Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Old MacDonald had a Farm... NEW, Fun Farm-Themed Qualatex Balloons

I would like to start this post with a little farm barn trivia! Do you know why farm barns are always red?



The practice actually started in the late 18th century with New England farmers applying a protective varnish to barn surfaces. The varnish usually contained some mixture of linseed oil, lime, or iron oxide, which, under the sun, would then turn to the red ochre hue that we have become so familiar with.

Children absolutely adore farm animals, and creating farm theme party decor is a colourful and fun way to appeal to children of all ages! 

Earlier this month, I created a range of window displays to showcase some of the new Qualatex balloons that were launched at the Spring Fair at the NEC Birmingham. When I saw the new Birthday-Farm range I knew exactly what I wanted to make and immediately started designing a Red Barn! 

To design the barn, I used Chris Adamo's Balloon Pro.co Design Tool. If you have never used this tool I strongly recommend that you have a little play using the 7 day free trial. I absolutely love it and use it on a regular basis, it helps me to work out what style of wall that I need to make to ensure that I get the end result I am looking for. This definitely makes it very worth the minimal monthly fee! 



The barn is made using the Alternate Size Pack technique, with my balloons sized at  3" and 4". The Bran is built in columns, and then linked together using the "paperclip and elastic band" method. To give the barn greater stability, I added in two poles and bases and also secured it to the top of the window using 50lb monofilament line just in case someone decided to try and move it - you will be amazed what people will do to get a good photo! 

The window display design was designed around this new 18" Birthday Barn balloon. Look at this balloon and now look at my window display to see the similarities!

18" Birthday Barn
#26549


You will see that in my window display, I have added in other elements such as the mini Pig and Cow sculptures and some of the new 14" Retro Daisies to bring this window to life and to re-create the scene from the balloon as accurately as possible.

Here are all the other new products in this range:

28" CUTE HOLSTEIN COW #26540
14" MINI CUTE HOLSTEIN COW #27311


18" BIRTHDAY HOLSTEIN COW PATTERN
#26553




And don't forget these other great farm theme balloons! 

Holstein Cow
11" White #11633
Another bit of trivia, this is Qualatex's  No 1. selling printed balloon! 


34" Farm Tractor
#16468




30" Playful Pig #16202
14" Playful Pig #41799

32" Hilarious Horse #16210 (Limited Availability)
14" Hilarious Horse #41796

Here are a few more Farm theme ideas! 



Don’t have a cow!
This cow creation makes a big impact!
Designer name: Cam Woody, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA



Mooooove over for birthdays!
Adorable cows and pigs make for a fun birthday!
Designer name: Cam Woody, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA

If you are unsure how to make the Alternate Size Balloon Wall, check out my previous post: Balloon Wall Part 2



Creating something fun and new is always very rewarding! Though I am very familiar with creating balloon walls. this Red Barn presented new challenges for me, especially when creating the sloping roof! 

Happy Ballooning! 
Sue
Follow me @suebowler




Monday, February 13, 2023

Cupcake Theme Balloon Decoration Ideas!

Last week I attended the Spring Fair at the NEC Birmingham. Spring Fair is an annual B2B trade show where businesses go, and that includes many of the major high street and online retailers as well as small independent stores, to buy new and inspiring products to sell in their stores. The fair is not only balloon and party related, it covers an abundance of products from fashion to jewellery, cookware and thousands of other products! The next show will be from the 4th -7th February 2024, so don't forget to mark it in your diary if you are UK based! 

So what does this have to do with Cupcakes? Each year, for more years than I can actually remember, I have been given the amazing opportunity to create balloon designs for Qualatex Europe's windows at this trade event! Each year I am tasked with creating and designing displays that feature new balloons and products from scratch.


Colourful Balloon Cupcake by Sue Bowler
Balloon Cupcake by Sue Bowler, inspired by Dante Longhi

For my first window, I was asked to feature the new Birthday Ombrè Cupcake, a fabulous new 31" Microfoil balloon.



My Inspiration

Before I even touch a balloon, I start by creating a mood board; this helps me to get an idea of the balloons that I should feature within my displays. I use Canva to create my mood boards. I simply import the balloons and any images that I want to use to help me with my display. This is also a great way to show your clients your ideas when you are still in the development stages of your designs.



Cupcake Window Display Mood-Board 



I knew that Dante Longhi of Dream Factory Balloons in New Jersey, USA had designed and made balloon cupcakes, so this was my first stop, to find out the technique! Fortunately for me, Dante had filmed himself making the cupcake for the QCorner convention last year. 

To learn how to make Dante's 3-D Cupcake Sculpture watch the video below! 


Watching this video was invaluable as it helped me understand the technique that I needed to use. My next challenge was then to work out the balloon sizing, as my cupcake was much smaller than Dante's! I surprisingly worked out the sizing quite quickly and after only a few attempts my cupcake began to take shape! I cannot tell you how much fun I had creating this design and seeing it grow into the final result! 

Here are photos from each step of building the cupcake:

Balloon Cupcake Base Layer
Base Layer



Balloon Cupcake
View looking into the Cupcake

Second Layer Added


Two Layers of Frosting added

And the final balloon added to fill in the top



Here is the final result and my window display!

I did actually make some changes to Dante's original design. I only use four rings, whereas Dante uses five. This helped me to reduce the size and height of the design to ensure that it was in proportion to the window space that I had available.

Colourful Balloon Cupcake by Sue Bowler
Balloon Cupcake by Sue Bowler - inspired by Dante Longhi

Colourful Balloon Cupcake design by Sue Bowler
Window Display created by Sue Bowler for Qualatex Europe at Spring Fair 2023

If you are interested to learn how to make the smaller cupcake design, email me sue@bapiaonline.com and I will happily share the sizing, just follow the same construction techniques as shown in Dante's video above! 

A huge thank you to Dante for his incredible talent and for sharing this design! 

I will be sharing my other window displays over the next few weeks! 

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue
Follow me @suebowler

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Air-Filled Design idea using PremiumConwin DecoCup™ + DecoStick™

With the continually soaring cost of helium and its lack of availability, finding air-filled solutions is extremely important to the ballooning community.




Creating designs using the PremiumConwin DecoCup™ + DecoCup™ is definitely the way forward, and today, I would like to share two videos with you featuring those accessories.



It's all about the Base! 

In the first video, I will demonstrate how to create the central support for your designs. I have two methods:

1. Using a tile base with 2x DecoCups and 1x DecoCup

2. Using a sand-weight with 2x DecoCups and 1 x DecoCup

I show two different glue options to secure the DecoCups to the tile base.

If like me, you have unused Lomey Adhesive in your toolbox. 
 This works very well for sticking a DecoCup to a ceramic tile base, 
but it can take up to 24 hours to dry! I recommend using packing tape to hold the cup in place on the tile during the drying process.


Gorilla Glue works extremely well when you need to stick two items together that are made from different material. The down-side is the drying time as it can take up to 24 hours for the glue to bond successfully.

Sand-Weights - using kiln-dried sand
A sand-weight makes the perfect weight for a base, unlike a water-weight, a sand-weight can be moulded into shape and flattened and is very stable, it is also quick and inexpensive to make. 

Check out the video below to see how easy it is to make the base element for our air-filled designs.



"With Love" - air-filled Hat Box Valentine's arrangement 



In the second video, I show you how to create this relatively easy design that would be perfect for Valentine's Day or by simply changing the balloons and colours it would be suitable for any occasion!

For this design I have used:

  • Hat Box
  • 7" Qualatex Gold Chrome
  • 5" Wild Berry
  • 260Q Gold Chrome
  • 260Q Wild Berry
  • 260Q Rose
  • 18" Love Gold #16766
  • Pink Organza Ribbon
  • Uglu Dashes 
Check out the video below to find out step-by-step how to make this great design.



I have been creating air-filled balloon designs for many years now, and I have come to have a preference to air-filled over helium-filled designs. I feel that an air-filled design allows for more creativity and detail, and I prefer the end results!

Here are a few more of my air-filled arrangements, some using Deco Cups and Sticks.

The Happy Birthday foil in this design is actually helium-filled, but it could easily be replaced with an air-filled version on a Deco Cup & Stick








I hope that this post has been helpful and given you a little inspiration!

Happy Ballooning!

Sue
Follow me @Suebowler



Thursday, January 12, 2023

What is an On-the-Job Risk Assessment and How Do You Prepare One?

In the UK, it is becoming standard practice for a venue to ask event vendors to provide risk assessments along with their Business Liability Insurance documentation prior to working in a venue. Without either of these, some will not permit you to work!


 

What is an On-the-Job Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment is simply a thorough examination of factors in your work that could potentially cause harm to people, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm. Workers and others have a right to be protected from harm caused by a failure to take reasonable control measures.

In today's world of stricter health and safety laws, there are often requirements for us as event decorators to produce these documents. Preparing a Risk Assessment can sound daunting, especially if this is something that you have never done before, but once you have prepared one you will find subsequent risk assessments much easier.

Accidents will sometimes happen, but by being aware of the obvious dangers and acting to reduce risks, you are creating a safer working environment for yourself and everyone around you.

Clients and insurance companies like to know you are creating as safe an environment as possible for everyone involved. 

The Risk Assessment

A risk assessment highlights: 

  • Potential hazards - who might be harmed and how
  • Risk controls that are in place 
  • Risk rating - low, moderate, high, or extreme
  • Actions – what further actions can be taken to control the risk further

Generally, the Balloon and Party Industry is a low to medium risk industry. However, we do handle gas cylinders under pressure, and therefore we need to ensure that we follow the correct procedures.

For those who work with special effects, these offer different and potentially greater liabilities, so ensure that your insurance policy covers everything that you offer.

Here is an example of a Risk Assessment that I completed for a balloon installation some years ago. You would need to complete all the details such as your company name, the name of the event, the date and the location.



There are many potential risks on any balloon job; here are a few more that you may want to think about and include in your risk assessment if they apply to you. When preparing a risk assessment, think about all the decor, and props that you are installing and all the different processes and equipment that you will be using.
Another item that could be listed under falls would be ladders if you are using them.
These would be listed as the potential hazard, then you would specify who is potentially at risk. A risk control might be the type of ladders. Further action would be to ensure that the ladders are:   

  • Set up correctly  
  • Checked before and after a job
  • Used with care and common sense 


Something that you may not consider being a risk is balloon shining products! The potential hazards are: Slippery floors which can cause potential falls leading to strains and broken bones. Those at risk are event staff and the public when used in public spaces. 

Further action to control risks are:

  • Ensure that when balloon shining solutions are used that all surfaces are protected and covered.
  • Restrict access to areas during spraying process
  • Should floors or surfaces become slippery, floors should be cleaned immediately with a soapy solution and allowed to dry before anyone can walk on them.
Also be aware that balloon shining products can damage soft furnishings and wall finishes, should you damage either of these when working on a job you could be liable for cleaning or replacing! 

Not only should we identify all the risks that could occur on a job, we should also make sure that any staff working with you should be aware of the risks, and how to prevent them from happening.

Methods Statement

This works in conjunction with the Risk Assessment and it is a document that details the work that is to be carried out :
  • A brief description of work to be undertaken
  • Your company details, logo, name, and address, etc 
  • Start Date & Completion date, if applicable 
  • Site address 
  • Site contact number
  • A summary of the main potential hazards and the control measures that must be implemented. 
  • A list of electrical equipment, gases, and regulators you will be using. If using helium, you can state that helium is an inert gas! 
The information for this can be extracted from your risk assessment document. You can also detail any Environmental or Quality procedures that must be taken during the task.

Environmental: you can state what materials you are using and if they are biodegradable or non-biodegradable. You can state that balloons should not be released into the environment and how they should be disposed of after an event.

Quality: this defines very simply what tasks you are required to perform to complete the job. This could include how materials and equipment will arrive at the venue, and where the construction will take place.

There are a number of free Risk Assessment templates available on the internet, you can use one of these or use one as a sample to help you create your own. The example above was created using CANVA. Once you have made your own template, keep it safe and amend it each time you require it for a job.

As I said at the beginning of this post, if you have never had to provide a risk assessment before it can feel like a daunting task, but to be honest it is extremely logical and it really does help you to think through everything before you start a site-base job! 

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue
Follow me @suebowler









Monday, January 9, 2023

Step-by-Step Air-Filled Valentine's 'Love' Arrangement by Sue Bowler

'I Love You with Love' is a design that I created last year for the Qualatex Online Education video program that is available on Vimeo, called Expressions of Love! Today I am sharing one of the designs from that program.


This year, with the continually soaring cost of helium and its lack of availability, we will all be looking for exciting air-filled designs that can be recreated quickly, with much of the prep work done in advance, and this design ticks all of those boxes! 

Material List:

58271 7" Gold Chrome
99352 5" Pearl Magenta
59570 16" Northstar Magenta L Shape
59590 16" Northstar Magenta V Shape
59556 16" Northstar Magenta E Shape
16766 18" Love Gold Heart Shape Microfoil™
58283 260Q Gold Chrome
25577 260Q Wild Berry
36336 4" Metallic Gold Hearts

Check out the video below for full step-by-step instructions on how to make this design.


To view the other designs on the video visit https://vimeo.com/ondemand/qualatexlove, or if you are a Rockstar Member of Q Corner you can watch the whole video as part of your membership!

Here are some more inspiring design ideas using a similar style and techniques.


All my love to you!
This love-filled design is a little extra, perfect for a Valentine!
Designer name: Cam Woody, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA




A New Kind of Love Letter…
What better way to show your love than with love-letter themed balloons?
Designer name: Eve Antonello, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA


Love is Golden
Do something a little different for your love!
Designer name: Cam Woody, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA


Together Forever, and Ever
Make a statement with this design!
Designer name: Cam Woody, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA


Gnome body loves you as much as I do!
Designer name: Julie Dunham, CBA, Pioneer Europe Ltd.

 
And don't forget, Qualatex has a great selection of FREE marketing materials available for you to download that will help you to promote your Valentines campaign, as well as other seasonal events! 

Facebook Cover Photos

https://us.qualatex.com/en-us/inspiration/marketing-materials/

Download beautifully crafted cover photos, created by a professional graphic designer at Pioneer, and upload it to your Facebook page.

Ready-Made Social Media Posts

https://us.qualatex.com/en-us/inspiration/marketing-materials/

Qualatex has created simple social media posts using the latest Qualatex bouquets with fun headlines within the graphic. These designs make it simple to promote products with minimal effort on your part.

Qualatex Lifestyle Images

https://pioneerballooncompany.widencollective.com/c/vozhdikn

Many of the lifestyle photos used on the Qualatex social media accounts are available for you to download and share on your social media account!

I hope you find the video and the inspiration helpful! Be sure to use the great resources available on www.Qualatex.com for all your holiday needs!

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue
Follow me on @Suebowler





Thursday, December 22, 2022

What's in your toolbox? With Natalie Saunders

I have known Natalie (Nat) Saunders for many years, as both a friend, and as a fabulous balloon artist too! Nat has run her highly successful balloon business, The Balloon Room for over 20 years and is regarded as one of the UK's top balloon companies! 

Today, Nat is sharing the contents of her toolbox to help others who may have recently started out in the balloon business or for anyone who might be intrigued to see what another professional carries on their jobs! 

Check out the video below, in which Nat talks through and shows you the full contents of her tool box and why she has it.


Toolbox - Natalie recommends the Stanley Modular Rolling Toolbox



Contents:

🎈 Scissors and Retractable Reel Holder/Scissor Keeper

🎈 Loose Change for parking 


🎈 Stretchy Balloon Tape
"Stretchy Balloon Tape is my number one tape by far. I use it a lot! It is the only sure connection for foil balloons without putting any stress on them. When using stretchy tape I take one side of the backing tape off and reposition across in the middle, I then take away the other half of the backing tape. I then position the stretchy tape on the two foil balloons that I am connecting. The repositioned backing tape now shows the distance that will be taken between the two foil balloons. Now turn the balloons around, take away the backing tape and an additional piece of stretchy tape on top. This gives a result of two foil balloons with only a few millimetres between only using the double stretchy tape. The tape kind of ‘melts together.’ I find that this is the best way to make very strong connection points onto foil, Bubble, and latex balloons. The fact that it is stretchy or elastic makes it a stronger connection as it can shrink, grow, and move with the balloon construction. 

🎈 Tweezers

🎈 Teaspoon and Tablespoon for measuring (confetti) 

🎈 Mini perfume (just in case for a quick freshen up)

*****

🎈 Gaffer Tape - can be used to connect rods and pipes and also to cover loose cables when working as a health and safely procedure.

🎈 Glue Dots and Uglu Dashes

🎈 Balloon Bond
Click-Click™ Balloon Bond®.
This is a two-sided adhesive that is perfect for connecting latex balloons and other materials to balloons.

🎈 Nail Varnish Remover and Cotton Wool Pads - the nail varnish remover will remove the painted surface from a foil balloon which will help when sticking foil balloons together.

🎈 Double-Sided Tape

🎈 Anti-Bacterial Wipes and Hand Sanitiser 

🎈 Monofilament or Fishing Line (Strong nylon thread)

🎈 Batteries - AA + AAA's

🎈 Tape Measure 

🎈 Gorilla (Mounting) Tape


🎈 Dacron Line
🎈 Floristry Wire


*****

🎈Command Hooks


🎈Glue Guns - Hot & Cold Melt plus Glue Sticks





You would probably think that glue guns and balloons would not be a good combination, however, low temperature or cool melt glue guns work perfectly well when making designs. 
They are particularly effective when building Mosaic Frames for Balloons, and also when adding the balloons to the frames. 
Be aware, even cool glue is very hot, and yes, it can pop a balloon, so you need to be very careful when working with one. The main problem with this type of glue is that it reacts with temperature; if it's cold, the glue sets very hard and brittle, and in the heat it can soften too much.
Be very careful when using a Hot Glue Gun, the glue is extremely hot and will pop balloons.


🎈 Staple Gun


🎈 Pins and Drawing Pins


🎈 Bag Clips (IKEA)

🎈 Small Speaker

🎈 Screw Drivers

🎈 Phone/Cell Charger

🎈 Tripod

🎈 Card Machine to take last minute payments

🎈 Wire Cutters & Pliers

🎈 Hammer


🎈 Helium Regular and inflation outlets for  different types of balloons
 

🎈 Balloon Stretching Tool (Castration Pliers or Tool) 

🎈 Retractable Knife

🎈 Premium Balloon Foil-Pro Inflator

🎈 Spanner and Wrench

🎈Tent Pegs

🎈 Magnets

🎈 Safety Pins


🎈 Bull Dog Clips

🎈 Torch

🎈 Balloon Weights

🎈 Cable Ties/ Zip Lock Ties


🎈 Balloon Hand-Pump

🎈 Pocket Pump

🎈 Balloon Shine/Hi-Shine

🎈 Shoe Protection Covers

🎈 Rubber Gloves

🎈 Odd 260 Balloons for tying

🎈 Safety Goggles


Check out some of Nat's fabulous balloon designs! 


Beautiful Bubble design by Natalie Saunders - The Balloonroom, Stevenage, UK.

Award Ceremony Decor by Natalie Saunders - The Balloon Room, Stevenage, UK.

Party Decor by Natalie Saunders - The Balloon Room, Stevenage, UK.

A huge thank you to Nat for sharing the content of her toolbox and all her many tips with The Very Best Balloon Blog! 

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue
Follow me @suebowler