Balloon animal
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Image:Balloon vendor.JPG A balloon animal consists of one or more balloons that have been twisted and shaped to resemble an animal. The most common is the balloon dog, commonly referred to as a balloon poodle. Balloon animals are commonly created by clowns for entertainment. Balloon animals are also known as balloon modelling, balloon art and balloon sculpture.
Equipment
There are two things needed to create balloon animals. First is a bag of long balloons, usually in various colors. The most common size of these balloons is referred to as 260: 2 for the width of the balloon and 60 for the length of the balloon when it is completely inflated. Both numbers are in inches. Second is something with which to inflate the balloons. Manual air pumps similar to bicycle pumps, electric air compressors, and manual inflation by mouth are among the most common methods.
Simple technique
The first thing to do when creating a balloon animal is to remember to leave some of the long balloon uninflated, creating what is called a tail. The tail is necessary because it gives air someplace to go when later manipulating the balloon. This prevents the balloon from popping. Experienced balloon animal makers will keep the tail a reasonable length.
The next step is to create a twist. A twist is simply a twist in the balloon used to split the balloon into sections. When making many twists, they should be made first at the head of the balloon, then more proceeding towards the tail. Twisting a balloon between two twists or a twist and the head of the balloon may cause the balloon to pop. This is because the air has nowhere to go but out.
The third step is to create a lock. To create a lock, first a twist is made in the balloon. Next another twist a few inches from the first twist is made. Finally, a third twist is made the same distance from the second twist as the second twist is from the first twist. Now the balloon section between the second and third twist is bent back until it is flat against the balloon section between the first and second twist. Finally, the third twist and the first twist are pushed together. This locks the balloons into place and prevents the twists from coming undone. By combining locks it is possible to create legs, a head, a body, and a tail, resulting in a balloon poodle.
Common balloon animals include:
- Poodle
- Sword
- Hat
- Turtle Bracelet
To create a hat, you inflate one balloon until you have about 2-3 inches of tail at the end. After tying the balloon, measure a circle with the balloon around the person's head. Twist the balloon at that spot. You will have a circle with a tail at one end. This is your hat!