Balloon Art - Materials and Equipment

You don't need much at all to do this art: balloons of course and something to inflate the balloons with.

Balloons come in all kinds of shapes and colors and the balloon which lends itself best for all the bending and twisting is called a 260 and can be found at any party store. It may also carry the name 'animal', 'sculpting' or 'twisty' balloon.

The 260 stands for diameter: 2 inches and length: 60 inches. A 160 would mean 1 inch diameter and 60 inches long and hence a 350 would mean a diameter of 3 inches and 50 inches of length.

As far as inflating balloons go, if you don't do it often and only need a few balloons, a good set of lungs will do. For a large amount of balloons it is much better to use an air pump like a balloon pump, bicycle pump, basketball pump or even an electric air compressor.

There are many advantages of using an air pump as opposed to blowing it up by mouth:
It avoids getting dizzy and passing out, it is more hygienic and does not spread any germs around and children don't mimic the twister by sticking it in their mouths.

A popping balloon is a choking hazard and can even damage eyes, ears and muscles around the throat, especially when it pops while blowing it up. Remember: we lead by example!

There are plenty of step by step insructions for creating balloon animals and other objects. You can find books, free instructions, online tutorial videos and there may even be a workshop held in your area.

It may take a little practice, but it is worth the effort and ensures that it will not go down like a lead balloon!