Getting Your Head Around Balloon Formulas - How Many Balloons Does it Take to Fill a Room?

When I left school I thought my days of trying to understand mathematical formulas were well and truly over... how wrong I was!

Balloon Filled Room 

Recently, I was asked to quote a price for a balloon-filled room. Many years ago I would have tried to guess, but as we all know that can be very costly in many ways. So where do you start?  Before anything else you will need some information from the client:

• Room Length - 6.3m
• Room Width - 3.82m
• Room Height, or how high the balloons need to go to if they do not want the whole room completely filled - 1.5m
• What size of balloons would they like to be used? - 16"

My client had seen a high-profile event on the Internet, where a room had been filled with 16" white balloons, and that was exactly what she wanted me to recreate. 

So basically we need to work out the Volume of a Rectangle - 

length x height x width

Because we use the measurement of inches when we work with balloons, it is easier for me to change the room dimensions into feet and inches first.

6.3m = 20.66ft

3.82m = 12.53ft

1.5m = 4.92ft

To calculate the total volume of space that I would need to fill in cubic feet, multiply the dimensions as shown below.

20.66 x 12.53 x 4.92  = 1,273 cubic feet.

The client requested 16" balloons but agreed that it would be better if we only inflated the 16" balloons to 14" to make them more durable.  So, all my calculations need to be for a balloon inflated to 14".

The next step is to work out the radius of the balloon using the Volume of a Sphere 4/3π𝒓3   equation. 
This formula is used for figuring how much space an inflated balloon occupies, or how much gas it takes to fill a balloon to a round shape.

4 ÷ 3 x 3.14 x 7 x 7 x 7 = 1,436 cubic inches per 16" balloon inflated to 14"

12" x 12" x 12" = 1,728 cubic inches per cubic foot

1,436 ÷ 1,728 = 0.83 cubic feet per balloon

Our result shows us that each 14" balloon  occupies a minimum of .83 cubic feet

The balloons will not pack perfectly together. The balloons might take up as much space as an equivalent cubic shape if there is no packing at all.

14 x 14 x 14 = 2,744

2,744 ÷ 1,728 = 1.58 cubic feet per balloon

Our results show us that each 14" balloon occupies a maximum of 1.58 cubic feet.

1273 ÷ .83 = 1,532 maximum number of balloons to completely fill the room.

1273 ÷ 1.58 = 805 minimum number of balloons to completely fill the room.

Therefore, I would take the mean average number of balloons and quote for the job using that figure.

1,531+ 805 ÷ 2 = 1,168 16" balloons inflated to 14"

I asked Luc Bertrand, CBA, of wAw Balloons in Vichte, Belgium, if he agreed with me.

“In theory the calculations are correct. If I design with round balloons and they fitted in five perfectly interlocking layers, it would result in 986 balloons being used.

However, balloons are not round, and on top of that, it is not likely that they will perfectly organise themselves in grids. We all know they have their own will. So I would go for an absolute max of three layers resulting in using more like 595 balloons.”

Luc shows us using a mathematical method to check his findings.


The space to be filled in the room is;

6.3m = 248"

3.82 = 150"

1.5m = 59"

Therefore, the volume of space in inches is 248" x 150" x 59" = 2,194,800 inches.

If the 14" balloon, when inflated, is 17" in length, the volume of a balloon as a cube is 

14" x 14" x 17" = 3,332"

The volume of the space to fill ÷ volume of the "cube" balloon.

2,194,800 ÷ 3,332 = 658 balloons

So now we need to consider the fact that balloons do not fall in a nice orderly manner,and therefore we should allow extra balloons for this. If you look at Luc's diagram below, you will see that Luc shows layers of balloons. He shows balloons standing upright and laying flat. This demonstrates how many balloons will fit into the room falling in different patterns.

Luc concludes;

“So I would go for an absolute max of four layers resulting in using more like 782 balloons, if perfectly organised.”

“If you want only one layer to fill a ceiling, this could be calculated as  square balloons. Some will stand up some will be flat. If multiple layers, use the cube method and add up to 20% to be on the safe side as the more layers the more they will organise and pack.”

 658 balloons + 20% = 789

This is a very interesting result, the difference in the two suggested totals (1,168 and 789)  is quite different. This is caused by calculating the balloon size using the volume of a totally round sphere versus using the actual balloon size. 

I really like Luc's method. I think that it is logical and makes this exercise easier to understand and calculate.

Maths has never been my strong point, but I really enjoyed working on this project as I feel that I understand it much better now than I ever did before. 

Since writing this blog, I have actually filled two rooms with balloons! I was very happy that on both occasions using the math formula above worked perfectly!

This is a panoramic photo of the one of the rooms that I filled. The floor cover
reached a height of about 1.5 m plus we filled the ceiling with 16" helium filled balloons!

Happy Ballooning!

Sue

www.suebowler.com

David Mahoney shows us how to create fabulous decor using the Balloon Overlay technique.

Balloon overlay is a technique that I have seen used by a number of different balloon artists over the years to create amazing logos and two-dimensional balloon sculptures. The techniques used vary slightly, but the end result is pretty much the same.

David Mahoney of Balloons Everyday in Carrolton, TX, U.S.A, is a great friend of the Very Best Balloon Blog. Once again, he kindly shares his knowledge and passion and shows us how to make these wonderful overlays in a few simple steps.

Overlays are a great way to create a custom design, especially if a customer does not have the budget for a three-dimensional balloon sculpture. David has mastered the technique and  acquired many happy customers in the process.

Materials

Most of the supplies needed for balloon overlays are available in hardware stores. Foam core or foam board can be found at art supply stores, craft stores, or sign shops. Overhead projectors and transparency film can be purchased at office supply stores or try searching online. Some audio visual stores may also have projectors for purchase or to rent.



1. Find the image you need to create your shape. Copy or print the image onto transparency film.
















2. Use an overhead projector to project the image onto your foam core or foam board. 

Trace the outlines with a marker. You'll be tracing two elements separately on different pieces of foam core: the "backing board"
that  the balloons will be added to, and the "detail pieces" that will add depth and detail to the sculpture.








3. Use an X-acto blade or hobby knife to cut out all the foam core pieces.

4. Spray paint the front side of the foam core to match the colour of the balloons that you will be adding.










5. Determine balloon size by finding the largest and smallest width in the design and decide on a size that will fit nicely in both areas. Typically on small designs, the balloons are 3-4". On larger designs, balloons are usually 6-8" in size. Inflate your balloons and tie each one individually, keeping the necks as long as possible.

6. Poke holes so that you can add your balloons to the backing board. To do this, you will need two awls and a foam Duplet template (as shown) that matches the size of your inflated balloons. Position the template on the edge of the backing board and poke the awl through both sides. Remove the first awl and rotate the template over to the other side of the second awl. Poke a third hole. 

An awl is a long, pointed spike.  A Bradawl is a tool for making holes in wood.

7.  Repeat Step 6 until you have poked enough holes evenly throughout the whole backing board.

8. Poke the necks of the inflated balloons through the holes in the backing board, using a small wooden dowel to push them through.

9. On the back side, stretch the necks of the adjacent balloons to tie them into pairs.

10. Once the backing board is covered, add the detail pieces. To do this, tape an uninflated 260Q onto the back of the detail pieces, then use an awl to poke additional holes into the backing board to slide the 260Qs through. Tie the 260Q ends on the back side.

11. Glue 1 x 2" wood strips to the back of the backing board to support and secure Electrical Metal Tubing (EMT) and EMT straps. THEN PLACE the tubing into base plates. 

Balloon Overlay Benefits

• High impact
• Ideal for corporate clients and private parties
• Simple to construct; no difficult techniques or framing required
• Budget-friendly option for customers who want a custom sculpture
• Easy to add details on the front to create any image, sign, logo, or character

Here are some more of David's wonderful overlay designs.

Download this great PDF and keep it safe for future reference.

I think that this is a great technique and one that could be used for many different design ideas. Thank you once again, David, for sharing your skills and knowledge with the balloon industry! 

Happy Ballooning!

Sue
www.suebowler.com

1st Birthday Celebrations the Bigger Picture Part 2

In the first part of this blog, 1st Birthday Celebrations Part 1, we looked at how different cultures celebrate a baby's first birthday and some wonderful design ideas suitable for this occasion. In part 2, we will explore 1st birthdays a little further.

In Images magazine April/May/June 2007, there was the fantastic article, ‟Big Fun with First Birthdays.” This feature talks about the Korean tradition known a ‟dol.” Dol is Korean term used for baby's first birthday. In the distant past, a baby's chance for survival was very low. So when a child reached the age of one, it was considered an important milestone for the baby and parents. The whole village used to celebrate a baby's first birthday, sharing food and wishing for long life and fortune for the baby.

The Korean dol has since become less ceremonious and more about keeping the tradition itself alive.

Dol made its American debut in Southern California, home to the largest concentration of people of Korean descent outside of the Korean peninsula.

Hayeon Kim, CBA, owner of Kiki Events and partner company Color Tree Events, in Irvine, California, U.S.A. specialises in dol-style 1st birthday parties.

‟I often decorate for a girl’s dol using a princess theme, and for the boy’s, I use animal and jungle themes.”

Because the guest list for these parties can number anywhere from 50 to 150, and in some cases even more. “Providing quality work for your customer is the best form of marketing for this type of business,” said Hayeon. “Guests see your work, and they want the same for their babies, so make sure to provide your client with several of your business cards because party guests will ask for them.”

The focal point of a dol often includes a long table draped with cloth and flanked by two balloon Columns. Sometimes an Arch stands behind the table, or some simple balloon designs are rigged to the wall to create a backdrop. 

The space in front of the table is often decorated with more balloon work and so is the table top, if space permits. It is important to remember that because balloons are recommended for children ages 8 and up, you should always remind your client of their responsibility to watch small children and make sure that they don’t get their hands on an uninflated balloon or a scrap.

Lily Tan, CBA, of My Airtitude in Singapore, shows us how we can transform a room with beautiful balloon decor.  Lily has filled this room with lots of beautiful designs that when placed together creates this fantastic 1st birthday scene.

Derek Wong, CBA, of Twisted Inflations in Ontario, Canda, created this beautiful number one sculpture.

“This sculpture was made for a little Asian girl who turned one, and the parents picked the elephants because their daughter loves elephants. The three elephants representing their family – a father, mother and a little girl elephant at the top. According to the parent who placed the order, they wanted to have a special memory that will last forever for their first daughter on her first birthday, and they think my balloon creations are very special and creative so they asked me to make them this.”

I feel very fortunate being the author of this wonderful industry blog. I have the opportunity to meet through the magnificent "interweb," fabulous and very generous balloon artists who are very happy and willing to share their knowledge, passion, and expertise. I am forever thankful and grateful. I would like to thank Hayeon, Lily, and Derek for their invaluable contributions.

Happy Ballooning!

Sue

www.suebowler.comSaveSave

1st Birthday Celebrations Part 1

I cannot believe that it is my adorable baby granddaughter's first birthday! A baby's first birthday is a real milestone and a great opportunity to create some wonderful memories.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Hardy Photography

There are some very interesting birthday traditions in a number of countries, and having a lavish affair for a baby's first birthday is becoming more popular, which many liken to a mini wedding!





A baby ‟cake smash” is a more recent trend that began in the U.S. and is trending in the U.K.  Families will give the birthday child a small cake of their own to literally smash their way through it! I think that this wonderful photograph by Sarah Hardy says it all!

30" Tickled Tiger #16189

In China, it is believed that tigers protect children. On a child's first birthday, family members and relatives usually bring many tiger-themed gifts.The parents will also place their child in the centre of many symbolic objects, such as coins, a calculator, dolls, and other trinkets that encircle the baby. It is believed that the first gift the child chooses represents their future career path.

© 2016 Carte Blanche Greetings Ltd ® cbg.co.uk

Singing is an integral part of the traditional Mexican first birthday celebration ritual in which the family sings songs wishing the baby great blessings in life. Parents will also hang a piñata over the baby that is filled with sweet treats such as candy, cookies, and cakes. When the piñata is cracked open, the baby is showered in sweets! 









Japan is very well known for strongly preserving its unique cultural traditions.
Traditionally, Japanese culture did not celebrate birthdays. Japanese people thought everyone became older on New Year’s Day rather than the day of their birth, which is part of the reason why New Year’s is such a big holiday in Japan. 

In fact, it wasn’t until around 1950 that Japan began to celebrate birthdays in the Western sense. While birthday cakes are present in most celebrations today, many Japanese parents prefer rice cakes commonly known ‟mochi.”

There are many wonderful opportunities for us to offer the perfect decor for this very precious occasion.

There are so many great Qualatex^® balloons to choose from. I love the Number One Microfoil^® balloons, including the Pink Hearts and Blue Stars. There are so many fantastic designs that we can create with them!

Anne McGovern, CBA, of Elegant Balloon in New York, U.S.A. created this super design using the 38" ‟Sapphire Blue Number One” Microfoil balloon on a pedestal made from a Pale Blue 646Q balloon with the fabulous 11" ‟Big Stars” in Dark Blue and Pale Blue. And as a finishing touch, she added a few 4" Sapphire Blue Microfoil stars!

U.S. Patent No. 6,782,675 No. 6,758,71

What could be more perfect than this very pretty 1st Birthday column design made from a base of 11" ‟1st Baby Circles Hearts — Girl” and 5" White balloons topped with the 38" ‟Number One Pink Hearts” Microfoil balloon and 22" ‟Disney Minnie Mouse 1st Birthday” Bubble Balloon?

I love these personalised columns by Debbie O'Neil, CBA, of Wow Balloons in South Benfleet, U.K. They really show how we can add even more value to these wonderful designs.

U.S. Patent No. 7,121,915

Jacqui Young, CBA, of Classic Touch Balloons in Wishaw, Scotland, shows us her beautiful centrepiece design using the wonderful braid technique as demonstrated by Tina Giunta, CBA, of Shivoo Balloons in Victoria, Australia.

To find out how to create this wonderful braid just watch the video below!

Check out the great Design Inspiration article, ‟Catch Baby Fever,” by Tina Giunta in Images magazine April/May/June 2016.

I really like this 1st Birthday balloon bouquet with the 22" ‟Disney Mickey Mouse 1st Birthday” Bubble Balloons, and the 11" ‟Birthday Circle Stars—Boy.”

What I really love about this Bubble Balloon is that there are so many different Qualatex balloons that we can coordinate with it! Look at the detail on the balloon; you will see stars, polka dots, and much more. A great way to get our creativity flowing!


Here are a few more lovely 1st Birthday bouquet design ideas using coordinating Qualatex balloons.

In Part 2 of this blog, we will look at children's birthday party decor on a grand scale.



Happy Ballooning!

Sue
www.suebowler.com

Please note that not all of these balloons are available in all territories. Please check with your local Qualatex distributor.


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