I've been asked if I could make a huge hot air balloon. What I have in mind will be quite a challenge I'll enjoy.

The idea I have is to fill a 6ft balloon to about maybe 4 or 5ft with helium, and then use a variety of colours in 160's (small bubbles) to create a design all around the balloon. Underneath will be a weaved balloon basket of some kind.

My question is . . . . . if I fill the big balloon with helium, do you think that with all the 260's around it, and the basket, will it still float?

Could you not make the basket only out of 260's and then use one of the nets used in décor for making hot air balloon centre pieces?  Not sure they go up big enough as the largest décor balloon that I have commonly come across is the 3ft one.

Hi Yvonne,

I just fancy the idea of making a really nice design around the 6ft balloon using 160's. It's not to be sold, it's only for fun. A friend asked me some time ago if I could / or have ever made one and asked again recently. So I thought about it and decided soon I would make it soon on a day off.

If the helium wouldn't hold, then I would just use air instead, but if the helium does hold, it would look even better.

I'll post some pics once I've done it

It would take a lot of helium to fill a 6 foot balloon, Pam would prbably be the best to know about this.

If you are worried about the basket weighing the big balloon down perhaps it would be an idea to put some smaller helium filled balloons inside the basket.  If the basket is woven with 260 balloons and is above eye level then the helium filled balloons inside it won't show and they will help to pull the whole sculpture up with the big balloon.  The small ones inside the basked will just have to be anchored down to the basket base.  I am sure that would work.  But don't forget that the smaller the surface area the less lift there is so the ones inside the basket should ideally be 10" rather than 5" balloons.  Also some hi float will help if it is going to stay up long enough to make the effort worthwhile.  It would be a shame if it only lasted a few hours.

You can also cut off the neck of the 160's after tying them as that will reduce the weight.

Nice idea regards the extra helium balloons in the basket Thelma, thanks.

And of course, every little help Yvonne, with the amount of 160's I'll be using, even taking the knots off will help, cheers

Sorry not replied sooner, but Paul & I have been away on holiday with no email access

Spoke to Paul about this for you:

I suggest if you are just doing it for yourself why not fill the 6 footer with air and use a magnet or line to attach it to a ceiling from the 160's weave - if it works and you want to display it somewhere else you just have to deflate the 6 footer and can inflate another with helium into the 160 frame at the venue knowing it will fit.

To find out if the balloon will float with the balloon framework around it and the basket below - as Paul suggests inflate your balloon to the required size and hang from it the bags of balloons you have calculated it will take to create the sculpture - if its still floating it will work.

Remember if you are filling up balloons larger than 3 foot it is recommended you wear safety glasses/gogles and ear defenders because if they POP you sure know about it

Hope it helps

Pam
xx

Great idea about filling it first with air Pam, I'll do that. Looking forward to getting stuck into it soon. Cheers

Can see you entering the competitions at the shows next. Its a great way of showing your skills to others and being recognised by the industry we work in.

In the UK, NABAS usually have some at their show, though none have been mentioned in the publicity yet.  

We also used to have them at the International Party Show in March, but unfortunately that got cancelled a couple of years back

Pam
xx