Balloon Chat
Uncategorized Boards => Balloon Review => Topic started by: nippy99 on March 14, 2012, 09:48:45 PM
Balloon Review 027 - 321 Go.. by Alberto Falcone
At the Care & Share day today, I was asked by Danny to do a review for the new DVD by Alberto Falcone. Alberto has just released three DVDs with two of them aimed at decorators. I thought I would give this one a go as it looks like it focuses on 321Qs. I haven't seen any of Alberto's work before and haven't a clue what this DVD contains so we can explore it together over the next few days.
This DVD is available from http://www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk (http://www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk) and costs £29.99. The DVD contains 13 different designs.
Here we go........
FRIENDLY FISH
Firstly, the quality of the DVD itself is excellent. The menu design offers easy navigation and Alberto's english is very good and he is easy to understand. Rather than provide measurements for the bubbles using finger lengths or actual measurements, Alberto tells you how many pumps of air using the standard purple qualatex pumps. The only downside of this will be if you are using a different sized pump but it is easy to guess the sizes from the video itself.
The final fish is a decent size but I can't help feeling this design is an incredibly inefficient use of balloons. To make this fish I used 10 x 321Q, 4 x 5" rounds and 3 x hearts, an astonishing amount of specialised balloons for the end result. Each loop of the body is a separate 321Q which makes for a lot of tying knots. I do feel that perhaps this model is used to bridge the gap between decorators and twisters (if there is such a thing) as each bubble is sized by 'pumps' of air and balloons tied into duplets. I could have created all the orange body with a 350Q which would have saved me a small fortune in balloons.
In my mind perhaps the same balloon could have been made with 3 x 350Qs instead of 10 x 321Qs.
The end result is very pleasing but care must be taken to hide the many knots and balloon ends within the model. It is also very frustrating when adding the front two heart fins as up to this point the model was very sturdy. With a slight knock of the hearts the whole design twisted around and it was a right pain to sort out afterwards.
Forgive me for being overly critical, but whilst the model is nice, I just cannot understand the value of using such a balloon consuming design just to say it is a 321Q design.
This fish is perfect as part of a larger display piece but if I did make it again I would use a different method.
Sorry!
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Thanks Nippy, its this kind of valuable info that can help decide whether a DVD is worth spending on or not!
Looking forward to some more models!
cheers
Danny
WONDERING TURTLE
There is something particularly adorable about this turtle for which the photo does no justice. Using the same fish body as the shell this design uses around 15 321Qs. The same comments apply to the shell in that two 350s would suffice but I can certainly see the advantage of using individual 321Qs for the legs and the tail. This turtle stands freely and alongside the fish I made yesterday they make a great combination. I can see myself making this one again as a part of a larger decoration piece.
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BABY DRAGON
I really like this baby dragon. It stands on it's own and is a decent size. Some of this body is made using a 350Q so it won't be too hard to replace the 321Q with another 350Q. The only problem I found with this model was positioning the legs properly due to the double pinch twists between the front and back legs. I think a single pinch twist would have been better. Something to try for next time as I really like this one.
p.s. the red 160s are supposed to be fire - may be better to leave those out!
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BUSY BEE
This bee uses the standard 321Q body. I really like this design and it does look great. My comments still stand about the waste of 321Qs. The only appropriate use of 321Q here is with the sting in the tail. I can see myself using this one again in the future. It's quick to make.
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MOUSE
I really can't see how this is a mouse. Perhaps something from the movie Ice Age, but not a mouse. In my mind a weak one of the collection.
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Looks a great Armadillo though :D
I thought armadillo too
Or maybe a hedgehog with a long nose.
Give him a long skinny red tongue and you've also got an anteater
SEAHORSE
This is a wonderful balloon, probably one of my favourites. I learned something new today about how to create the perfect curly balloon without trying to mouth inflate the balloon whilst having it wrapped around my fingers. Works really well - wish I had discovered this a while ago. The tail maintains the shape without any problems.
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PENGUIN
There is something incredibly odd about this penguin design. To me the face doesn't look right and has something missing. The grey part of the face is the end of the dipped white 321Q folded over but there is a massive gap where the orange beak joins. For this reason the model isn't any use to me unless I repair the face.
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EAGLE
This is a nice eagle design that is fast to make and an ideal addition to any centrepiece or display. The orange beak is achieved by cutting off the end of a 260Q orange and sliding over the tail of the 321Q. I had to apply a little bit of glue to stop it falling off again.
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CHAMELEON
Based on a similar body shape to the mouse, this chameleon stands upon its own feet and looks quite nice. Easy to make and the same comments apply about the overuse of the 321Qs.
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JO BAFFO
An interesting name for this character balloon. This is quite a clever way of making a balloon face using 321Qs. It certainly has potential for use with decor pieces. There is a sample body shown on the DVD but no instructions are included. It is simple to copy but I haven't done so.
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DAISY AND LEAF
There are two sections that show you how to make a 321Q leaf and a daisy flower. Alberto also shows how to vary the sizes to make a multi leaf display using a base made of round balloons. I've decided to stick them in an existing vase in my living room and it actually looks quite good!
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Great review so far, Darren.
I've been lucky enough to attend workshops by Alberto three times, I think it is, now. He is a fantastic, talented artist with a very easy-to-follow teaching style and it is very apparent he knows his stuff.
But....
I can't help feeling, based on your review, that this seems almost to be a case of using 321s for the sake of using 321s. I've seen many great designs using 321s in a 'natural' way (I'm thinking some of Buster/Don's Untitled Collection) but this just seems a little 'forced' - there's not much of it (so far) that really needs a 321. Given these are a bit more expensive than standard sizes I'm a little skeptical about the motive behind the DVD. The cynic in me wonders if it is simply a push by Qualatex to shift more of these balloons, perhaps?
I guess I should wait for your final word on the DVD for your opinion... :?
Just my thoughts. :)
--Neil
Hi Neil,
You are absolutely correct. I have been very tempted to make these designs using 350s instead but I wanted to stick the the true design. The leaf on the last model took twelve 321Qs! Crazy... There is only one more design to go. I will share my final opinion soon :-)
I also have been following this review and am rather unimpressed. I really never buy DVDs but this is almost insulting. There are better sources for all of these sculptures with many of them being easier and cheaper to make.
I remember when Mr. Brennion was experimenting with rounds and hearts and posting them on Balloonhq. They were solid designs and I felt he was testing his creativity by limiting his lines and balloons needed.
With this DVD I feel that something simmilar happened. Alberto told himself "I'm going to make a bunch of stuff only using 321s". It is a worthwhile endeavor and helps us grow but don't fool yourself into thinking it is worth selling. Not every experiment is supposed to make the market.
To be quite frank these models are lazy and impractical (the worst combination possible) and even if this DVD were released using 260s and 350s instead I would still not recommend it. There is so much out there that is so much better.
Dylan
SCORPION
The last model on this DVD is the scorpion. I actually got really bored making this one and decided to leave off the back legs and the tail. You can tell on the photo. A very poor example of a scorpion. I've seen much better ones before.
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SUMMARY
The wonderful thing about making every model from a DVD is that you really get a feel for the entire package, the highs and lows, to form a very valid opinion. When reviewing any item I take it at face value. I don't let my experience blur my views and I try to work out the use of each DVD and who it may be aimed at.
My biggest problem about this DVD is little attention has been made to the economic use of balloons or the practicality of design. There are a few examples of where only a 321Q will serve the right purpose but on the whole 321Qs are being used just for the sake of it. Yes there are some nice models on here but i can't help thinking there are better, faster ways to make each one.
I hate to think of a divide between 'decorators' and 'twisters' but I see this DVD suitable for a decorator who is an expert in helium bouquets, arches etc and wanting to add new designs to their portfolio without learning proper twisting skills. Most of these designs are based on inflating with the required number of pumps and then tying bubbles together.
To me this DVD is too highly priced for the value I personally received but I am believer of everything has its placed. Look at the models and make your own decisions.
This DVD scores low due to the inefficient design, the excessive use of 321Qs and the price tag.
Hi Dylan and Neil,
You both have very valid views - has anyone purchased this DVD and would like to share an alternative view? There's no right or wrong :lol:
Oh well looks like I wont be selling many of these then :(
On the other hand I really can't see myself as a professional twister without this DVD. The use of 321s is as innovative as it is whimsical in the eyes of your audience. I think I sum up this whole thread by saying " BUY THIS NOW!".
Quote from: "Signeddiamond"On the other hand I really can't see myself as a professional twister without this DVD. The use of 321s is as innovative as it is whimsical in the eyes of your audience. I think I sum up this whole thread by saying " BUY THIS NOW!".
Your post made me smile, I'm pleased Nippy99 does the review and is honest although I do not think my one balloon wonders deserved an A+. Anyway back to the topic, Darren does an honest review and good, bad or indifferent has to post as he feels. I do not disagree too much with what has been written, Alberto is a lovely guy and whenever I have attended his lecture's I always pick up a new idea technique as he normally looks at balloons from a different angle to most so this probably makes it even more of a surprise the comments on this DVD. I think I may play this and have a look myself when I get a few minutes, still busy painting the wardrobes at the moment with all the contents all over the rest of the house, utter chaos at the moment in our house.
Just to pick up on a few points. Graham your DVD does deserve an A+ as it is good value, contains over the shoulder shots as well, does what it says on the tin, has well thought out designs and is ideal for beginners.
My reviews are based upon my own experiences. Like film reviews, everyone should make their own decisions and draw their own conclusions. My reviews do not reflect on the artists as individuals or any other of their publications. I hope individuals will read my review, look at the models, read the ongoing commentary and make their own decision.
It's only by making each model that you get a balanced view, the quality of the instruction and the workability of each design. I do not belittle any publication that is below my own twisting skills and judge each one on its merits.
I know a while ago it was suggested that I only post a selection of models rather than each one. I think this is a perfect example of why I do a complete review. If you are after a nice fish for a decor centrepiece then this DVD is great. If you are looking for inventive ways of using 321s then look elsewhere.
I made a comment about a DVD doing what it says on the tin. On the cover this one says 'learn amazing new 321q techniques created by Alberto' - I cannot see one amazing new technique. Tying a 321q in half to make a loop just isn't enough for me and that's why I reached my conclusion.
Perhaps rating each review is the problem and I should abandon the ratings?
What does everyone think?
Hi Nippy,
No, I think you should leave the ratings as you see fit, as a Balloon Decorator I think its important to hear your views and see the ratings you advise.
I dabble in twisting and follow dvd's and have a couple of Thelma's e books so I think its important that us non twisters learn the right way and not just learn how to twist a couple of bubbles as we will never get any where.
So carry on Nippy and thank you - Debbie @ wow-balloons.com
Alberto's DVD is also reviewed in the latest issue of balloon magic so it will be interesting to see what they have to say and to compare, in fact when it comes I will go compare ROFL Not!
Ha ha - a Qualatex sponsored magazine reviewing a DVD that wastes an extraordinary number of 321Qs. I bet you a tenner the review will be extremely positive....
Quote from: "nippy99"Ha ha - a Qualatex sponsored magazine reviewing a DVD that wastes an extraordinary number of 321Qs. I bet you a tenner the review will be extremely positive....
:D so true.....thats funny!!
Your reviews are really great and you put a lot of time and effort into them but you did score Graham`s a bit high :lol: :lol: :lol:
(only joking Graham!!!)))
I bought all three of Alberto's DVDs. I thought the same thing about using 321s when I could use 350s instead. It's rare that the pointed end of the 321 is inflated; it's used to tie the balloon to the knotted end.
I didn't like the penguin, nor the mouse.
The other two DVDs are good for decorators or, in the case of Amazing Stuff, if you have a balloon stuffing machine. I don't know if the techniques are usable with Graham and Thelma's DVD on stuffing balloons without a machine. I might have to buy it.
Hi
Thanks for sharing your views - it is always nice to have someone elses perspective. :lol: