While we take the existence of balloons for granted, few of us are aware of the history of this everyday form of entertainment. Apparently, balloons date back hundreds of years, and were originally constructed from the bladders of dead animals. These ancient relics were inflated to form shapes and sewn together; hence, “balloons and balloon animals” were formed. Although the bladders were supposedly cleaned, the possible lack of sanitation alone makes the appeal of this toy hard to fathom, much less the probable smell involved.
Fortunately for all of us, inventor and scientist Michael Faraday needed an expandable pouch for his hydrogen experiments and inadvertently developed what we now refer to as “rubber” in 1824. Today, rubber balloons have been replaced by latex balloons, thereby making the construction of balloon animals exponentially easier and sanitary for all concerned.
Needless to say, latex is more flexible than rubber and its use has no doubt enabled balloon animal artists to expand their repertoire considerably. It has been said that the “inflate and twist” technique used today to construct balloon animals was also crudely employed back in the “animal bladder” days. However, it is doubtful that pumps of any kind were employed; therefore, the air for these misbegotten balloon creatures probably came from some poor soul’s lungs. Although life was tough on the farm, and toys were not plentiful, it is hard to conceive the desire for any toy being worth the trouble and risk of disease.
Once their attention is captured, even the most impatient child can be fascinated by watching a skilled person craft an animal from a balloon. If you can stand the resultant “squeaking,” it’s a skill in great demand, even today. The balloons used for this form of art are usually oblong in shape, and are specifically [...]
One of the first inexpensive toys given to children is a balloon. Even in infancy, we have been known to entertain children by floating a balloon nearby and watching their reaction. Due to the overwhelming popularity of balloon animals, children are usually familiar with them after attending a birthday party. By now, these children equate [...]
Making balloon animals is not only fun, but also a very constructive way to develop dexterity and focus. Balloons animals are now used in place of decorations at many social events and have taken the place of streamers, party favors and hats. Huge animals are created by companies wishing to catch your eye while driving [...]
Yes, you can sculpt just about anything using balloons! Of course, people are used to animals and aircraft, but now there are specific twisting and bubble patterns to depict people as well as awards. Would you believe a balloon Oscar??
Children, who have decided to acquire a new skill, whether it is riding a two-wheeled bike or rollerblading, can be very persistent, if not downright relentless. While these skills require complete involvement of their entire bodies, they are just a part of their physical education. Rainy days or other inclement weather invariably provide opportunities to [...]
You must first have the proper equipment. Oblong balloons (i.e., long tubular balloons) are the balloons used for constructing balloon animals. Do not depend upon your lungs to consistently blow up the balloons; this activity alone could be quite strenuous. Professional balloon artists use balloon pumps, which can be purchased inexpensively. The following techniques are [...]
What better way to promote your business than giving away items? Few people are willing to turn down anything that is the least bit usable and/or entertaining, particularly if it’s free. Many businesses have seized upon this concept of advertising and are using balloon sculptures, often embossed with their logos, to establish their name in [...]
Perhaps you were recently at a party or a restaurant, where a very pleasant individual asked if they could make a balloon animal for you. As the offer was free, you happily obliged, and the resulting “giraffe,” was very cute. Later, you mentioned this encounter to friends, who related a similar experience. Together, you wondered, [...]
While young children are initially introduced to balloons of the round variety, the use of these to make balloon animals is not common. In fact, only recently have some very talented balloon artists successfully attempted to construct different animals with round balloons. The preferred balloon of most artists is one that is longer than wide [...]
Not every balloon is perfect for balloon animal construction. In fact, balloon artists are very particular about the size of the balloons they use. Balloon artists commonly use #260 size balloons, although it should be noted that sizes up to #646 are available for giant creations. Apparently the #160 size is less desirable than the [...]
Where are balloon animals most popular? This burgeoning art form was initially used to direct and focus the attention of adults and children alike. Patrons at crowded restaurants who were waiting for tables found their attention diverted from their growling stomachs by balloon artists, many of whom could create animals by request on the spot. [...]
Although initially the fodder for children’s birthday parties, balloon animals are now popular inexpensive party favors, and can be found at adult soirees as well. Obviously, if you have the time, it’s cheaper to learn how to form these creations yourself. If that’s not an option, then there are many balloon artists available for hire, [...]
Many years ago, we started seeing balloons shaped as animals at restaurants and birthday parties. Balloon animal artists are now regularly scheduled performers at several local eateries, and we actually feel cheated if we leave a child’s birthday party without a balloon animal. Now, this inexpensive form of sculpture is challenging the floral industry. Let’s [...]
The actual website address is www.balloon-animals.com. Here you can find all the news that’s fit to print on creating animal balloons, including a blog for balloon animal artists, allowing them to exchange ideas and get solutions to problems. From the novice balloon twister to the expert entrepreneur, this website has something for everyone interested in [...]
“I’ll do (whatever) when pigs fly!” This is a popular saying that basically means that the precipitating event will never happen. But in the world of animal balloons, pigs do fly, along with anything else suspended in a mobile form. The versatility of animal balloons has few limits, as they can be held or hung [...]
This art form began solely as an entertainment vehicle for children, at restaurants and birthday parties. A balloon artist would be hired to perform, creating dogs, cats, etc., and handing them out as party favors to guests. Soon, many adults realized that more sophisticated party favors, decorations, etc., could be done inexpensively with balloon animals. [...]
