Simple question really.

What do you use to add details to your balloons?

Ive seen people that use balloon scraps, stickers, pens etc but what do you recommend and why?

Another question, its been suggested to move from permenant markers to paint pens, as they do not turn wet again when the balloon deflates, is this really the case?

If this is the case, i then wonder if i used a white paint pen, and draw over it with a permenant marker, does it stay dry when the balloon deflates?

Im hoping some of you guys have tried this yourselves over the years, instead of buying pens, stickers, etc and finding they arent right for me or general use.

Any suggestions?

Pete

Hi Pete,  I have been modelling for some years now but I would not describe myself as scientific in my approach to balloons.  Some things I like and some things I don't.  Its a matter of taste.  I am definitely an "Add the detail" person.  I never use stickers for the simple reason that balloons are not static and stiff.  They move and bend and expand and shrink depending on the environment they are in. So A sticker would not be an option I would consider because it would come away very quickly I think.  Adding pieces of balloons.  Well  I certainly do that.  If you see any of my work you will know I am always addiing that extra touch with a scrap here and a scrap there.  I carry the eyes that wobble but rarely use them. That is because I am going full steam when I am working and forget about them.  So generally its pens and scraps for those extra touches.  As for what pens to use,  I have experimented recently.  I even had a go with water colour pencils when there was something boring on tv.  Oh yes, there is always something boring on tv.  The watercolour pencils worked but they took some time to work with.  The soft effect was great but I wont consider using them again because of the time it took to get the effect.  I did buy a new pen just yesterday and I thiink it is smashing.  I will have a play with it, take a photo and then pop the balloon and see how it reacts.  I just had a quick go with it before flying out of the door and it seemed very good.  Thre is a huge selection of colours too.  If the penis as good as it seems I think I will be spending a lot of money to get a good collection of them.  I only bought a yellow one but it can be blended to give changing colour tone.  It dries quickly too.  Anyway I will have a play, write my opinions and post a photo.

Quote from: "Thelma Levett"If the penis as good as it seems I think I will be spending a lot of money to get a good collection of them.

Thelma, This made me Laugh out load    :lol:  :lol:

Oh heck! what a typo.  Cracked up when you pointed that out.  Priceless!!!

Thanks Thelma for that fantastic error!!!    :lol:

danny

yes - thanks Thelma  :shock: - I've just had to wipe half a cup of coffee off my screen  

I never use stickers either - it is true that 'permanent' markers will go back to being liquid if the balloon pops so I use dry wipe markers mainly - definitely balloon scraps, never throw even the smallest scrap away they are great for noses, tongues, ears and all sorts of details.

I have to admit that putting features on balloons is a weak spot for me and  I need to work on it , I do draw and paint a little so it should get better it's just a matter of getting used to drawing quickly on such a flexible surface - lottsa practice needed here

Hi Smiggle, are you saying Dry Wipe Markers do not return to liquid like permenant markers when the balloon deflates?

 :? Interesting...  :?

Do they dry on the balloon, or are they smugable? (Is that even a word?)

Will have to experiment...

Be right back.

Pete

I found it very strange at first but dry wipe markers don't smudge after they have dried and they don't become liquid if the balloon pop's - I have no idea why marker properties are apparently reversed when used on latex

Straaaange but Truuue     :shock:  :lol:

One question I'd like to ask on the subject - I believe some of the face painters use their paints on balloons to practice is it possible to use say Snazaroo paints to decorate models for giving out - are they sufficiently permanent?

As a face painter I can honestly say I have never even thought to try paint on a balloon let alone tried it.  I would guess it wouldn't work as face paint never really becomes smudge proof on the skin so would probably be the same on balloons.  Not only that it would be a complete faff with paint brushes, water and paint just to decorate a balloon.

Personally I shall be sticking with Sharpies  

Scraps:- yes but I have one rule if its been on the floor (at a gig) it goes in the bin.

Pens:- yes sharpys been using them for years. For white I have lots that I am trying at the moment I like the galaxy the most for line work (but if there was an xfactor for pen craft I would be the act every one laughed at) so avoid it if I can.

Stickers:- seen them never liked them never used them.

Other things I use.
Light sticks:- the little ones used for fishing. Put them in alien heads at night makes them glow always gets a WOW. Look good when incorporated in flowers as well.

Straws:- use them for support if say I want an un-inflated tail to stand up or it making caricatures holding  a balloon works well in place of a balloon stick.

Balloon light:- (small led's designed for decorating) will use them for Rudolf's nose at Christmas and intend to put one on top of the tardis I am working on.

Quote from: "Roger"Light sticks:- the little ones used for fishing. Put them in alien heads at night makes them glow always gets a WOW. Look good when incorporated in flowers as well. .

Can anyone please suggest where to buy these in bulk at a good price? I brough some from Ebay some time ago but they weren't that cheap if using lots.

Depends which seller you used.  I just bought a mixed lot of 200 from someone on eBay and I think including postage cost me £12 which I didn't think was too bad.  

However, I may pop into the fishing shop 5 mins walk from my house and see if they do them in there and if they are cheaper - not that I am a skinflint, just cheap  

I buy  mini glow sticks (39mm x 4mm) they are available in different colours and slip easily into a balloon

//http://www.glosticks.co.uk

They cost about £6.99 a hundred which isn't bad as some other outlets sell 1.5" sticks at 24p each if you by by the hundred

Hi BW,

I get my Glow sticks from

 http://www.glow-sticks.org, i use the small 1.5 inch stick they work great for aliens
eye balls and lights in cars,masks  i think you have Don c`s wearables so plenty of great pieces to use them on..................

Hope this helps

Norm

I like the idea of using mini glow sticks, i shall be investing me thinks.

Of course i hadnt considered a possible problem when creating this post.

The more good ideas that are suggested, the more i will want to try them, meaning spending more money, and off course larger bags to carry them all!  

How do people go about drawing in white?