DIY Network

Balloon Art Basics Visit DIY's Craft Lab to learn some balloon art basics. From "Craft Lab" episode DCLB-214

Guest Addi Somekh joins host Jennifer Perkins and shares a few of the basics of balloon art — like how to properly inflate and tie a balloon. Addi makes the basic head base for Jennifer used in balloon art.

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	Guest Addi Somekh shares the keys to balloon art...
	so you can dazzle the guests at your next party!
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Balloon Art Basics

Project designed by Addi Somekh.

Materials:

balloon pump
large bag of multicolored Qualatex balloons
instant classic head bases

1. To pump and tie a balloon, start with the pump and one balloon. Inflate the balloon.

2. Hold the balloon between your index finger and thumb. Let a little out if the neck needs some slack.

3. Use the thumb and first two fingers of your other hand to pinch the balloon a second time just below your other fingers.

4. With your first hand, stretch the neck of the balloon and wrap it around the two fingers of your other hand, forming a circle (figure A).

5. Separate the two fingers to create a little space and tuck the lip of the balloon through the circle.

6. Slip your fingers out of the circle and tighten the knot.

7. To hold and twist the balloon properly, gently squeeze the inflated balloon at the point where you want a twist.

8. Gently squeeze the inflated balloon at the point where you want a twist.

9. Twist the balloon with your other hand. Give it three full turns toward your body.

10. Let go of your twisting hand. Notice that the twist you've made instantly unravels.

11. Place the bubble between your pinky and ring finger (figure B). This allows your thumb and index finger to be free in order to pinch and twist, etc.

    Note: Always twist in the same direction. If not, the twists will undo as you go along. And the bubbles are also referred to as ballies.

12. If you're creating balloon art that will go on someone's head, shape the balloon around your head, and twist a knot at the end of the balloon.

13. Holding the balloon in one hand and the rest in the other, wrap the balloon around the back of the wearer's head (figure C).

14. Twist the ballie around the balloon to complete the headband.

15. Add a security lock by twisting the ballie into the circle and around the joint.

RESOURCES :

Qualatex Balloons (260Q)
Websites: www.allamericanballoon.com

GUESTS :

Addi Somekh
New Balloon Art
E-mail: addi@newballoonart.com
Website: www.newballoonart.com