One of the first lessons I learned in ballooning is that there is a huge difference in the quality of balloons that are available for purchase. You will find very few people that would argue that Qualatex is the best quality latex balloon that you can buy and they are very affordable. The two standard size balloons that most balloon artists use are the 260 and the 160. The picture shown above is using 260 balloons. The number "2" refers to the width the balloon will get when fully inflated (approx 2 inches) and the "60" refers to the length of approx 60 inches long.

 

There are many latex speciality balloons out there that make balloon art fun. Here are just a few:

 

The base of this centerpiece is made out of a "Qualatex Geo Blossom". These usually cost about $25 for a bag, so they are used mainly in decor or at high-end twisting gigs. I use these all of the time because I refuse to lower my rates and provide lower end balloons. My clients enjoy a more polished and professional touch to balloon art.

 

The fairy is made of 160's and are also mainly used on balloon decor. This allows balloon artists to create baby turtles and momma turtles or anything that you need to have in the smallest balloon available.

 

The next size up from a 160 is the 260. The flower petals are made out of the 260 and create a nice scale to the piece. Without the use of these more expensive balloons, you would have a fairy with a skirt the same size as the flower and it would not have the same effect.

 

 

 

 

 

If you are an athlete, you may be able to blow a Qualatex balloon up, but most of us will need a balloon pump. These too come in different forms and I prefer to buy mine for $3 at Walmart in the party section. If you want to crank out hundreds of balloons, you will want to buy a professional balloon pump. I did the research and found that most professional's are very happy with the Filbert Pump. (see photo to left)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below are the best sources for new balloon artists or individuals that find this art facinating. The cost to get started as a Balloon Artist is around $500-800 your first six months. This includes purchasing a professional apron or busking bag ($80) to hold balloons in groups of color, balloons (average $8 each color/style x 40 styles = $320), profession floor pump ($100-160).

 

You will also need Balloon Pens, two manual balloon pumps, business cards, website, camera and lots of spare time to practice. Eventually, you will need to buy a general liability insurance policy to cover risks involved with possible injuries, etc.

 

 

The first lesson in twisting balloons is that every design has different size bubbles and twists that must be memorized. To start slow, we learn very easy designs like the flying mouse.

 

 

 

 

The next step is to learn "balloon language" so that you can view UTube videos and understand what is being taught. Follow the link and take about a week to get these down. These basic twists are used in every balloon design a professional balloon artist will make in a day. Basic Twists & Balloon Language

 

 

Now it is time to put your knowledge into action and twist...twist....twist! You will pop alot...pay attention to why you pop! Too much air in the balloon? Did not leave enough uninflated? Keep practicing. :) 

 

 

You can buy balloons at Walmart and Party City, but high quality, professional balloons come from one place...