Having a Jungle or Safari party theme is very popular for all ages, my first encounter of a Safari theme party was at IBAC 15 in 2001, which was the first time that I taught at IBAC having been a competitor for the previous 2 IBACs!
I was given the task of designing animal trophy heads for the Hunters Lodge for the Thursday night Costume Party, which I have detailed a little later in this blog.
The IBAC Jungle Party was designed by Glenna Kipp, CBA. Glenna and her amazing team transformed the ballroom into a magnificent jungle! I have just looked back at Balloon Images April/May/June 2002 and reminded myself of all the fun designs that were created from Sky Broom Tree's, Monkey Tree's, Safari Falls and Palm Tree Paradise... just to name a few!
As a balloon decorator, Balloon Arches are a big part of our everyday business. David Saker, CBA, of Balloon.co.uk, regularly sells multiple Garland Arches for sporting events such as this recent cycle race that was held at Windsor Racecourse in the U.K. David was commissioned to build fifteen Arches to mark the start and finishing line of the race. Each Arch was built using the AeröPole System, a fantastic system for creating air-filled Arches that still gives the free moving appearance of a helium-filled Arch, and is perfect for outdoor events!
Arches are such a fabulous way to set the scene, bringing attention and colour to an event. When used outdoors, they work fabulously well for sporting events, the opening of new stores, and to indicate where an event is happening! Indoors, they are often used for entrance decor, welcoming and greeting guests as they arrive at their function. For theme events and parties, they can create a big statement and are often used as backdrops and photo opportunities. The great thing about Arches is that we can make them in so many different ways. Here are some great examples of balloon Arches that have been "embellished" — which is to be made more interesting by adding extra decorative detail, which is something that I love to do with my Arch designs.
"Flower Embellished Arch." Design by Sue Bowler, CBA.
This Arch is very elegant, and perfect for formal black tie events. The pattern created by the placement of the red latex balloons creates a wavy, asymmetrical line that shows perfect rhythm and motion within the design. The use of the Qualatex® Taper balloon flowers adds a whole new dimension to this Arch using Microfoil® balloons and shape, as there is a huge contrast between the roundness of the latex balloons versus the pointedness of the Tapers.
"Colourful Candy Suprise." Designed by Cam Woody, CBA.
When I first saw this Arch it was love at first sight, and I could not wait to have the opportunity to make one myself! Making an Arch solely out of Microfoil balloons is challenging. Firstly, you need to step out of your comfort zone of the formal placing and sizing of latex balloons, much like the organic style decor we see much of today, but there is also the technical issue of securing the balloons to the frame.
"Game-Winning Goal."
This is another version of an all Microfoil balloon Arch! Once again, this design has a huge visual impact by using a range of Stars 36", 20", and 9" Stars and the 36", 18" and 9" Soccer Ball round.
Mickey Mouse Polka Dot Arch Designed by Cam Woody, CBA.
Who could not adore this fabulous Mickey Mouse-inspired Arch! Cam has used one of my favourite latex balloons, 11" Polka Dots to add fun and excitement to this awesome Arch! I expect you're wondering how the 3' balloon is so neatly placed in the centre of the Arch? A little bit of balloon magic, of course!
For the past few years, I have seen more and more detailed faces using the distortion technique!
The detail in Masako Normura, CBA of FuwaFuwa, Japan, sculpture, was awesome, we all studied the Geisha face with huge admiration! Masako's sculpture came second in the Large balloon sculpture category at the World Balloon Convention 2010. Masako created another great large sculpture a WBC 2012, she used many different distortion techniques in this sculpture.
Masako Nomura, CBA
Today, many balloon artists are using a similar technique in their everyday work... Here are some amazing ghosts heads made by PartyFiesta Shop, by positioning several balloons inside a bigger balloon these amazing faces can be created!
Many of you may know Niko Fric, CBA. Niko has designed a tool called the Nikoloon Tool which allows you to do many fantastic things with latex balloons.
Nikoloon Tool
He has a great website www.nikoloon.com filled with information, pictures and step by step guides! Here are a few of the faces that he has created using the distortion technique and Nikoloon tool!
By Niko Fric CBA
By Niko Fric CBA
By Niko Fric CBA
Here is his guide to making a face... but visit his website to see these instructions and more in greater detail! www.nikoloon.com Niko will ship the 'Nikoloon' anywhere in the world... free shipping!
There are many different techniques used to create distortion with balloons, in the Part 3 of this blog I will show some simple ways to create shaped faces... but like anything, it is practise and experimenting that makes perfect results! Do you remember when you first tried to tie a balloon! Don't expect to make the perfect face the first time you try :) Happy Ballooning! Sue www.suebowler.com
I have just returned from BACI — Balloon Arts Convention Italy, held in Florence, Italy, from the 24th to the 26th April 2017. Once again, we were wowed by some truly inspiring and talented balloon artists who took part in this year's Medium Sculpture Competition. This year's theme was "Once Upon A Time," and all the entries interpreted the theme in very exciting and different ways. The balloon sculptures had to be built within twelve hours, with a maximum of seven people in each team. The space allocated for each sculpture was 2 x 2 x 3m high. This year's winners were the Russian team headed up by team captain Vadim Shushkanov, CBA.
Well 2013 has finally arrived along with a lovely crisp and sunny morning, making it somehow feel like a new year!
2012 was a great year for fantastic events and not such a great year with the helium 'crisis'. But Qualatex jumped to the rescue offering a range of 1 day demonstrations and a fantastic booklet filled with inspiring air-filled designs - The Qualatex Air-filled Advantage! Which if you did not get a copy is available to download just click HERE
The excitement and anticipation for the 2016 World Balloon Convention (WBC) is growing by the day! I suppose if you have never been to WBC, it is hard to understand exactly what all the fuss is about?
I have often mentioned in my blogs how attending my first convention, which was the European Balloon Symposium in Paris in 1996, a Qualatex®event, helped me to turn my business around and set me on the road to success!
So why are so many people so passionate about spending a week with fellow balloon professionals from all over the world?
Joette Giardina, CBA and Garlis Bolivar, CBA "jamming." Photograph courtesy of Jani Blocker.
Networking: One of the overriding reasons that many people attend WBC is for the camaraderie. I can honestly say that so many of us have made life-long friends and buddies from around the world. People who share the same passion for balloons and balloon art. New friends that we can communicate with long after the convention is over. Building a network of friends gives us the help and support when we need it.
I love when I return to WBC, it is like one fantastic family reunion! I love seeing all the friends that I have met over the years. I also love to meet and make lots of new friends too! You will never feel lonely or left out at this event!
Edward Muñoz, CBA. Photograph courtesy of Jani Blocker
With Mother's Day, Easter, International Woman's Day, plenty of spring birthdays and fresh new babies over the coming months, this is the perfect time for balloon businesses to boost their marketing and sales opportunities with a bright and fresh spring theme decor and delivery ideas!
Spring is actually my favourite time of year; the blossoming trees and early flowers pushing through the earth holds so much charm for me. I don't know about you, but I definitely feel more energised and ready to take on new projects and challenges in the Spring!
International Woman's Day
International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.
I have read much about International Woman's Day, and feel that it is important as a female entrepreneur and business owner to stand loud and proud and use this day to create greater awareness of women in business. Here is a great post, titled 6 International Woman's day social post ideas 2023, that is packed with some great ideas that you could implement!
Standing for Women!
Celebrate International Women’s Day with this impressive display.
Designer name: Alexander Solomatin, CBA, Moscow, Russia, Dmitry Novikov, CBA, Moscow, Russia
Mother’s Day is a holiday to honour and celebrate mothers (and any other woman that has taken on a 'mother' role in a person's life) and is celebrated in countries worldwide. The holiday originated in the United States in its modern form, and is observed on the second Sunday in May. Many other countries also celebrate the holiday on this date, while some celebrate at different times of the year. In the UK, we celebrate it on the 4th Sunday of lent, which means that the date varies each year according to Easter. This year we will be celebrating Mother's Day on the 19th March!
When it comes to finding the perfect gift for Mother's Day, most people leave it to the last minute (much like Valentine's Day). It is human nature to delay until the date creeps up, then frantically rush around looking for gift ideas at the final hour.
This is why it’s a great idea to start promoting Mother’s Day at least 3-4 weeks before the special day. It gives you time to remind shoppers that the big day is coming and helps them start thinking about what to buy.
Qualatex has a comprehensive range of fabulous marketing assets available to use for social media posts for Facebook, Stories and Instagram plus Facebook banners too! Click HERE for direct access or go to https://us.qualatex.com/en-us/inspiration/marketing-materials/
Rain, Sun, Rainbow, Repeat…
This dreamy rainbow design is sure to make her day.
Easter has become the new hot holiday for stuffing balloons! Like Elf on the Shelf at Christmas, it is now popular to give a child a stuffing balloon filled with Easter Treats and topped with a Floppy Eared Bunny or Baby Chick balloon!
And finally, Babies and Birthdays featuring the newest Qualatex balloons!
Flutter Into Spring
This lovely design is perfect for a bright and airy spring birthday!
Designer name: Eve Antonello, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA
Cuddle them Close This cuddly and lovely deliverable will charm every new parent. Designer name: Cam Woody, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA
I dream of baby… Float away to baby land with this sweet ‘new baby’ deliverable. Designer name: Cam Woody, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA
I am certainly inspired by all the new Qualatex balloons and excited to start creating! I look forward to seeing all your fabulous designs appearing on socials soon!
2018started with what can only be described as a revolutionary new latex balloon - Qualatex® Chrome™ Balloons! A latex balloon unlike any other with a rich, shiny metallic finish that looks simply stunning!
Over the past year I have seen some fabulous designs and decor created using Chrome balloons. There are so many to choose from, but here are a few of my favourites!
Natasha Nordin, CBA of the London Balloon Boutique
Natasha Nordin, CBA, of the London Balloon Boutique, London, U.K. used 11" Chrome Gold balloons to create these fabulous balloon covered pillars. I love the precision and metallic ball-bearing effect that this decor creates.
Design by Spark's in Beirut, Lebanon.
I love this "Chrome" design by Sparks, in Beirut, Lebanon. Chrome balloons turn to "glass" when double-stuffed with a Jewel Tone balloon over the top! I re-named this balloon type as a Jewel-Chrome!
Design by Zoe Adam-Jones, Jaz Trading, Queensland, Australia.
Zoe Adam-Jones, CBA, of Jaz Trading in Queensland, Australia recently shared this beautiful organic style Chrome and greenery Christmas tree, which is absolutely stunning!
On the 24th January we saw the launch of the fabulous new on-line show Q Corner Live!Hosted by the very funny, witty, occasionally a little bit naughty but always sincere, Keith Stirman, CBA, and Dominic Cassidy, CBA. Over the past year, Keith and Dom have presented this interactive "EDU-TAINMENT" show that offers a wide variety of topics including Business and Marketing Tips, New Product Features, Question and Answer Sessions, Industry Interviews and lots more! If you have not already subscribed, click on the link to make sure that you never miss an episode! https://youtube.com/qcornershowand check back on some of their earlier shows too if you missed them the first time round!
San Diego - World Balloon Convention 2018!
Welcome Decor by Stuart Davies, CBA
From March 14-17, 2018 the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina was filled with nearly 900 ballooning delegates! Attendees travelled from far and wide from 52 different countries to enter competitions, attend many fabulous classes, and participate with building event decor as well as attend the grand events! Words cannot truly describe how fabulous this event is. It's not just a learning experience, it's probably the most energising and exciting ballooning opportunity that you will ever experience! If you don't believe me, just check out this fabulous mini documentary that follows the WBC journey of the Canadian "Twisted Team"!
Final Night Decor by Olga Baranova, CBA, and Olga Samoilova, CBA.
Design class with Luiz Carlos da Costa Silva, CBA.
The next World Balloon Convention will be held in Orlando, Florida - March 23-25 2021! You have plenty of time to save - try saving a small percentage from each of your 2019 balloon jobs towards the cost, you will be amazed at how quickly your savings will grow! Organic balloon decor still remains one of this year's top selling styles of balloon decor!
I had the opportunity to create this fabulous balloon and flower wall a few months ago for a corporate client. They loved it - and so did I! Not only was it organic, it featured beautiful shades of pastel coloured balloons which blended really well with the faux flowers. Pastel shades is another growing trend that I am sure that we will see much more of in 2019! Trending Balloons There have been some wonderful trends this year, some new, and others continue to grow from last year! What is your favourite?
Donut
Toucan
Llama
Mermaid
Flamingo
Unicorn
Balloons and the Environment This became one of the hottest topics in 2018 and something that all ballooning professionals need to be aware of. We have a number of different bodies fighting our corner and when I say fighting I really mean it! In Europe we have the European Balloon and Party Council (EBPC). And in the U.S. we have The Balloon Council (TBC). Both councils are represented by leading balloon and equipment manufacturers, gas companies and many other party related companies! Earlier this year, EBPC launched a new website - www.partysafe.eu - you will find a wealth of information related to guidance and product safety. Many of you will have heard of PEBA - the Pro Environment Balloon Alliance. PEBA is working tirelessly to represent the balloon industry. I really don't want to gloss by this topic, and will be writing a full up-date blog post in the new year. If you are unsure what EPBC, PEBA and The Balloon Council are doing to help support the balloon industry, I recommend that you check out each of their websites - I have added links to make it easy for you to find them.
And finally...
Images Magazine and Balloon Magic are going digital! From the new year, both Images Magazine and Balloon Magic will be available online and will be free! Here are a few facts!
The last print issue of Balloon Images is October/November/December 2018.
The last print issue of Balloon Magic is issue #93, which will be mailed in December 2018.
Starting in 2019, both publications will be hosted on qualatex.com.
All content will be free, but there will be exclusive content for QBN members in the Balloon Images issues.
The issues will feature valuable content for today’s digital age including: video tutorials, downloadable marketing materials, links to helpful content on other sites, and much more!
Both publications will be translated to languages currently supported on qualatex.com.
People living outside of the United States will no longer have to wait weeks or months to receive their issues because it will now be delivered to your email inbox.
Be sure to join the Qualatex email list and subscribe to the individual publication lists to receive an email as soon as the issues go live.
Qualatex will still produce a print publication that will be released annually. The first, to be called The Very Best of 2018, is planned to be available for purchase January 2019 for approximately $12 USD +shipping.
This is just a small collection of 2018 moments, I am sure that I have missed many! I am very excited to see what 2019 brings us! Happy Ballooning! Sue www.suebowler.com
#suebowler
Designing and planning a theme party is challenging, but also a great deal of fun! We are very lucky to be part of this industry, and I am very fortunate to get the opportunity to attend so many wonderful theme parties when I travel to teach at conventions around the world. I think half of my wardrobe is filled with fancy dress costumes!
Cheshire Cat by Alberto Nava, CBA. Photograph by Luc Bertrand.
At BACI - Balloon Arts Convention Italy this year, our party theme was based on Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, a slightly different take on the original theme. Luc Bertrand, CBA of wAw Balloons, in Vichte, Belgium, was appointed the gala party coordinator and tasked each of the BACI instructors with a project that would be completed by them with the help of delegates on the day of the party. One of the biggest challenges was to transport all the decor from one side of Florence to the other, a factor that certainly had to be taken into consideration when making the designs. The venue was very quirky, with greenery, wood, and foliage hanging from the ceiling. This worked extremely well for our theme. For me, it looked like the rabbit hole, which was absolutely perfect! Here is a photograph of the venue before we transformed it.
And after!
Centrepiece Designs by Enza Mondello, CBA, and Jośe Luthman, CBA.
Enza Mondello of Balloon Express Shop in Patty, Italy, and Jośe Luthman of Fiesta Mulhouse in Mulhouse, France, were both asked to design centrepieces. Enza chose two different designs for her delegates to make; one with fabulous polka dot teapots and the other with the Queen of Hearts/ Ace of Spades playing card Microfoil balloons. Jośe worked on an intriguing mushroom design created from double stuffed 6" Quick Link Balloons®.
Mad Hatter hats! These awesome hats were made by delegates as part of a twisting class led by the very talented Alessandro Patanè, CBA, of Balloon Express Shop in Giarre, Italy.
Olga and Olga with their beautiful entrance decor. Photograph by Luc Bertrand
Olga Baranova, CBA, and Olga Samoilova, CBA, of Sonlnechny Veter in Samara, Russia, took charge of the stunning entrance decor. Not only did it make an exciting entrance piece, but a beautiful photo opportunity, too!
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