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

Introducing Toñy Moncada CBA, and sharing a video of one of her fabulous NEW techniques!

Earlier this month I attended the OnArt Event held in Barcelona, Spain. It was a rare opportunity to be able to attend a convention as a guest and not an instructor.

I was very excited to be able to see some of the instructors at work teaching some truly awesome classes! One of the classes that I attended was "Table Settings" taught by Toñy Moncada, CBA of Globofiesta, in Elche, Alicante, Spain.

Here is one of Toñy's beautiful wedding table settings that she sells
not only as a balloon display but also filled with treats and candies! 

I first met Toñy Moncada in 2008 at the first OnArt Event. Toñy is very passionate about balloons and creative decor. She loves exciting her clients with her fabulous ideas. Toñy's explains that her day-to-day sales mainly come from clients wanting balloons for newborns and birthdays. She specialises, however, in wedding and communion decor. In a six week-period from the end of April to the beginning of June, Toñy says that her store averages 50-60 communions per week!

Toñy told me that she loves to create wedding decor. She feels that her work fills the couple's day with many emotions. All of Toñy's weddings are bespoke, designed specifically to achieve the client's dreams. Toñy loves to build a good relationship with her customers so that she can fully understand their desires and wants.

I love Toñy's Japanese influenced design for an 18th birthday! 

One of Toñy's favourite balloons is the Qualatex^® Deco Bubble! 

"Bubbles are so versatile. There are so many beautiful things that you can do with them! They are long-lasting and one of my top-selling balloons!"

Toñy offers some great advice for someone new to the balloon industry.

"To work with balloons, you must feel a passion. Without passion you will not be able to find your creativity. You must also understand how to run a business. This is vitally important for the future success of your business.

Make sure that you build a good relationship with your customers, as this will result in repeat business and good recommendations." 

During Toñy's class, she shared a fabulous technique that I had never seen before. I asked Toñy if she would be happy to share this with the readers of the Very Best Balloon Blog and she agreed!