Just Marie is the next volunteer into the firing line
Some of Marie's work can be found on her portfolio page; http://justmarie.balloonhq.com/

and website; http://www.balloonartbymarie.com/

I've known Marie a little while now and she is passionate about our art and a bit of a laugh at the same time

Just to remind everyone that Marie is up for the interview from tomorrow and I know she's been looking forward to all your questions as we do talk on skype now and again.

So Marie, your sitting at home or wherever and all of a sudden an idea/design pops into your head. What is your thought process from idea/design to having a finished sculpture that your happy with?
Do you end up with a few prototypes?

I'm sorry, Graham, the kids were off of school yesterday and I didn't get a chance to answer your questions. Then, being an American, I didn't pay attention to where the questions were and got all confused...

So, now that I'm all straightened out, let's give this a shot:

1, What road led you into balloon modelling?
I took Glassell south and made a left just before McFadden.

2, When did you get started with balloons?
My grandparents took me to a parade when I was five and bought me a twisted dog - I took it apart and cried.

3, What’s your best twisting experience?
The first time one didn't pop.

4, What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you during a ballooning/entertaining session?
The balloon popped.

5, What do you most enjoy about twisting & why?
The huge paycheck at the end, for obvious reasons.

Oh, wait... You didn't seriously expect me to do this without being incredibly sarcastic right off the bat, did you?! Come on now, Graham, you know me WAAAY better than that!

If you don't mind, may I please take a slightly different approach to this just for a moment? I'll answer a few of your questions by telling you a bit about myself. I'm DEFINITELY not your typical balloon twister. Sometimes I'm far too outspoken for my own good. I very rarely do line work. In fact, I very rarely work at all.

I began twisting to entertain my own children just about 6 years ago now. I figured I could make a little money on the side with my new found skill/obsession/passion. Within months of purchasing my first videos, I was attending conventions and jams and winning competitions. I was lucky enough to live in Southern California near some of the best balloon twisters in the States. I learned so much from them.

Also, by being a member of Balloon HQ, I was able to share my designs and ideas with other artists all over. I gained quite a bit of popularity for the quality of my pictures. Over the next few years, I released 3 DVDs on balloon sculpting.

In Jan, '06 a local magazine featured a balloon dress I co-created on it's cover. I've created dresses for two television shows and a few corporate events. I have several things planned for my designs. Balloon fashions will always be my passion. I have a new design I created just for you... (as soon as I find my cable )

a good funny start, made me laugh
When you find your cable it would be nice to see some of the designs that went into the magazine etc

Marie,
You mentioned that you were on two tv programs. What ones were they? Did anyone assist you with these projects? Do you have any pictures of the events?

Shonna,
The TV programs in question were: Univision's Sabado Gigante (Big Saturday) and Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place.

I actually appeared on Sabado Gigante along with three balloon dresses. I wouldn't say anyone really "assisted" me. There were a few other balloon artists that made a few sculptures and may have blown up some balloons and even twisted a bit of the dresses... But, I TOTALLY could have done it myself if I'd have wanted to!!!

The dress for Wizards was worn by the real life girlfriend of the star. Originally when the head of the wardrobe department contacted me, she didn't know if the show would be able to meet my budget. Ironically, by the end of shooting, not only did they meet it, but they offered me more than our original agreement.

Do you remember the name of the balloon artists who helped you on the show for Univision? Were you just giving them a chance to "break into" the balloon industry, or were they already known by the community?

I hear the color of the dress used for Wizard's of Waverly Place is in big demand right now. What color was it exactly?

What brand of balloons do you use, or do you prefer not to let out your trade secrets?

The dress for Wizard's of Waverly Place has drawn a lot of attention from some of my regular clients. I like to brag that I know the artist who made it.

What was it like being on a TV set with Cindy Crawford and all of the others?

How many times has the episode with your dress aired now? I know it was just on again because people told me they saw it?

Will you remember me when you are Rich and Famous and making balloon dresses for the stars?

Their names? I don't really think that's relevant. The mother was lovely, but the son was just a mediocre balloon artist at best...

I use predominantly Betallic (Sempertex) balloons. I absolutely LOVE their color selection, especially their 160s. When making dresses, it's imperative to have a wide variety of size and colors. I prefer to use metallics and pearls as they are stronger and give a better look to the fashion.

The colors I used in for Wizards dress are Key Lime and Metallic Fuchsia. The flowers on the front of the dress are made with an uninflated balloon technique to mimic peonies.