Decorating 260 Balloon Sculptures

Markers and Paint Pens
Additions: Glow-in-the-dark
Additions: Uninflated Balloon Bits
Additions: Miscellaneous

To draw or not to draw: YES!

• When I can make a sculpture and add all necessary details that I want it to have, then I'm a happy camper. I love the pure balloon aspect to ballooning, but the artist in me can never resist mixing mediums. When I add a couple of pen marks here for eyebrows or a superball there to make the whole hat vibrate, then I've added the finishing touches that my artistic creation needs to make it really mine. A good multi-balloon sculpture needs all the details. My multi balloon D. Duck just wouldn't be complete if his beak and feet didn't have the details.
• Genies and tigers really need the markings. A three year old informed me that bunnies should have teeth, so I always give the bunnies teeth. I get a lot of "oh, how cute!"s with that. Always listen to three-year-olds.
• I don't use the pen for a crutch but I do feel that they are a necessity to my style of art. I love seeing families' faces when the elephant has googly eyes or when the diver who is falling off the high dive is grimacing at the fall ahead of him.
• If you can't make it look like what you want it to be without drawing on it then you are not making it as well as you could. Nonsense! Do you build a house without painting it? Do you draw a painting and not color it in? Do you buy ceramics and not paint them?
• I use Sharpies. I have every color that is available and I love to draw on my balloons. I was not - I repeat NOT an experienced artist when I began doing balloons, but I decided when I began that I would draw on my balloons so I started paying close attention to cartoons, t-shirt drawings, etc. and got my ideas for the different types of eyes that I do. I practiced my art work as much as I practiced my balloon art. I can't tell you how many times people say to me - "I just love your balloons. They are so different. I like the eyes and the stripes and other features that you add, they make the balloon." I did a school festival Friday night and had a line all night long. I drew on every balloon that needed it and got no complaints from people waiting. Sharpies have my vote! I just wish they had pink! Marks-A-Lot has come out with a pack of pink, light green, and orange (there might be another color).
• The added bonus of permanent markers (as opposed to water based ones) is that
  1. the decoration can be handled without the ink coming off,
  2. they survive deflation. Ink even looks good on a deflated balloon, like it was printed there in miniature.

  This is a good effect for things that take a while to draw, like the bee-body mobile-phone. Blow up, do art-work, deflate and store. "Brrrt-brrrt, brrrt-brrrt. Gosh who could that be?" Puff! One instant phone. "Hello, [insert appropriate joke]". You can give the mobile-phone away but warn people not to use them while they're driving.

• Draw a worm and leaves on a balloon apple. Give the worm a big smile, though.
• What do you do with your colored sharpie's? Whenever I use one I normally use black (simple eyes, noses, ears) and different colors simply wouldn't look as good. What am I missing?
  1. I use orange, brown, & black for stripes on yellow cats to turn them into tigers(yellow & black on white for albino). Blue is for Tweety eyes. Red lips go well on the mermaid. Green and purple are the most seldom used, but I have made a white cat w/these colors for stripes once. The more I use them, the more uses I find for the other colors.
  2. On any sculptures with two birds, etc., kissing, use a black marker to make eyes... open, shut, or one of each, depending on how you like to kiss :-) then run a red marker around at the twist between the two heads for lips. (Yes, I know birds don't have lips but...) A variation of this which also works well, if you're doing the birds for a couple with some distinguishing characteristics (glasses, red hair, things like that), use your markers to make the birds look (roughly) like the couple.
• My 5-year-old sons have met many a 5-year-old girl delivering all manner of balloon animals. This is the best reason I know for making balloon animals. Now if I could just convince them that they're supposed to ask for phone numbers... Here's a clever "in-character" way that works for me - have them write their numbers on an inflated 260 with your Sharpie, then deflate it and put it in your tip pocket for safe keeping :-)

To draw or not to draw: SOMETIMES!

• Do you "Sharpie"??? When I first learned the balloon twisting art I was lucky enough to find a mentor who had a great impact on how my twisting evolved. This man taught me to always be as professional as I could and to try and make my creations as well as I could. He had two very hard and fast rules as a twister. (1) It is better to do a few creations very well than to do many creations poorly. (2) If you can't make it look like what you want it to be without drawing on it then you are not making it as well as you could. I have since learned the joy of using a "Sharpie" and do add to many of my twistings. But I still hear the rules told to me over and over again. Most of my twisting is without the "Sharpie" My biggest reason not to has always been a time crunch. When you have 25-30 kids in the line, marking takes valuable time. In a more relaxed environment I will decorate my creations with the "Sharpie".
• I like to use a marker, but only in slow-paced or informal twisting situations. I pack a black Sharpie for general use, and a red for dog's tongue, rabbit's eyes, etc. (Unfortunately, markers add too much time to most "commando twisting" situations.) I think the purpose of the marker is not to take a balloon blob and try to make it look like an animal, but rather to take an animal figure and give it a little added dimension. You can twist all the 260 horses you want, but until you've seen a kid smile when you draw horseshoes on the bottom of its feet (credit for that idea to my son), you haven't squeezed every drop of fun out of it.
• My solution is simple: only draw on the balloon when the kid looks at it and says "this doesn't look anything like a 'blank'." I then tell him/ her, "okay, let me give your imagination a boost." Presto! A few scratches and he can see the animal.
• I love to make the tiger, and with the proper markings it is a real show stopper. But in a busy crowd it is also a line stopper as it takes a few extra moments to draw all them lines, then make sure the ink is dry.
• I use Sharpie's if I have time. We get into such varying situations, we may be able to draw on the balloons, or we may be pumping out dogs as fast as possible. I have learned how to talk while I work, to try to get some of my dumb jokes in.
• I usually carry Sharpies with me, but I rarely use them. Like others have said, sometimes there's enough time to just add a bit more detail. And of course, if you're trying to entertain, you have one more tool to play with. I've always liked trying to do the best I can without markers.
• I don't use any marking devices on the balloons, mostly because I can barely draw a straight line with a ruler. Second, I think that drawing on the balloon takes away a little from the creation itself. (This is only with my drawings; people try to figure out what those round spots are on the head, instead of appreciating a lovely fancy poodle.) I've seen lots of Sharpie work that looks good and enhances the creation. So if you can do it and it looks good, then by all means draw on that balloon!
• I try to avoid using a marker on balloons that will be given to children. However, there are a few sculptures that simply cry out for a touch of ink. In those cases, I make sure to warn the child and adult to dispose of the balloon as soon as it starts to deflate or get rid of the pieces carefully if it pops. You don't want Mom to bring Junior back to you with ink-stained clothes!

To draw or not to draw: NO!

• If I'm going to be in a busy situation, it's better to just keep the marker in a pocket somewhere. Once you do something really spiffy with it, every child wants one (a term should be developed for this, maybe "The Green Balloon Syndrome"... the balloon is always greener on the other side of the line). Make eyes on a cat, the next kid will demand you add eyes and stripes to his, the next wants eyes, stripes and claws... eyes, stripes, claws, teeth, a cute nose... etc. I save my marker mostly for private parties now.
• No matter how careful you are, you're going to end up popping a certain percentage of balloons when you draw on them. Sharpies can dry out in a particular area, even on a fresh pen, and that rough area can pop the balloon. The worst part is when your drawing pops a balloon that you've already sculpted properly, so all the work is lost. If you inflate a balloon improperly, you can make it into something else. If you pop a balloon, you have to start all over.
• My problem with markers, both paint and sharpie, is that when the balloon eventually pops, leaks, or otherwise deflates, they leave a *nasty powdery residue* that gets on the holder's hands, clothes, etc.!!! I'm a bit hesitant when distributing markered balloons, because I don't want the ink to get all over and have a parent come back (justifiably) ticked off at me.

Brand names

Sharpie

• "Sharpie" permanent markers are best for marking on light colored balloons. Water based "erasable" markers won't work because the ink "beads". The Sharpies come in different colors too.
• Sharpie has an extensive line of colors, such as orange, blue, green, red, brown, etc. They aren't available in most stores, though. Check an art supply or pen/stationery store.
• I solved some of my problem with the "sharpness" of sharpies. I tap the new marker firmly on a piece of paper to dull it a little. Don't tap too hard or it'll be fat-pen-city, just enough to dull the point When the point is dull, I use various sides of the pen... i.e. the tip for finer lines, the edges for filling in spaces and writing big, etc.
• Although for most purposes, Sharpie markers are "permanent", this is not the case on balloons. When you write on an inflated balloon, you're writing on a stretched surface. When the surface contracts, whether slowly deflating, or rapidly when popped, the ink contracts along with the surface, condenses, and comes off, like stamp pad ink.
• I personally like Sharpies. Yes, after the balloon begins to deflate, it will rub off, however; it's seldom I hear from anyone who's kept one around long enough to do so. Those that do, tend to put them up and NOT play with them. Once it's lost enough air for the marker to become chalky, the balloon tends to collapse when touched, resulting with the critter being tossed in the trash. Since I don't fully paint the entire body, there's a good chance that the marked area won't even be touched, (possibly) except for a little smudge on the fingers.
• Sanford (manufacturer of Sharpie markers) also makes two different sized broad tipped markers called "Impact" & "Hi-Impact". The tips, as well as the ink chambers are larger from one to the other.

Expo

• I gave up using a Sharpie because I always got messy. They work fine on inflated balloons, but the ink comes off all over me when the balloon deflates. Now I use Sanford brand Expo markers, designed for use with an erasable white board. They work great. I can get a packet of 8 colors in chisel-tip markers from my local office supply store.
• The basic Expo marker set includes red, blue, green, and black. Additional colors are available in the larger pack. The normal ones are large chisel point. They also make fine point markers in red, blue, green, and black.
• Try this experiment: blow up a 260, don't even bother twisting, write something in both types of marker, then put a hole in it so it deflates slowly - now rub... you'll never go back to Sharpie.
• The results of my not-quite-scientific study are now in. Sharpies smear. Expos (for dry erase boards) don't. Try 'em, you'll like 'em. They come in large chisel-tip or small round point. They stink, but hey!
• The Expo's work but the tips dries up too quickly. They also smell awful. Not good if you are inside.
• After using the EXPO markers for a few days in working situations, I think I'm swearing off markers again. The Expo's do smell funny, and they dry out very quickly. Also, markers slow me down. Since I only have a couple of balloons that REQUIRE marking, I'll carry an EXPO or two and not use them unless I must.
• My number one complaint about Expos is the smell. I've even had complaints from people trying to eat. In some cases its a catch-22. When I was going to school I actually knew folks who would drop a class because of the Expo's.
• Dud!!! In an earlier post I recommended the Expo, I recant that. I went to a show armed and loaded for bear (faces), I had two Expo's quit writing in just a few minutes. If you want to use an Expo, go for it... but keep a back up Sharpie on hand just in case.
• The REAL number one problem... they just dry out too fast. It's got nothing to do with the talc on the balloons. Almost every class, the profs would come in with special holders to keep all their EXTRA markers inverted, as well as have a few extra upside down in their pockets. Every few minutes there would be the need to switch to a 'fresh' marker. To much bother and expense if you ask me. I tend to loose my Sharpies long before they dry out on me.

Other Brands

• I like the chisel-pointed Marks-A-Lot markers better than Sharpies. The Marks-A-Lot have the ability to write thick (for coloring in) or thin (for eyes, etc). Marks-A-Lot have a drying agent with an odor between the Sharpie and the Expo.

Paint Pens/ Markers

• Q: What do you get when you cross a magic marker and a spray-paint can?
  A: A "paint marker"
• A "paint marker" is filled with paint and has a little metal ball inside to help mix the paint when you shake the marker. A valve allows the paint to flow into the wick-like tip when you depress the spring-loaded tip vertically downward against a hard surface. When you exhaust the supply on the wick-like tip, you depress the spring-loaded tip against a hard surface again (make sure this isn't a table-top or you will leave a spot of paint on it) to replenish the supply. These paint markers are available in many colors and sizes at art supply stores.

  Make sure that you shake the paint marker thoroughly before you use it, ESPECIALLY the first time! Otherwise, you will wick out most of the thinner the very first time you depress the tip and your marker will be useless thereafter.

  As the marker gets old, I find that I often have to pull out the wick-like tip and turn it around to get it to work well. The paint from these markers is flexible enough that it doesn't crack when the balloon flexes (unlike Liquid Paper). I have not had any problems with the balloon popping. The fine point white markers I use cost about $2-3 each.

• I found a brand of paint marker that I like! It's a Testor's (yes, the guys who make those tiny bottles of paint for plastic models) paint marker. They have a 1/2" inch diameter metal body, and more paint in them (1/3 fluid ounce) than the expensive art-supply store paint markers. They come in a bunch of colors, and they are only $2.50 each. I found them at a hobby shop and also at Menards.
• I use a white paint marker when drawing on dark colored balloons.
• If you want an alternative to markers, try a paint pen. The paint takes much longer to dry, but it just wrinkles and flakes when the balloon shrinks.

A Marker Magic Trick

• A Sharpie *pull*: If you do magic or like to appear that you do, try this. A magician's *pull* is a device to make something seem to vanish from your hands, by pulling it swiftly under your suit coat or vest. One common way is to simply use a piece of elastic. To do the effect using a Sharpie marker, you will need:
  1. A piece of thin, round, elastic. 3 feet would be plenty, (black preferred).
  2. 2 safety pins
  3. A Sharpie marker (or other brand of choice)

  Attach one end of the elastic to the cap of the marker. The easiest way is if you make a hole in the end of the cap, thread the elastic through, and tie a knot, then pull the knot back into the cap. If you use this method, you may want to have a spare cap to put on the marker for storage, to prevent drying out.

  Take the other end of the elastic, and thread it through the spring loop in one of the safety pins. Pin this pin inside your jacket or open vest, just in front of and slightly below, your left arm pit.

  Pin the second safety pin inside the back of the jacket about where your right shoulder blade will be. Take the end of the elastic, threaded through the first pin, and, pull the marker cap up to the first pin. Now bring the elastic across, without stretching it, and tie it to the spring loop in the second pin. Don't cut excess yet, you may want to make minor adjustments. Basic preparation is now complete.

  The Move: Put on the jacket/ suit coat /vest. You should be able to reach across your body with your right hand, inside your coat, and find the pen in the cap hanging there, out of sight. If you pull on the cap, the elastic should slide through the first safety pin, which acts as a guide and stop. As you pull the pen w/cap out of your jacket, raise your left hand and grab the cap. Pull the pen out of the cap, with your right hand, do your writing, then push the pen, firmly, back into the cap (still held in the left hand). Appear to rub your hands together as you release your grip on the pen. Your hand movement should cover the elastic pulling the pen back under your coat. Wa-la!

  Open hands to show pen has vanished. Note: this is only a rough description. Practice in front of a mirror. You may need to lengthen or shorten the elastic, or move the anchor points.

  One drawback to this method is that you need a third hand to hold the balloon while your others are holding the pen and cap. If you have a spare cap, you can start with the pen, with spare cap on, in your shirt pocket, take it out, put the cap back into the pocket, have your hand free to hold balloon, then when finished, grab gimmicked pen cap when appearing to reach into jacket for regular pen.

• Since they make so many things glow-in-the-dark, wouldn't it be cool to have some glow-in-the-dark 260 balloons! Especially around Halloween! What a difference compared to the clear or white "ghost" animals!
• Glow in the dark stickers. I've used stickers for eyes on animals. I saw an ad in a mail-order catalog for a "pen" that put that glow in the dark material on things. If you let it sit for a while it became permanent. Might be neat for balloon decorating... wow, glow in the dark eyes!
• There is a 2" long glow stick that is great to put inside poodles or other animals with a belly. They last 6-12 hours, depending on the size and the temperature of the room. The company that manufactures them has recently changed the formula, the new products do not glow as long or as bright. Thus, they are best used in a room that is fairly dark. The light from a carnival or stage lights can be too bright, and make the products appear not to glow.
• Put a glow bracelet in a sword and it is even better!

• I use broken lengths of 260's to make the reins on a horse. Otherwise they get a bit wild!
• Three or four inches of uninflated red balloon around the neck of a figure can be used as a scarf.
• Went out with a bunch of friends a couple of weeks ago, and we pulled out the balloons to wow the new gal in my office. I made her a jackrabbit. She dressed him up a bit, by taking a longish bit of a broken pink balloon, and tied a bow around his neck. It was cute. Newbies, think they know everything. Sheesh.
• I like using balloon sticks. It can make sculptures look classy. A 6" heart looks much better on a clip n' stick. Animals can be stuck into the birthday cake carousel style. Small flowers on sticks can fit into floral center pieces with ferns and other greenery.

  Balloon sticks (or drinking straws) can be used as legs on a flamingo (make a pink swan).

  Once I made a mother swan from a 260 & sent her out upon the waters. she tipped in the wind. I taped a quarter to a cello-straw about 16" (8" would do, I think.), & put it on mama. She made the other shore. Use the straw and coin act as a keel and ballast, respectively?

           ,_.
         =<_  \
            ) /
           / /      _
          ( (___.,-' )
           \(___.`--<
  ~~~~~~~~~~(____>-._)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
               |
               | <=== balloon straw
               |
               o <=== coin or washer
  

• In a fabric store, I wandered into the section where they display their miniature items used for decorating dolls and other creations. They were selling things like:
  • tiny copper cow bells with clappers inside (perfect for hanging around balloon cows)
  • tiny sleigh bells (perfect for balloon reindeers)
  • tiny bubble eyes in all shapes and sizes - the ones with a captive black eyeball that rolls around inside a clear plastic bubble with a white backing
  • and all kinds of little doll-sized accessories that were quite inexpensive and could really dress up a balloon creation.
• I bought a package of the 5 mm diameter bubble eyes (144 pieces for $1.39), and some 12 mm oval shaped ones to play with. Maybe I can attach them with a glue stick or something.
• I have used doll making supplies and felt pieces (pre-cut) to decorate my balloon figures. The felt can be glued on with glue sticks, or static electricity can keep them in place and allow them to be modified. I like using this technique when story telling with balloons.
• When Halloween is near, I hang a teeny plastic skeleton from the knot-nose of the animal, or put it riding on the back in a seam, or inside a curly.
• What an interesting use for reinforcements: as a template to draw eyes! It's the solution for all my "here, you draw the eyes so it's just the way you like it" deal. Remember to peel it off very soon after contact & peel it slowly, so it doesn't stick with your creation.
• For eyes on dark balloons (particularly black spiders!!!) I use the self-adhesive O-rings used as reinforcements on ring binders. It's quick and easy and the kids like them. I should try red reinforcements for the back for our famous red-backed spiders.
• I've used stickers for eyes on animals. I also made a Christmas wreath and decorated it with stickers. I think the kids like the stickers. That balloon becomes more personal when they get to pick the colors of the balloon and stickers.
• Pipe cleaners for whiskers! place them under the kitty's nose.
• Marvin showed this stand to us for holding his motorcycle with rider in a wheelie. Take a piece of a straw or other rigid plastic about 3" long and insert it into an uninflated 260. Marvin put a little bit of air into the 260 to give it body . Place the straw about 4" from the end and tie a knot at each end of the straw (so it stays there) and leave another 4" on the other side of the straw and cut or break of the excess. Now tie the ends together. What you should have is a triangle with a rigid piece of straw in the middle section. Take the top (where it is knotted) and slip the knots under the "seat" of the motorcycle and stretch the sides over the back wheel; the stiff part should be under the wheel. He used 2 of these to make the motorcycle do a wheelie.

  ---