (I will revisit this later in my post.) However, there are also many benefits when creating a fairy theme party outside! It's all about setting the scene and outdoor space that will allow us the opportunity to find the perfect setting! 

Sculptured Balloon Number by Sue Bowler, CBA.

During the pandemic I created decor for my Granddaughters 5th birthday, due to COVID restrictions, we had to have an outside party, and to be honest it was absolutely perfect as the extra space allowed me to be a little more creative.

Unicorn Column by Sue Bowler

Garden Decor by Sue Bowler

If you would like to learn how to make the Air-Filled freestanding Unicorn Design, and other simple balloon ideas to use outside, check out the video below.

If you would like to learn how I made the Number Five that I made for Alexa's birthday, check out the post that I wrote last year: How to Make a Styled Framed Number, and Make a Five Year Old Very Happy!  or click HERE

 Here is a little more 'Unicorn' inspiration!

Rainbow and Unicorn by Sue Bowler

Rainbow by Sue Bowler

So what are the factors to remember when working with balloons outside? 

You need to be aware that:

• Balloons will swell and expand in the heat.
• Darker balloon colours will absorb heat and pop faster.
• Balloons will oxidise (go misty and cloudy) and lose their clarity.

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. NOTE: Just under-inflating a balloon will make little difference. The idea is to stretch the balloon to its limit and then let it down to size. This will make the balloon more durable and less likely to pop in the heat.
• Use light-coloured balloons and avoid using dark colours. Use accent elements such as ribbons to introduce the darker colours into the decor.
• Plan for the balloons to oxidise. This is not a bad thing, it merely changes the visual texture of the balloon. Explain in advance to your clients that the balloons will look more “velvety” and acquire a rich, matte finish.
• Use white balloons as much as possible; they reflect the sun and fade less.
• When working with framework and poles, ensure that you cover these in white duct tape or wrap with white modelling balloons. This will help to keep the framework and poles from getting too hot.
• If working with helium-filled balloons, keep in mind that extreme heat speeds up the balloon diffusion process. So, in high temperatures, helium will escape much faster than normal, drastically reducing float time. If you can find a way to provide shade for the balloons, it can slow the process.
• Do not use water to cool down balloons. As the water dries on the latex, it becomes slightly sticky. The balloons can stick together, causing them to pop as they expand in the heat or move with the wind.
• Use Qualatex Bubbles™️ and Deco Bubbles whenever possible as they can withstand the sun, rain, and wind, making them much more reliable for outdoor decor.

Summer time is the perfect opportunity to create some fabulous outdoor party décor and further inspire your customers with fun and exciting ideas! If you are struggling for good photos, why not set a party in your own garden? This will give you the opportunity to practise, and get some great photographs... that's exactly what I did! 

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue

www.suebowler.com

Follow me @suebowler