Friday, August 24, 2012

Working with Balloon Clip Art... and how to use a Image Manipulation Program to help you to present your ideas and suggestions to your clients and customers.

As a QBN (Qualatex Balloon Network) member you can get access to some great Clip Art templates that you can use to present your decor idea's to your customers and clients.

This blog is to help you to take a Clip Art design like this:

And with a little knowhow you can transform it to this, so you can show colours and pattern idea's!





Start by visiting www.Qualatex.com, if you look at the Purple headers on the left side of the homepage you will see under Qualatex Balloon Network, QBN Resource Centre, click on that and it open's the page that you can see below.

Now click on Marketing Resources

Before you can log in as a QBN Business Member and access your marketing resources, you’ll first need to read and agree to the terms of this limited license agreement. To be able to gain access to this area you'll need to have passed Test 1 Balloon Basics and have your QBN number and password. If you do not remember yours just email QBN@Qualatex.com and they will be able to assist you.





Once you have entered your QBN number and password you should reach this page:



This page offers you a few options. If you look at the top right you can download JOB COST FORMS in PDF or Excel!

But for now we are looking at Clip Art, so simply select CLIP ART from the Resources menu and leave the Theme and Item reading All, then click on search.


You will now see a selection of Clip Art templates that are available for you to use.




You simply click on the Clip Art that you want to download and save it to your computer, make a folder on your desktop and name it Clip Art so you can easily store and find it when you need it.

So, now you have a Clip Art template of the arch or bouquet that you want to show your customer, how can you add colour to it to use it in your quotes and or presentations?

After many attempts over the years trying to learn how to manipulate photographs and pictures, downloading various 'time limited trial design programs' and really not ever getting to grips with how they work (sound familiar) plus without spending huge amounts of money on a program that I would probably use less than 5% of it's capability, I finally discovered a free program called GIMP - GNU Image Manipulation Program. 


I am not going to say that GIMP is a really easy program to use unless you are already a Photoshop and Coral Draw users , and if you are then you probably already know how to colour fill and much more!


So, if you are like me and with anything new, especially when it comes to computers, it takes me a while to fully understand how things works, and find that it is a constant learning curve!

Here is a description of GIMP from the manufacturers.


I have read a number of different reviews and in the main they are all very good, but hopefully, I can get you started on some really simple tasks.

So, to get started, you need to download GIMP there are versions for MAC and PC, visit www.gimp.org ... it's been a while since I downloaded my version, so I hi-jacked John's computer to see how easy it is.

The first thing that I will warn you about is that your computers security software will probably advise you not to download it, but that's not unusual, but it's a decision that you have to make, but from a personal experience I have never had any issues.

Secondly, because it's a free program, it appears that they have lumped a whole load of other programs ahead of the download, so just keep declining these (unless you want them) and then it will eventually automatically start the download, just read everything that it shows, so you can see what they are offering you, but I just declined everything and on the last one I un-checked the box that said that it would send me up-dates...

It's quite a large folder approx. 77mb (megabytes), but it does not take too long to download.

Now it's downloaded, just complete the set-up as instructed and then your ready to start!

When I download programs such as GIMP, I always save them into my APPLICATIONS folder, when I open the Applications folder I am looking for this symbol.




To start working on a Clip Art image, you might find it easier to right click the Clip Art image that you have downloaded and saved and  that you want to colour and ask it to open with then select GIMP, there will be several options see below (your options will be different from mine).

Once you click on this GIMP will open and look like this:





It asks you if you would like to Assign the picture to the workspace allocated, just click on the Assign button - you actually have the option to change the size of the workspace at this point, but I would not bother. If you have already opened GIMP it will automatically assign the Clip Art to the workspace.

Now your screen should look like this...


I hope that you are still with me, once you have done this a few times it will become easier and you will start to enjoy all the things that you can do with GIMP... but baby steps for now:)

Should the toolbox not appear, you can open it by clicking on Tools, which is on the command bar just above the large balloon on the column. I keep the toolbox outside of the workspace so that I can always see it. If any other boxes open in addition to the workspace and toolbox, just close these as you will not need these today.

Now you need to learn how to fill the balloons with colours.

You are going to work with a tool called BUCKET FILL



Once you have the Bucket Fill tool open you can now start to fill in the balloons.

I have made a short DVD clip to show you how to do this... I hope that it helps?


Wow...this has to be the most challenging blog that I have written to date! I hope that you are able to understand how to preform this simple task and use it within your work... let me know how you get on!

If you have any comments please do not hesitate to leave them in the comments area at the end of this blog, or email me Sue@suebowler.com

I am no expert when it comes to using programs such as this, I hope that my very little knowledge just through trail and error will help some of you to experiment where you may not have felt confidant enough to do so.

Happy Ballooning!

Sue
www.suebowler.com

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

3 steps to creative air-filled designs with Microfoil balloons.

Here are a few very simple idea's of how you can present an 18" Microfoil balloon without using helium.



I completed a job cost form for each of these designs. The first version Below) with just the 5 x 5" balloon double cluster base (allowing 5 mins to prepare), is only a matter of a few pennies more than an 18" foil inflated with helium and secured to a ribbon and weight (that's working on the average cost of helium today)!
Version 1
But look at the second version... how much does it cost you to add 2 more 5" balloons and 2 x 260Q's... again, just a matter of pennies, but the perceived value is so much greater.
Version 2
The final version uses a 646Q for the body, but unlike most 646Q characters, I have only inflated the 646Q to approx. 9", this makes the overall design stand no higher than about 24"... easy to sell, easy to transport for the customer!
Version 3
How do we promote these designs to our customers?
  • Longer lasting - an air-filled foil balloon will last for many many weeks.
  • Easy to transport
  • Great value  
  • Big Impact and appeal
  • Pick up and go! (always have a selection of designs ready to go)
  • Announce these great designs, display them in your windows and around your shop or store... add a price tags so your customers can see how much they are! ("Take me home for only $$$xx")- let them sell themselves!
Design Sheet - Air-Filled Smile Face Santa created by Sue Bowler 

So what about message foils?

We can do the exact same thing with a message foil too! It really all about your creativity, you can add many different elements that add's value - ribbon or 160Q bows for example.

Design Sheet Air-Filled Baby's First Birthday - created by Sue Bowler

Qualatex are working hard and as we speak to produce a NEW flier packed with air-filled ideas and designs. There will be classes dedicated to air-filled designs and decor across the US, UK and other locations Worldwide. We have many very talented balloon artists who share their own air-filled work freely in both the Qualatex and QBN Facebook Groups - a huge thank you to them! 
Think of the current helium situation as an exciting challenge, try out some new ideas today!

Happy Ballooning!
Sue
www.suebowler.com




Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Learn How To Make This Beautiful Wedding Arbour


Elegant Wedding Arbour


Sue Bowler
Wedding Arbour - by Sue Bowler CBA



So what is an arbour? By definition, it is a shady garden alcove with sides and a roof formed by trees or climbing plants over a wooden frame. My wedding arbour above gives you the same sense of a garden frame but with the elegance of light and airy balloons, silk flowers and soft organza.

So what is its purpose? An arbour such as this could be used as the focal point at the wedding ceremony, if you search "wedding arbours", you will see that there are so many different styles - is this an area of decor that you are missing out on?


Product List



39286 - Just Married ARP* Diamond Clear 5” 
39208 - Just Married ARP Diamond Clear 11”
43552 - Diamond Clear 5”
43597 - Pearl White 5”
43788 - Pearl White 11”
43603 - Metallic Silver 5”


99326 - Magenta 5"
43960 - Silver 260Q
22932 - Pearl White 160Q
Organza Ribbon
Silk Flowers



* ARP - All Round Print

Method of Construction



The easiest way to make this design is to start by making all 4 columns first; please note that the 5” balloons listed above are a random selection and not a formal pattern: please also note that the Magenta balloons are double stuffed with Silver over the top to create this very soft colour. Starting from the base of each column, work upwards: 



TIP: I always recommend that you 'wrap' you poles and any frames that you are working with using the same colour of balloons that you are putting on to the frame. I use either 260Q/ 350Q when I wrap, or 646Q to stretch over.

Cluster 1. 5 x 5" Inflated to 3"
Cluster 2. 5 x 5" Inflated to 4"
Cluster 3. 5 x 5" Inflated to 4.5"
Cluster 4. 5 x 5" Inflated to 4"
Cluster 5. 5 x 5" Inflated to 3"

This creates a really nice shape, a little different from the usual graduated style.

You now need to add:

4 x 260Q Silver
4 x 160Q Pearl White

You will need to decide how much of the pole you want to cover with this double spiral, personally, I would tie a scrap of 160Q on each of your poles to determine this point to ensure that they all the same!

Start the spiral by using the 4 x 260Q Silver and wrap these around the pole. 

To create a double spiral you need to add the inflated 160Q at the same time as the 260Q but wrap them individually once you have created the first spiral with all the 260Q.

You are now going to add a further three clusters:

Cluster 6. 5 x 5" Inflated to 4"
Cluster 7. 5 x 5" Inflated to 4.5"
Cluster 8. 5 x 5" Inflated to 4"

Now create a second double spiral, and take this spiral up to 6" - 15cm from the top of each of the poles.


You are going to repeat the same cluster format as clusters 1 - 5, however you cannot add these clusters until the top arch frame is completed and added onto the columns, as part of this cluster series is on the pole and the other half on the arch frame

The easiest way to make the arch frame (top part of this design) is to make it up on the floor prior to adding to the four columns!

You can use aluminium rod or a plastic conduit, just make sure that it fits into your poles.

Determine how big your arbour needs to be and this will determine how long your rod or conduit needs to be allowing enough extra to secure to the poles, aluminium rod can be purchased in different lengths, 4m usually being the longest.

Sue Bowler
Lay your aluminium rods or plastic conduit on the floor and cross them over at the centre, see diagram below.


Mark the place at the ends of each of the rods to indicate the point at which the frames will be added/slotted in to your columns (most column poles are hollow, so it is easy to slot in your rods, if they are not hollow then you will need to secure the rods to the outside of the poles using duct tape), I would allow a minimum of 12" - 30 cms to make sure that it fits securely. Do not worry about bending your rods to create the arch as this will naturally happen when each of the ends is slotted into the columns. You will need to add a second mark (I have indicated this in red), this is the point where your repeat cluster (1-5) will finish, you will probably find that it will be the last two clusters that will extend onto the arch top, once you have made your marks, you can add the final spirals.



The spirals on the top part of the arbour are only single spirals using 2 x 260Q Silver and 2 x 160Q Pearl White,  I felt that the double spiral would be visually too heavy. Depending how big your arbour is going to be, you may need to only 1 set or if bigger 2 sets, if you use two sets then fill the connection join with a cluster of 5" balloons inflated to 3".



In the centre of the arbour, I have added a double bubble topiary ball using 12 x 11" Diamond Clear with 12 x 11" Pearl White.
Sue Bowler
Double Bubble Topiary Ball 




Add the topiary ball at the centre where the two rods cross over... you just push the ball into position.



Add Organza, ribbons and silk flowers to the arch top, but I recommend that you add all this detail before you position the arches into the columns. I have also used 5" Magenta inside 5" Silver to add a little more detail. I created under-inflated 'Bubbles', made up into clusters of three as accent colour and detail.



You will need a minimum of two people but ideally four people to lift the top into position. Carefully slide each rod into the column and secure with duct tape. 



Add the remaining clusters to each of the columns (repeating clusters 1-5 to complete the design. 



Now finish the design by adding organza, silk flowers and the three balloon clusters to each of the columns to complement the arch top.
Sue Bowler
Accent detail - organza, silk flowers and a balloon bubbles.



Well, this has to be one of the hardest designs to 'recipe'... even though it is actually quite simple to make!

Happy Ballooning!



Sue












Monday, July 30, 2012

Money Money Money... Gift Ideas!

Tim- Perfect Touch Balloons
When I ran my balloon business some years ago, I remember being asked if I could put money inside a balloon or several balloons... I have even been known to put an engagement ring inside a balloon too - twice!

So when I was asked recently if I had any ideas for 'money in balloon gifts',  I thought that it would be great to see what other balloon professionals do when they are asked to put money or gifts inside balloons!

Money Balloon - Soo Wheeler CBA


"We get asked to put money and gifts into balloons. We usually use our stuffing machine and get a jumbo paperclip to hold the money.We have also enclosed gifts such as earrings and necklaces and the good old way of bottle of bubbly and teddies  for new babies.At christmas we also empty a tin of quality street or roses (chocolate candy) into the balloons for xmas stockings!" - Soo Wheeler, Party Buds, UK.


Hee Eun Park


 Hee Eun Park sent me some of his great idea's!
"I made these balloons w/ candy in them.  You could easily put money in them instead of the candy or do both."



Doris Kristin Herzog

Doris Kristin Herzog of Ballonkunst Herzog, Germany, shares a selection of her great money in balloons design ideas! 


Ko Minderhoud CBA
Ko Minderhoud CBA of Balloon en Ko, Netherlands, creates this beautiful 'Money Tree'. Ko told me that he used this same great design when he took his CBA Exam- not real money on that occasion!


Carol Denison

Carol Denison of Balloon Occasions , shared this unique idea. She has placed the money inside the 646Q Diamond Clear balloon (you need to look closely to see the 646Q), so that even when the money has been removed the recipient still has a balloon arrangement!



Alissa from Balloons Delivered Australia shares her 'Money Topiary'

Alissa says "If you look closely at the topiary I made it using a ribbon money chain."

Gemma Rich CBA
Gemma Rich CBA of Perfect Party uses Bubble Balloons which she personalises and creates the ideal money in a balloon gift!

Carlina Thomasson
Another lovely personalised Bubble balloons this time from Carlina Thomasson

Sharon Farrant told me "there is £50 split between these two balloons. Some I put inside the baby balloons leaving just one £5 visible they have to pop them all" - see below.

Sharon Farrant
Shirley Johnstone

Shirley Johnstone has created these beautiful 'Money Butterflies', which she has placed inside an 18" Stuffing balloon.

If you 'Google', 'folding money to make gifts', there are some really great ideas, some of them quite easy the others a little more complicated, but I am sure with practise you could become an expert money folder and why not add a 'new string to your bow' of skills that you can offer!

If you are looking for new 'Stuffing' balloon inspiration, there is a great new DVD by Alberto Falcone CBA called 'Amazing Stuff'. Alberto's idea's are super cool and super sellable too! For more information and distributors visit www.albertofalcone.com

Amazing Stuff - by Alberto Falcone CBA
A huge thank you to all those who very generously sent me their ideas and pictures for this blog!

Happy Ballooning!

Sue
www.suebowler.com

Thursday, July 26, 2012

How to create a business Facebook page... and a few of the rules that you may not know about!


I have been working on Facebook page's for over 2 years now, but I still get confused about what you can and cannot do on Facebook!

Here are just a few tips on how and why you should create a Business Facebook Page...



Let's start by looking the different Facebook Pages:

Facebook Profile - this is where people ask to be your friend and you have to accept them as a friend.
Profiles (timelines) are for personal, non-commercial use only. They represent individuals and must be held under an individual name. 

Facebook Groups - This is where people ask to join a group.
A Facebook group is a page created for an organization or business to promote activities. Users can join the group and post their thoughts on a wall and interact through discussion threads. 

Facebook Business Pages - this is where people can 'like' a page.
Pages are for professional or official use, and allow an organization, business, celebrity or band to maintain a presence on Facebook. You may only create Facebook Pages to represent real organizations of which you are an authorized representative. 

A business, must use the business Facebook page option, but many people have mistakingly set up a business profile on a personal Facebook profile - you can easily convert your personal account to a business Facebook page, I have added a link here - Facebook Link, this link gives further explanation as to why you should convert your personal account if you are using it to promote your business and how to do it.

I recently felt that I was probably breaking a few Facebook rules with my personal Facebook page, advertising courses and promoting DVD's, so instead of waiting to be told off or even worse having my page removed by those lovely folk at Facebook, I decided to create my own business Facebook Page, still called Sue Bowler as I use my name to trade under

Here are my 2 Facebook pages, the first is my personal Facebook profile and the second one is my Business Facebook Page.


This is my personal Facebook profile.




This is my business Facebook Page
So now I am trying to use each of my Facebook accounts correctly, however trying to get my 'friends' to move over and 'like' my new page is a hard task... if I find any great tips or techniques I'll let you know! But I know that I can now successfully run a professional business page as well as a friends page!

I really do not want to make this a long and hard to understand blog, so I'll will just give you a few tips on what you can and cannot do on your Business Facebook Page:

1. Make sure that your business profile photo is professional, use your logo or another picture that people associate with your business.

Here is Coca-Cola's business profile photo -

2. Chose a cover photo that represents your brand and showcases your products or services, it is the first thing people see - again I have use Cola-Colas to give you an idea on a good clear cover photo.





What you can NOT include in your cover photo (these are the Facebook cover guidelines as stated in the Facebook help centre)
  • Price or purchase information, such as “40% off” or “Download it at our website”
  • Contact information, such as web address, email, mailing address or other information intended for your Page’s About section
  • References to user interface elements, such as Like or Share, or any other Facebook site features
  • Calls to action, such as “Get it now” or “Tell your friends”
Basically the cover image is provided to inspire and connect with your fans. It is not meant for blatant self promotion or hard sales.
Make sure you have legal copyrights to all images and content.

You can Highlight Posts. 

You can set any post to be highlighted which means it will take up both sides of the page.  This feature enables you to bring special attention to a particular post within your timeline.
I had a look around a few of the more prominent business pages and some of use the highlight feature a lot and others don't use it at all? Check out Pepsi's page to see how they use this feature:

 

Pinned Posts.


You can set a post to be pinned to the top of your page (if you look at the Starbucks pinned picture above you will see a little gold pin in the top right corner). Pinned posts will stay on top of your timeline for up to 7 days. If possible, try not to wait the full 7 days before you change out the post unless you have a very important message to share. Chances are you have repeat visitors coming to your page throughout the week. Give them something new and fresh to check out. When I was looking for an example of a 'pinned post', some companies use this feature and other don't, so you will need to work out what will work for you and your business, but everything is worth trying at least once!
I think this is enough to get you started, but if you need any help you can always email me at sue@suebowler.com, I may not know the answer, but I will certainly try and point you in the right direction :)
I am now going to try and work out how PINTEREST works? I have read some great things about it, I have even set up an account and pinned some pictures, but I have no idea what I am doing!!
Happy Ballooning and have a great summer!
Sue
www.suebowler.com