Over the past few years, a new and exciting style of deliverable design has emerged – Balloon Stacks, or Balloon Bouquets.
The Evolution of Balloon Bouquets over Time ⏰🎈 Back in the day (we're talking many years ago 🦕), a balloon bouquet was simply a bunch of helium-filled latex and foil balloons tied together and securely fastened to a weight. Nowadays, balloon bouquets have become much more sophisticated. These stacks are creatively arranged and have a unique blend of colours, techniques and designs that make them a perfect fit for any occasion.
Check out this stunning example of a creative Balloon Bouquet! Designed by Jackie Ochitwa of With a Twist Balloon Creations in Alberta, Canada, this masterpiece showcases the artist's mastery of this style of decor. I usually live by the philosophy of "less is more", but in this case, more is definitely better!
Design by Jackie Ochitwa, CBA
For me, it is all in the detail, and that is what Jackie is especially good at! Jackie's twisting skills really give her the edge when creating these intricate designs. Learning a few twisting techniques definitely elevates any balloon artist's work!
Jackie has her own YouTube channel 'Jackie O' where you will find a selection of video tutorials that show a number of techniques she uses in her designs.
I have also included below, Jackie's Kawaii class from the Q Corner Balloon convention 2020. This FREE video class is approximately 1 hour and 45 mins long and is packed with some great techniques and twisted design ideas to recreate for your bouquet designs... Happy viewing!
Balloon Number Stacks are also extremely popular, and they make the perfect gift for anyone celebrating a special birthday from 1 to 100! There is definitely no age limit for these fabulous balloon designs! I love this vibrant tropical theme Number Nine design by Debbie Boxhall of Dream Higher Events. Those HOT colours really do 'pop'.
Balloon Design by Dream Higher Events in Kent. UK
Here are some more great example of creative balloon bouquets.
There is no limit to the amount of creativity you can use within one of these displays. The only limitation is your ballooning abilities. If you would like to learn more, there are some truly great resources:
1. You can tune into Q Corner's FREE Balloon Show or you can join the Q Corner School of Balloons for a monthly nominal fee where you will get access to lots of video tutorials and extra Q Corner content.
2. You can tune into Happy Hour with Cam & Eve. Simply click on the link to view all the past live streams. Once again, these are all free!
The dictionary definition of a column is: an upright pillar, typically cylindrical, supporting an arch, entablature, or other structure; or standing alone as a monument.
Sculptured Column Design Created by Sue Bowler
In the world of balloons, columns are defined as Classic Balloon decor and come in many shapes and sizes, and they are usually used as a structure that is supported by a base and an upright pole. They could also be self-supporting when using 646Q or QuickLink Balloons.
I designed this 'Sculptured Column' in the picture above for a corporate event in London. It still uses the traditional pole and base, but for this occasion the pole was 'sculptured' or bent to create this elegant shape. This design was inspired by the Gatsby theme.
A traditional column is usually one that has been constructed using either 4- or 5-balloon clusters. Using a 5-balloon clusters creates a rounder, more cylindrical shape, whereas the 4-balloon clusters will gives a squared shape.
Impressive Party Entrance Decor with these Star-Topped Columns
Candy-Coated Chrome™ Blossoms
This palm tree "trunk" was created using 5-balloon clusters to give it a rounder shape. The clusters have also been graduated in size, which helps to define the tree trunk shape. Balloon Christmas trees often use either 5- or even 6-balloon clusters to give an even more defined rounded shape.
The basic column is a good starting point for many 'simple' style balloon sculptures!
1. Cocktail Glass by Federico Onida, CBA 2. Cactus design by Cam Woody, CBA 3. Santa by Cam Woody, CBA 4. Christmas Trees by Dante Longhi, CBA
To learn how to make a 5-balloon spiral column, check out this video with Keith Stirman, CBA of QCorner.
Columns with a Twist!
Spiral Columns made with modelling balloons such as 260Q and 160Q have always been a favourite of mine. They are quick to make, always look elegant, and are a great way to decorate a pole when creating a design that require a pole and base structure. As with all techniques, they need to be practiced to ensure that you get perfect results every time!
This elegant column was created using Diamond Clear 260Q with Pearl White 160Q wrapped around... so pretty!
With its elegant lines, the Flat-Pack technique is very different from the usual cluster method that is often used to make Columns and Arches. I enjoy using this style for Columns and Arches and have used it a number of times for different events.
And finally, when it comes to designing columns, don't forget that there is a fabulous digital design and calculation tool available for balloon professionals. This tool is used by thousands of balloon industry professionals all over the world, and will assist you when designing Arches, Columns, Organic designs and Balloon Walls. To find out more, visit https://balloonpro.co/balloon-design-tools/. This tool is invaluable to my business as a means to design decor for corporate clients and for many of the classes that I teach!
Rainbows are the symbol of hope in many cultures, and during this pandemic, they have taken on that same meaningfulness. I don't think there has ever been a time when I have seen so many beautiful rainbow arches and other creative rainbow-themed decor displayed on social media.
The rainbow theme continues to trend, and now seems like the perfect time to share some inspiring decor!
Qualatex® Chrome™️ Rainbow Arch by Sue Bowler
Balloon Arches are the obvious choice when it comes to making rainbow dècor, and the best part is there is an abundance of different styles of arches that you can make!
Sunshine Smile Face Rainbow Arch by Cam Woody, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company
If you would like to learn how to make this 6-balloon Spiral Arch - click HERE to download the full instructions.
Here is another very artistic Rainbow Balloon Arch. Karoline Massey of Bewitched Parties, in Lancashire, UK, made this display.
Have you been watching Happy Hour with Cam & Eve? This is a weekly Facebook Live show that is hosted on Mr Q's Facebook Page on TUESDAY's at 1 pm (CST)?
Here is a selection of rainbow theme designs that Cam Woody & Eve Antonello have made during one of their shows. To see this episode and learn how to make these designs, check out the video below.
Eve displays the NEW "Rainbow" Microfoil as the Column topper for her
Luc Bertrand, CBA, of WaW Balloons, in Vichte, Belgium shows us a simple, yet effective QuickLink® Rainbow Arch with a Bubble Balloon® focal feature. This would be a prefect display to decorate a table.
How about a Rainbow Column? Dominic Cassidy, CBA and Keith Stirman, CBA, The Boys from Q Corner, Durham, UK, have created this pretty pastel Rainbow Column that compliments the "Radiant Rainbow" Microfoil balloon perfectly!
Here is another idea using the "Radiant Rainbow' Microfoil balloon, with an added smile face on this appealing 646Q Column.
Carolynn Haymen, of POP! Designs and Creations LLC, creates her trendy Rainbow Column using a combination of QuickLinks and 260Q's!
How about this gorgeous 30th birthday display? Zahraa Jaward, CBA, of Forever Balloon Boutique, Beirut, Lebanon, shares her truly beautiful Rainbow Hoop, another truly inspiring way to incorporate the rainbow theme into a design.
Did you know that Qualatex has even launched some fabulous new rainbow theme balloons?
24" "Rainbow Clouds" #13036 Front View
24" "Rainbow Clouds" #13036 Side View
22" Birthday Bright Rainbow Stripes #13037
And finally, if you are looking for a little bit of a boost in your social media posts, check out the fabulous FREE resources in the Marketing Materials section on the Qualatex website.
Here is an example of one of the ready-made rainbow theme posts and images available for you to use.
I hope this has provided you a with some fun new ideas for this exciting and colourful theme!
A few weeks ago, I was asked to name what I consider as my favourite ever balloon design, something of my own creation. After nearly thirty years of being in the balloon industry, that question stumped me. So before I tell you what mine and a few of my ballooning friend's favourites designs are, I would like you to think about what yours would be, and why? Naming your favourite design is a little bit like publicly saying who your favourite child is, and that is exactly the problem my fellow "balloonies" had when I asked them!
Elephant Sculpture by Chris Adamo
Here's what Chris Adamo, CBA, of Balloons Online in Sydney, Australia said;
"OMG it is so hard to decide on a favourite design but this is the first one that I thought of.
It was made to the exact proportions of an adult male African Bull Elephant. I actually saved the working drawings I used for proportions.
Why is this my favourite? I spent a long time researching how other elephants designs had been made with balloons, but I couldn't find anything that was made using a texture that seemed appropriate. Depending on the texture you are looking for, quick links and twisted balloons sometimes looks a little messy and draws focus away from the overall project. What I endeavoured to achieve in this project was a finish that was smooth and consistent, and the duplet square pack method created a finish that allowed the audience to see beyond the balloons and for a moment in time be transformed to a vintage circus"
Elephant Sculpture by Chris Adamo, CBA
Chris will be building a large balloon sculpture as part of the sculpture competition at BACI 2020 in Milan in March. I am very excited to see what he builds - of course I will report back! Cam Woody, CBA, of Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, USA, is a little like me, in that she struggled to find her absolute favourite. So she chose 4 designs!
Flashy Flamingo Design by Cam Woody
Flashy Flamingo
"I love this one because it has so much personality. My friends, who aren’t fond of balloons, couldn’t resist these flamingos. It’s not a complicated design. My favorite designs are usually the ones that are the most simple to make. These flamingos only require a minimal amount of twisting to create a character that draws people to it and makes them smile."
Baby Shower Decor
Baby Shower Decor by Cam Woody
"I chose this shot because of the way it makes me feel. There are a lot of different details in the scene that make it special. I like how light and airy it feels with the clouds and the hot air balloons. I like the rhythm that the different textured balloons add. The difference in the way the Chrome, Pearls and Standard colors reflect the light in the room makes the photo feel light it’s breathing. And one of my favorite details in the shot is the hot air balloon cupcakes. Again because they were so easy. I hadn’t seen anything like this before and it seems like it should have been so obvious. I used washi tape for the stripes on the 5” balloon and attached the balloon to cake pop sticks and added little bows."
Elegant Hearts Column
Elegant Heart Column by Cam Woody
"I like this column for several different reasons. First, the balloons lookso elegant! The Chromes mixed with the Rose Gold and White come together to make this design radiate luxury. I created a tack weave in the center part of the column with the 260Qs, a technique that I don’t use often, but I’m so pleased that I did for this piece. The elegance of the design justified the extra time that it took to add this detail."
Sparkling Unicorn Smiles
"This design featured some of our newer balloons, which I love. I made white the primary color to keep the piece light and airy. The sheer white ribbon also adds to the ethereal atmosphere. The whimsical Unicorn and Unicorn Horns along with the fun saying on the 18” foil delivery the message and color for the design. And I added a few paper flowers for the final details. The piece feels like something out of a fairy tale, which is exactly what I was trying to achieve."
My final guest for this blog post is Luc Bertrand, CBA of WaW Balloons in Vichte, Belgium. Luc's designs vary from large sculptures to small retail designs, so I was intrigued to see which of his designs he would consider to be his favourite and why.
"In spring 2011, Qualatex introduced the numbers shapes and the 18” foil smile faces in different colours. As I was teaching at the JBAN convention in Japan I was asked to showcase both new products. I was allocated two “demo” time slots of 15 minutes each to show one design including these. Subsequently, I traveled to Japan with a design for the numbers and a design for the smiles in mind. On the day of the demonstration, I was informed that the timetable has changed and that I now had only one 15 minutes time slot! Realising I could not show and properly explain my two designs in such a short time, I knew I had to come up with a new design. I decided to combine both, positioned the number on a base and topped the number with a smile face, gave the character two arms to create emotion and the “Happy Numbers” were born!
Happy Number by Luc Bertrand
I started teaching the design worldwide and soon pictures started to pop up everywhere with my creation. A bit later, I start adding other faces on the numbers and now 'Happy Pigs', 'Angry Cows', 'Wondering Giraffes', Winning Lions', 'Waving Frogs', and many more soon appear. Then I started to hear dazzling numbers when delegates told me how many "Happy Number" they sell a month, a week, a day! Gratitude is great but knowing how my design resulted in such huge sales for my colleagues worldwide will always be my biggest reward.
Happy Numbers by Luc Bertrand
9 years later, they are still a top design. I was teaching abroad only yesterday. During the break a lady came over and showed me the picture of a happy number (not my picture) on her cell phone. Little did she know it was my original design. She then asked me kindly if I was able to explain “such design”. Therefore, when you ask me what my favourite design is, I must go for the Happy Numbers.
a simple concept
easy to reproduce when knowing the right techniques.
2 arms giving the character all kind of expressions and emotions,
a gift that must have made numerous of thousands happy.
long lasting air filled design
a definite money maker,
a timeless design that will be alive and kicking for many years to come!
And now it's my turn! Like everyone else I really struggled with choosing my favourite design. I wavered between two solid options. Should it be my first place winner from many years ago at IBAC 13 that helped me to boost my International profile, not to mention my ballooning and teaching career? On the other hand, should it be a design that has excited me the most more recently? I have chosen the latter, as I have always enjoyed and thrived to create something a little bit different, which is exactly what I did last year for a client for their Great Gatsby event in London. I knew that I wanted to create a column, but also add something unusual. After spending a little time researching the Gatsby Theme, watching the film and referencing Art Deco style, I made a simple sketch in my note pad. I then turned my sketch into a digital image that I was able to show my client.
Gold Column Sculpture by Sue Bowler
On the right is my digital image with the final result (shown side-by-side), made from Gold Chrome balloons and complimented with 3' and Deco Bubble confetti-filled balloons! Whilst I was making these Gold Column Sculptures on-site at the venue, I could not believe the number of compliments that I received from the hotel staff, the event organisers and general passersby! It was so exciting to hear all the positive comments and exclamations of "we've never seen such beautiful balloons!" A week after the Gatsby event, I attended the Qualatex Event in Mexico and decided to share the design with the delegates. I made a few changes and added a few new elements - once again I was greeted with an overwhelming positive response. Since this event, I have used the same style of frame to make an elegant organic style wedding design. We are so used to strong vertical lines with balloons that by using soft curves often feels more natural, organic and playful. I have also found that creating a curving line rather than a straight adds volume, giving the appearance of a bigger or more voluminous design.
I have loved seeing the designs selected by Chris, Cam, and Luc. I truly admire their work and styles, and have really enjoyed compiling their testimonies and getting their perspectives.
Have you decided what your favourite design is? Considering this aspect is an important reason to acknowledge our personal success is it can help us continue to achieve. If we reflect back on what worked well and why, we can often repeat the process and hence continue to benefit repeatedly.
