Part 2 Fabulous Balloon Walls - created with QuickLinks™️

Welcome to Part 2 of Fabulous Balloon Walls! In this post we are going to look at balloon walls that are made using QuickLink™️ balloons.

If you missed Part 1 of Fabulous Balloon Walls - created with Latex Round Balloons, click HERE for a direct link.

QuickLink Walls

I have found that using QuickLinks is probably one of the easiest and quickest ways to make a balloon wall.

Firstly, I want to talk about the balloons themselves:

• QuickLinks are available in both 12” and 6” size.
• The balloon shape makes tying very easy – tip to tip or tail to tail!
• And of course all the colours coordinate with the entire Qualatex^® range, from latex balloons to Microfoil’s to Bubble Balloons.

When QuickLinks were first launched, It took some time for me to get used to working with them. You need to think logically when assembling a QuickLink design to ensure that you construct it in the simplest way possible. QuickLink designs are typically constructed using chains with connectors that lock the chains together to form a structure.

When making a balloon wall using QuickLinks, there are two methods that are generally used:

•  QuickLink Vertical/Horizontal Grids
•  QuickLink X-Pattern Grids

Before we talk about these two methods, I would like to say a quick word about Balloon Design Tools. Balloon Design Tools is a fabulous program that allows balloon professionals to digitally design Arches, Columns, Organic decor and Balloon Walls. It also features other balloon related calculation tools. In this post, I will be featuring walls that I have created for clients and for classes that I designed using this tool. Not only has it saved me many hours in the designing process, it also gives me the perfect computer-based graphic that I can share with my clients for their approval... without the need to inflate any balloons!

If you are considering making a balloon wall, then I strongly recommend testing out this software. It is available on a 7-Day Free Trial. If you wish to sign up after the trial, you have an option of a monthly or annual subscription. 

The Design Tool was created by Chris Adamo, CBA, from Sydney, Australia. He has over 20 years of balloon industry experience and is as passionate about this wonderful profession as anyone could be. In recent years Chris has been asked to teach all around the world and is driven to helping the balloon industry through quality and practical educational videos and tools. The ‘Balloonpro.co Design Tool’  has transformed the way we design, plan and create balloon decor. It is a huge honour and privilege to be able to share this with the wider community.

In a future blog post, we will look at the fabulous functions available on the Balloon Tool and how it can really help you. I guarantee that you will be impressed! 

QuickLink Vertical/Horizontal Grids

This is one of my favourite techniques and I have used it many times when creating balloon walls at corporate events. The last wall that I made before we headed into lock-down was for an event in London where the theme for the party was Great Gatsby! 

Black, Chrome Gold and Chrome Silver QuickLink Balloon Wall
designed and created by Sue Bowler, CBA.

Black, Chrome Gold and Chrome Silver QuickLink Balloon Wall
designed and created by Sue Bowler.

Here is the same design that I created on the Balloon Tool. I used this to propose the design to my client and as you can see, it was approved!

Step 1: Use the QuickLink balloons to create the balloon wall frame. 

In this example, I have used 12" Onyx Black QuickLinks inflated to 9" to make the chains, and 7" Chrome Silver inflated to 5" to make the duplets that lock the wall together.

QuickLink Grid

Step 2: Fill the gaps within the grid frame with 11" (Duplets) balloons - the size of the balloons used should be in keeping with the inflated size of the QuickLink balloons. 

In this example, I have used 11" Chrome Gold and 11" Chrome Silver balloons for the fillers (duplets), these balloons were inflated to 8".

QuickLink Grid filled with Chrome Gold & Silver  11" Balloons

Step 3: Optional - you can add different types of balloons into the frame to create an alternative look; you can even create a semi-organic look by using different size balloons.

I added a whole new look to this balloon wall by adding different latex balloons, including prints and confetti-filled. I also added in some Microfoil balloons which I think you would agree really adds value to the design!

QuickLink Grid filled with a selection of latex and Microfoil balloons

I also want to share with you this fabulous wall. The original design was by Luc Bertrand, CBA, of WaW Balloons in Vichte, Belgium. Luc created this wall as part of the décor for the 100 year celebration of Pioneer Balloon Company on the Qualatex stand at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair in Germany. Luc's design uses the AeröPole System® to create the circular frame and then Luc used 6" QuickLink balloons to create the central grid system and filled with multi-coloured 5" latex balloons. 

100 Years Celebration Balloon Wall by Luc Bertrand

I re-created Luc's design for the Pioneer Balloon Company's 100th Birthday Celebration Party in Wichita in 2017. The party theme was Black & White, and it was a great opportunity to use a fantastic selection of black & white printed balloons.This wall made the perfect photo backdrop!

Who are all these lovely people?

QuickLink X Pattern Grids

This is another great technique using QuickLinks to create fabulous wall designs. 

Here are two grids that I have designed on the Balloon Tool to show you examples of how the frame looks with and without the balloon fillers.

Here are some examples of wall designs using the X-Pattern Grid

'Love' X-Grid Wall designed and created by Sue Bowler

'Emoji' X-Grid Wall Designed and created by Alberto Falcone, CBA.

'Welcome Baby' X-Grid Wall Designed and created by Sue Bowler

Nir and Avital Shechter, CBA's of Baloney Nir in Katzrin, Israel are all about design especially when they create their fabulous balloon walls! 

'Back to School' X-Grid Wall Designed by Avital and Nir  

Probably one of my favourite X-Grid Wall designs is also by the incredible duo, Avital & Nir. The fabulous colours and the different sizing of the fillers makes this design fun, exciting and oh so vibrant! 

And finally, two more fantastic balloon wall designs by Nir & Avital using this very versatile X-Grid wall technique. Their attention to detail really brings their designs to life!

Balloon Wall by Nir & Avital Shechter

Balloon Wall by Nir & Avital Shechter

If you have never tried making a balloon wall before, then I recommend that you start with QuickLinks! If you want to practice you can use 6" QuickLinks which means that your design will be much smaller than if you use 12". You can still make a great backdrop design using 6" QuickLink balloons, so make sure that whatever you make you use it for a photo opportunity! 

A huge thank you to Nir & Avital Shechter, Alberto Falcone and Luc Bertrand for sharing their beautiful balloon wall designs with the Very Best Balloon Blog! 

In my next blog post, we will look at balloon walls made with Microfoil™️ Balloons! 

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue

www.suebowler.com

Follow me @suebowler

Part 1 Fabulous Balloon Walls - Created with Latex Round Balloons

There are many different ways to create walls with balloons. We can use latex rounds, QuickLinks, non-rounds and foil balloons such as Qualatex Starpoints, and others too! So, we need to determine which type of wall we want to create, or more importantly, which wall best suits our or our customers needs?

So why are we proposing a balloon wall to our clients - a client would generally never ask you for a balloon wall unless they have seen something specific on Instagram or Pinterest! It is your job to sell what a wall can do for them - sell the emotion and not the product! To give you an idea of what I mean by selling the emotion here are a few examples.

• Suction power doesn’t sell vacuum cleaners; seeing the dirt it gathers does.
• Ingredients don’t sell expensive face creams; the confidence they give you does.
• And carbon footprint stats don’t sell electric cars; pride in eco-friendliness does.

Here are a few reasons why you might suggest a balloon wall to a client:

• To create their corporate logo
• To create a theme background
• To create a theme entrance
• To create a photo or stage back-drop
• To enhance a trade show or exhibition stand

I love designing and making balloon walls, and will always propose them to a client whenever possible. I have a client that now always insists that they have a balloon wall photo backdrop at all of their events! 

There are a number of different techniques that we can use to make balloon walls using latex round balloons:

• Duplet Square Pack
• Alternate Size Square Garland Pack
• Traditional 4-Balloon Garland Pack
• Organic

Duplet Square Pack

This is one of my favourite techniques. I really like that balloon walls made with this technique have a flat, smooth surface (not bumpy like balloons), straight sides, and really good definition on straight and diagonal lines. This type of wall can be made with a double-sided pattern or with a plain back; however keep in mind it is not as robust as other wall techniques.

Here are a few examples of décor using the Duplet Square-Pack Technique.

Elegant Tropical Balloon Wall and Organic Garland design by Sue Bowler, CBA

Baby 1st Birthday Balloon Wall Backdrop
Design by Sue Bowler

Zoe Adam-Jones, CBA of Jaz Trading, designed and made this
fabulous backdrop using the Duplet Square Pack Balloon technique
at the 2019 Qualatex Event in Brazil.

Watch as Chris Adamo, CBA, demonstrates the duplet square pack wall method for his mountain scene design. For more information and tips check out the great article in Balloon Images Issue 2

Alternate Size Square Pack Garland

When making balloon walls using this technique, you can guarantee that it will be robust and will always looks good! It is probably the most widely used method of precision wall. It is made by alternating clusters of four balloons in two different sizes packed on to 50lb Dacron line. This produces a square shape garland.

Alternate Clusters of four balloons in two different sizes

The garlands when built are laid side by side and interlocked, then joined together 

The difference in size between the two sets is relative to the size of balloon used.

2" - 4½" = use a ½" differential

4½" - 7½" = use a 1" differential

7½" - 11" = use a 2" differential

5cm - 11.5cm = use a 1.5cm differential

11.5cm - 19cm = 2.5cm differential

19cm - 28cm = 5cm differential

Practice to see which sizes work best for you. The garlands once built are placed side -by-side and interlocked, then connected together.

This method produces quite a smooth design with a flat surface, it allows for good diagonal lines and triangles. However, not all balloon wall types work with different patterns!

Here are some examples of balloon walls using the Alternate Size Square Garland method:

Chrome Silver & Gold with Black - Alternate Size Square Pack Balloon Wall
Design by Sue Bowler

Check out Chris Adamo's demonstration where he shows the alternate square pack method to create an ice cream truck photo op.

Ice-Cream Truck Photo Op by Chris Adamo, CBA,
of The Balloon Crew, Sydney, Australia

Ice-Cream Truck by Chris Adamo

Consistent sizing of balloons is paramount with balloon walls! Some methods are not very forgiving of badly sized balloons or inconsistent  'dupleting'  of balloons. To form the duplets, we must make sure that the balloons are tied as tightly together as possible, leaving no slack latex between the knot and the inflated part of the balloon.

Everyone will pack clusters on to line at a particular tension. It is usual to have only one person pack the garlands while others inflate and tie. This is not possible on large jobs, so you will need to practice consistent sizing and packing with your crew. 

Organic Balloon Walls

It would appear that there are many different techniques used to create Organic Style Balloon Walls. I suppose this is not surprising, as there are equally many different techniques to create Organic Garlands. I personally have used two different methods, and I will share one of the techniques that I used. We will look at other methods in Part 2.

I was contacted by a brand development agency who asked me to create a balloon and flower wall for a press event in London. 

When building a wall like this, it is important to consider how stable it needs to be. The balloon themselves are not heavy, but when you load it with lots of faux flowers, the weight increases considerably. So my first consideration was how was I going to support my balloon wall?

Thinking about what would work best, I came up with the idea of using a wire grid frame. My next task was to find a grid frame that would be suitable. After a little research, I found the perfect solution!

One of the client's criteria was that the balloons needed to be pastel tones to suit the faux flowers that they were supplying for the wall. 

Organic Balloon & Flower Wall by Sue Bowler

I loved making this wall and learned a great deal whilst building it. I was really happy with the end result, as was the client. This wall took around eight hours to build, including the construction time to build the panels. 

A huge thank you to Chris Adamo and Zoe Adam-Jones for sharing their knowledge and inspiration! 

In Part 2 of this Balloon Wall blog post, we will look at a fabulous collection of Balloon Walls made from QuickLinks™️.

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue

www.suebowler.com

Follow me @suebowler

 

"I never thought my profession would be a balloon artist" - Featured Artist Keren Fridman Braha, CBA

It gives me great pleasure to share Keren Fridman Braha's ballooning journey as part of my International Balloon Month - featuring Balloon Artists from around the World.

Keren Fridman Braha

Here is Keren's incredible story...

Hi, my name is Keren Fridman Braha, CBA from ISRAEL, a 37-year-old balloon artist. I have been the owner of the business called “Balloons” since 2004.

I never thought my profession would be a balloon artist. I knew that art was a part of me: from a young age I loved painting, drawing, sculpting, building models in different materials, and even designing and calculating the works I created. 

I studied architecture and art in high school and college. This was my direction, to combine my design vision in the field of real practice. In order to finance my architecture studies in college, I continued to perform with children at various events. Another hobby I always pursued was working with children: I was a summer camp instructor, organizing children's birthdays.

From the age of 17, I started working with the balloon artist Ori Livney, and through him I was introduced to the world of balloons. I fell in love with the latex material and the possibility of creating almost anything you want.

Fabulous Balloon Hats by Keren Fridman Braha

From that moment on, I incorporated balloons into every friend's and family members birthday and experimented with more techniques. 

In 2004, at the age of 21, I started my own independent business.

In 2007, I decided to leave my architecture studies in favor of the balloons. I flew to the Qualatex Balloon Convention in Thailand and there I passed the CBA test.

I continued to make sure to go to all the conventions that were in Israel and even conventions abroad like at Millennium Jam in Belgium, WBC in the US, and more.  When I gave up studying architecture in favor of working with balloons, everyone looked at me with a look of 'Why?' It's unconventional, an unstable professional, can I make enough money and live like this? Even when I have a family of my own? I knew that when I want something, I go with it to the end. I decided to invest my whole being in my balloon business. Now, when classmates and friends meet me, they are proud of me as the decision to stop studying architecture, to take risks and not go the normal route of a young person. They see how successful I am and that it is definitely possible to earn very nicely, progress, persevere and be happy when going with the heart and talent.

Fabulous Balloon Arch by Keren Fridman Braha

The ability to know what you are good at and capitalise on it can be a useful advantage in our lives. For me it is one of the important things, and my most important tip for everyone is - "it is to walk with the heart and not to be afraid."
I was attracted to running my own balloon business because I loved the amazing responses I received from event to event; it made me happy and I felt that creating a business of my own is exactly integrating who I am.
The art, the design, the architecture I learned, all of these combined with the patience, the desire to be happy, the desire to help others created my business: "Balloons". From year to year, I made sure to innovate, upgrade, and be better, compete in Israel and abroad in balloon competitions.

I officially opened my business in October 2004, having worked with balloons before. However, October 2004 is also the month my mother died of cancer. I decided that I would not allow myself to sink into the pain, and that my mother would want me to be strong and to keep moving forward and succeed.
I remember traveling 30 days after her death to a birthday show I organized for a 5-year-old girl. I cried the entire drive to the vent, but when I got to the parking lot, I erased the tears, put on makeup again and went inside with a smile. Why? Because that is how life is. I decided to go back to work and smile, just like my mother was, strong and happy. I decided to continue to make others happy as I know how to.

Keren Fridman Braha

Since then, I have been volunteering at the Oncology Department for Children with Cancer. Making them balloons and with all the difficulty of seeing these kids, it's the greatest sense of satisfaction to know that I was able to make them smile and enjoy.

My balloon business grew and developed, and I was exposed to other areas besides working with children.
I started performing at weddings. Each time, I set myself a new destination to reach. The business grew and supported 8 employees, which now included my husband and brother.

Balloon Tree by Keren Fridman Braha

 

The art, the precision, the perfectionism in every project, the color combinations are all reflected in both and that is why my business provides services to a wide range of clients. The combination of twisting and decor is who I am. The business grew from year to year, the revenue grew, the amount of events increased until one day my life changed. In December 2016 I contracted breast cancer. During this difficult time of my life (4 physically and mentally difficult surgeries, 16 chemotherapy treatments, participation in a research of biological medicine for a whole year) the world of balloons gave me the strength to cope, to win, to keep smiling, to keep dreaming and to march forward.

Keren and her love of balloons sees her through the treatment in hospital

Even though the business has been hit in recent years due to my illness I had, I was able to lift it back up.

This is what I do today, smiling, happy, choosing what I love most to do in my business. I have chosen to evolve and grow again at my own pace, experimenting in different directions in the art of balloons.

My biggest personal challenge I have faced since starting the business was in 2018, when I had to bring back and lead lead the business to success and re-prosperity.
The determination and desire to not give up the business despite the experience I went through made me win and succeed in reaching this goal.

In the last two years, I have led several big balloon projects while collaborating with the best balloon artists from Israel, some of whom have become like family to me.

It is important to realize that balloon collaborations are a very important part of the personal success of each balloon artist individually and of course together. The secret is to be able to choose with whom to collaborate that will complete you.

 

My Covid-19 challenge - As with everywhere in the world, my business was hit and many events were canceled due to Covid-19. It only took me 10 days to realize that I must change direction and adapt the business to the existing situation which no one knows when and how it will end.
I realized that balloon deliveries are a service that will go best during this period.

 

Custom "Stay Home" balloon by Keren Fridman Braha

People are afraid to leave, or people who can not leave their homes, big celebrations and even small ones that have been canceled. All of these situations  necessitate finding another creative solution.

"Happy Birthday" balloon delivery design by Keren Fridman Braha

I decided to invent my own design line for balloon deliveries. Balloon deliveries that will be unique to my business with a personal touch in each design.
The transition from a business that provides invested designs for large events, to a business that provides invested designs for small events has been challenging.

You need to adapt the business to a situation where the whole market is facing it and know how to make immediate changes.
Some of the changes my business went through included:

- Marketing and advertising every day.
- The target audience of the business is changing and becoming mostly private individuals near my place of residence.
- Quick and good response to every customer who contacted all media, (even when sometimes the children are at home because there is a closure).
- Getting organized in front of a new schedule of preparing each design. Know how to produce in minimum time, maximum result.
- The desire to invent new designs in order to create a wide and varied catalog of balloon deliveries.
- Our personal transportation to the entire customer's home.
- Understand that in order to earn a lot during this period, you need to create a lot of small designs instead of a few large designs.  Try to run the business similar to a delivery store and not as an event designer business (something I have not experienced before)
- Create new quality designs that will make the customer want to order again. Designs that will last a long time and without helium.
- The ability to adjust each design according to the customer's request and add a personal dedication to each design.
- And the final and most important change of all - do not give in to lowering the prices of all the competitors around you. Know how to value yourself and believe that the changes are for the better. Customers will be paid for those who value themselves.

"Happy Birthday" balloon delivery design by Keren Fridman Braha

 All of the changes my business has gone through in the last six months have allowed the business to hold steady.

On the contrary, I have had great success selling ​​over 160 new designs in 5 months!
In addition to all the balloon deliveries, the nature of the events has completely changed. Also in Israel, little-by-little, small scale private events and business events are starting to take place. I call them boutique events of only a few dozen people. At these events, my clients, who want to celebrate, pay for an invested, creative and quality design. I love these boutique events. They have a personal charm that will last forever.

 Balloon delivery design by Keren Fridman Braha

My tip to any balloon artist is to know how to adapt himself and his business to the challenging period we all experience together in a creative and appropriate way for the environment in which he lives.
The art of balloons is an integral part of our DNA.

My advice to someone new to the balloon industry would be go after your dream and make it come true. Constantly learn new techniques, experiment, understand and learn what their strengths are in the field of balloons and turning it into an advantage in your business.

Wedding Bouquet made from balloons by 

 Keren Fridman Braha

For someone to be successful in the balloon industry they will need - Talent, determination, perseverance, creativity, patience, spatial vision and high planning ability and ability to cope with changes.

What is your favourite ever design that you have made? 

It is very difficult to decide on one preferred design, there are several:
- The dress I made in the Millennium Jam competition in 2008, which consisted of 3000 uninflated balloons.
- Design, planning and execution of the circus project in collaboration with 12 balloon artists who came to volunteer with me for children with cancer.

Circus Theme Decor by Keren Fridman Braha

Circus Theme Decor by Keren Fridman Braha

- Huge colored wall

Coloured Balloon Wall by Keren Fridman Braha

- Large space wall

Space Wall by Keren Fridman Braha

Space Wall by Keren Fridman Braha

- Huge bride and groom figures in the twisting technique.

Bride & Groom by Keren Fridman Braha

- Creation of a life-size tractor with entry to small details.
- Huge organic design within different spaces of a hotel that is all an ancient and beautifully restored stone structure.
- Big entry arch with pencils design for “back to school” theme

Back to School theme Arch by Keren Fridman Braha

My favourite Qualatex balloon is the Qualatex Chrome balloon.
Balloons in these colors changed the perception towards the word “balloon” in general.

Gold Chrome Butterfly by Keren Fridman Braha

They have made the world of event design more prestigious, elegant and special, and suitable for all types of events and not just children's events.
Thanks to these colors, lots of customers add balloons to their events because it just looks like a real piece of jewelry that transmits a huge "wow"

Elegant Chrome Balloon Decor by Keren Fridman Braha

 

Keren Fridman Braha, CBA.

Nofit, ISRAEL

https://www.facebook.com/balloonskeren/

https://www.facebook.com/balloonskss

https://www.instagram.com/balloons_art_

A huge thank you to Keren for sharing her incredible story. Through all the adversity in her ballooning career, Keren has always found the strength and determination to continue her journey and to grow her business, even during this COVID pandemic! 

Happy Ballooning and I hope that you are also able to ride the storms during these difficult times! 

Sue

www.suebowler.com

Follow me on Instagram @suebowler

 

 

 

 

🎃 Will ℍ𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕟 be Cancelled in 2020?

 

There has been much talk in the press regarding whether or not Halloween or other favourite activities such as Trick or Treating and Halloween parties and events, will be cancelled. All this discussion is due to the current pandemic, and the fear of not being able to do this safely.

But just because we need to remain socially distanced this year doesn't mean Halloween is cancelled — it just means we need to consider creative and safe Halloween ideas.

As balloon professionals, I think we can definitely create some Halloween fun with exciting ballooning and gift ideas. 

So what can we offer? After a little research, I discovered a relatively new idea called Ghosting, or Boo-ing, and thought it could be an exciting new Halloween opportunity that we could promote and market to our customers. For those of you who are new to this tradition, I have added an explanation below.

18" Emoticon Ghost
#58153

Ghosting a.k.a Boo-ing? 

Ghosting is a popular Halloween tradition in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and several other countries.

Depending on your location, this relatively new custom may be called "Ghosting," or "Boo-ing", but the concept is the same. Ghosting is a fun way to spread the Halloween spirit amongst friends and neighbours - Covid safely! 

Ghosting can begin any time in October, but the first or second week of the month is usually the best, as it allows sufficient time for the entire neighborhood to be "ghosted". Typically, you will need to "ghost" two people or families. You can do this with the following items:

- Two Halloween goodie bags/boxes, or 18" Stuffing Balloons filled with treats!
- Two pictures of a ghost with a "We've been Boo-ed" sign.

- Two letters stating that "you've been ghosted (or booed)" with simple how-to instructions to carry on the tradition.

After you have assembled your treats, the 'We've Been Booed' notices and "You've Been Booed" letters, you should deliver them after dark to your target families by dropping one on each porch, ringing the doorbell, and run. Do not get caught as you want to remain anonymous. Also Children delivering the packages should always be accompanied by an adult.

Letter and Instructions

You can compose your own letter, along with quick instructions, or add an elaborate Halloween poem. Whatever you decide, try to make the instructions clear. Two more families will need to be ghosted (or booed) within two days in the same manner in which you've been ghosted.

Along with the "scare" kit, leave a ghost or "boo" that can be left on the door. This will "mark" the recipient, allowing others to know that they have already been hit. Below is an example you can use, with the poem and instructions combined:

Poem

"You've Been Ghosted!

Late last night, we left you a treat. The tradition is fun, one we hope you'll repeat.

Take the ghost and pin it on your door, to let others know, you need ghosted no more.

Now it's your duty to pass on the surprise, to two more families, we must advise.

Gather some treats and deliver them soon, within two nights, under the light of the moon.

Include a ghost with each package you give, along with this poem for the tradition to live."

Goodie Bags/Boxes or Balloons 

Offering ready-made, pre-bagged, Halloween Gift Bags or Boxes with an added balloon spider and balloons is the perfect 'Ghosting' or 'Booing' treat and will be an appealing alternative to your customers! As part of the package, supply the "You've been Booed" notice and poem to pass the fun on.

Hat Boxes or Gift bags can be filled with:

11" Spooky Design

• Qualatex Printed Halloween latex balloons that can be inflated by the family for home decoration
• Glow-sticks and Glow- necklaces
• Halloween Stickers
• Pumpkin Carving Kit
• Halloween Sweets - please read below if you are adding sweets or candy to your gift bags or balloons
• Qualatex Balloon Dog Skeleton balloon
• And many other Halloween merchandise items.

14" Air-Filled Balloon Dog Skeleton
#14978

Here is a very informative and helpful article from Sonia Payne of Balloon Biz Academy regarding selling sweets and treats, even if they are pre-bought and prepackaged - I have also attached a link for further reading.

If you are thinking of adding sweets to your balloon designs, you MUST READ THIS FIRST!

Regulations around the storage and handling of food items including sweets (candy) vary depending on where you are in the world, but most countries have stringent regulations to prevent outbreaks of food poisoning.

Here in the UK, the laws are VERY strict, even if you are using pre-bought and pre-packaged sweets. You are still required to register with your local authority, and there are rules you need to follow regarding labelling, packaging and storage of sweets.

Thinking of Adding Sweets, and Drinks To Your Balloon Designs – Make Sure You Read This First!

Another great idea for Halloween - Doorstep Decor

Doorstep decor is a great way to show neighbours and passerby that Halloween is still being celebrated this year! Similar to Yard or Garden Art, why not offer balloon designs for outside?

These Golden Skull Balloon Columns make the perfect Doorstep Decor 

Remember that balloons react to cold weather, even air-filled foil balloons will shrink a little in the cold, so make sure that you prepare the balloons in a cooler rather than warmer environment. And if it is windy, make sure that the decor is very well secured so that it cannot fall over or blow away.

How about making a "Fangfully Frightful!" Balloon Tree with hanging "Glitzy & Glam Bats"

Designed and made by Cam Woody, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA

Don't forget to take advantage of these charming Happy Halloween Social Media Qualatex Lifestyle Images - available to download from Qualatex Marketing Materials  on the Qualatex website. These appealing lifestyle images are ideal for your marketing campaigns and great for Instagram and Facebook posts! 

This is the perfect time to get started with your Halloween promotions and marketing. Remember, if you are adding sweets and candies to your designs this year, ensure that you have followed all the regulations required to do this - check out Sonia's blog post link above.

This year Halloween might be more challenging than previous years, but it is our challenge as balloon professionals and small business owners to find a feasible solution and ensure that Halloween is definitely NOT cancelled! 

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue

www.suebowler.com

Follow me on Instagram @suebowler