Balloon Chat
Uncategorized Boards => Balloon Review => Topic started by: nippy99 on April 09, 2012, 05:34:13 PM
Balloon Review 032 - The Characters Magic Balloon Book by Beating
Available from http://www.ibs-balloons.be/ (http://www.ibs-balloons.be/) - price approx £70 with shipping to the UK
This book first got my interest after seeing a few people post on-line about trying to get hold of this hard to find book. I was intrigued and had to track it down myself. I first found Beatings website here http://www.balltoon.com/ (http://www.balltoon.com/) and was amazed at some of the wonderful creations, in particular, some of the cartoon characters that appeared in this book. So I invested a large sum of money and purchased it!
It's going to take a while to finish this review but let's see if the contents are worthy of the investment.
Firstly, let me say the book is 270 pages long, printed in full colour on glossy paper and so you can see why it isn't cheap. Each model is accompanied with many full colour photos and there is some text which has been translated from korean to english. This means there are some errors but if you have some balloon experience, combine the photos with the text, you won't have too much trouble.
Here goes....
DAFFY DUCK
I usually make Daffy Duck for line work and use the fairly simple design from the Palloncini books so I was interested to see how this slightly more complicated version works out. Overall this is a nice design. There is nothing particularly complex however I can't help feeling the legs do not look quite right. The waist of the duck has a tendency to twist around and so a small pinch twist in front and behind would have added stability. This is certainly more time consuming that my usual version and I am not convinced the extra time is worth it.
[attachment=0:a406vf78][/attachment]SAM_4966.jpg[/attachment:a406vf78]
BUGS BUNNY
This Bugs Bunny has a pretty good face and those people I have shown it to recognise it as Bugs. This one is a little bit fiddly in that the head bubbles were hard to position without the whole thing twisting around. The proportions are pretty good. I found myself looking at the photos and making the instructions up myself in places. This distracts from recommending it to a complete beginner. Some detective work is required to make these models. Sizes are given in centimetres and still need to be adjusted as you go along.
[attachment=0:2vx73qff][/attachment]638-bugsbunny.jpg[/attachment:2vx73qff]
FOGHORN LEGHORN
"I say I say boy" - my wife kept repeating after I made this! One of my childhood favourites. The head design on this model is very nice with a red comb on top and a bit under the chin. I think this is instantly recognisable but as before I can't help thinking the proportions are not quite correct even though the original cartoon character had quite short legs. Perhaps I am just being too fussy. Fairly easy to make and the 160Q waistband helps to hold the character in place.
[attachment=0:35goveik][/attachment]660-foghorn.jpg[/attachment:35goveik]
MICKEY MOUSE
There are quite a few mickey designs around and I do have to say I don't think the facial design on this one is the best. I know Graham's very own balloon mickey mouse hat is better as is the face shown in my review for Carl Skenes DVD. I like the method for making the shoes and this figure does stand very tall. Loved by the recipient and everyone knows who it is.
[attachment=0:1u18702i][/attachment]605-mickey.jpg[/attachment:1u18702i]
TAZ
A really amazing design. This Taz is one of the best I have seen and is great fun to make. After only making it twice I can now make it from memory and have been making plenty of these over the last week. On all the models I have made I was unable to make the teeth sit correctly so I did tie them in position with a scrap of balloon wrapped around the teeth and the nose. It should also be noted that glue dots or glue needs to be used to stick the tongue 160Q together. When I made one of these at the hospital last week and didn't have any glue dots I just tied a piece of scrap 160Q pink around the tongue which is hidden deep inside the mouth. This worked very well.
I guess the quality of this design is why it is include on the front cover of the book!
Highly recommended.
[attachment=0:3bkfpc6j][/attachment]649-taz.jpg[/attachment:3bkfpc6j]
PORKY PIG
Another popular loony toon. This porky pig isn't bad. The nose design for a snout is interesting with two uninflated black tips being tulip twisted into the nose. I am not too sure about the final proportions but it clearly identifiable as porky pig.
[attachment=0:yo3piztb][/attachment]SAM_5087.jpg[/attachment:yo3piztb]
ELMER FUDD
One of my favourite cartoon characters. The instructions for this design are not entirely clear in places and some careful study of the photos and a little interpretation is needed. The back of the head just under the hat brim is a little unstable and it took me a while to get the hat to sit well on top. The end result is nice, although using the measurements in the book exactly, I feel Elmer's cheeks are too big. They should be a bit smaller. Certainly not a design for complete beginners.
[attachment=0:fjz2hryb][/attachment]elmer.jpg[/attachment:fjz2hryb]
DONALD DUCK
This is the best Donald Duck I have found so far. It does take some time to make and I particularly like the coat design and the way in which it supports the head. The instructions are a little inaccurate in places (at least how I interpreted them) but easily adjusted with some thought. I like this one.
[attachment=0:2sagcarz][/attachment]duck.jpg[/attachment:2sagcarz]
Nippy I am loving your creations so far, especially Donald. I have just found a group called 1FIVEZERO that are based in Korea, they are currently looking for expressions of interest to assess if reprinting 'The Characters' is feasible. Drop onto their Facebook site to let them know if you are keen http://www.facebook.com/150balloon (http://www.facebook.com/150balloon)
Until then keep up the good work Nippy, can I request the Pluto sculpture as your next creation!!!
I've been to the 1FIVEZERO site and it is a nightmare to navigate. There is a new booking coming out with about 8 cartoon characters in it. It is expensive and you can't see what is inside the book!
Pluto will be next....
PLUTO
Whilst this balloon could be seen as Pluto due to the same colour and cartoon feel, I do not think it is a particularly good parody. In fact, from all my reviews to date, the Pluto on Carl Skenes DVD is much better. This is a decent cartoon dog but can't help feel a little disappointed. You will probably look for other designs.
[attachment=0:3i8p7ku7][/attachment]pluto.jpg[/attachment:3i8p7ku7]
Thanks for making Pluto, its a shame that it didn't work out that well. From the pictures of his book on the net I thought that this balloon was going to be a star. This is why I totally love your reviews! Keep up the good work.
DAISY DUCK
Based on the previous Donald Duck design, this balloon is lovely. As with all these designs the instructions are a little tricky in places and careful study of the text and photos plus a little experimentation is required. The shoes/feet are really neat but be warned this one does take a little extra time to make. I like it a lot.
[attachment=0:3evdtvxm][/attachment]daisy.jpg[/attachment:3evdtvxm]
MARVIN THE MARTIAN
I am sure not many people will know who Marvin the Martian is so maybe this one has limited use. The instructions for this are quite challenging especially the helmet design. The photos are not clear and I had to make up my own instructions so I am uncertain whether my version matches the original design.
I added two additional pinch twists for the top of the neck to add stability. Surprisingly the 160Q legs support the rest of the body.
Mixed feelings about this one but it did get a good reaction.
[attachment=0:6cg34l2p][/attachment]marvin.jpg[/attachment:6cg34l2p]
GOOFY
This version of Goofy stands very tall. I really like the inverted geo for the hat and the assembly of the face/nose avoids having to make a sidewall bubble or use a raisin. The hands are a little large but other than that it is fairly good.
[attachment=0:3rm95y2p][/attachment]goofy.jpg[/attachment:3rm95y2p]
These models are amazing Darren!!! Really enjoying this one. Unfortunately it doesn't seem that you can buy this book anywhere??? Am gutted! Or perhaps I am just looking in the wrong place...
Hi Sonia
I can still see the book listed on this website http://www.ibs-balloons.be/ (http://www.ibs-balloons.be/) which is in European, Send them an email to check and get a quote for shipping.
Cheers
Darren
You have to be a registered company I think to order from here??? But thanks anyway :)
No you don't - I will email you the contact details later tonight.
Yes Johan and Leo will sort things out for you, they are a couple of nice guys. I love them both ;)
Brill!!! I've tried registering on the site so hopefully I will hear back from them soon :)
Thank you Darren and Graham for your help. I have ordered my book!! Can't wait for it to arrive :)
Take care
KR
Sonia
Hi Sonia
It doesn't take long to arrive but as you now know it is very expensive. If you get stuck on anything let me know as some interpretation is required in places.
Quote from: "nippy99"Hi Sonia
It doesn't take long to arrive but as you now know it is very expensive. If you get stuck on anything let me know as some interpretation is required in places.
Hi Darren
It was quite expensive but I've just had one of those "big" birthdays that seem to come quicker and quicker :( So I thought I would treat myself Lol. Thanks for the offer of help - have a feeling I will be taking you up on that Lol
You have already been such a great help. Am pretty sure my twisting would not have progressed anywhere near as quickly without this forum :)
Take care
Kr
Sonia x
QuoteYou have already been such a great help. Am pretty sure my twisting would not have progressed anywhere near as quickly without this forum :)
Here here!
BLUE PENGUIN
A very cute cartoon penguin, easy to make although the instructions tend to be a little confusing as the text refers to 359Q instead of 260Qs.
[attachment=0:w84bjv62][/attachment]penguin.jpg[/attachment:w84bjv62]
TIGGER
This Tigger parody lacks tiger stripes so it may well be worth drawing some on. A cute model but I don't think this really looks like Tigger. Nice and easy to make, large in size and the head is a useful design which could be adapted as a nice teddy bear.
[attachment=0:3sn00qfk][/attachment]tigger.jpg[/attachment:3sn00qfk]
DORAEMON
I am not familiar with this japanese cartoon character but a friend of mine instantly recognised it. Very simple to make, a nice design.
[attachment=0:1fi3rbui][/attachment]doraemon.jpg[/attachment:1fi3rbui]
GOOFY
A nice large parody of Disney's Goofy. The inverted geo makes an excellent hat shape. For me, Don Caldwell's Goofy on one of his Mad Hatz DVDs still has the edge. This is good all the same.
[attachment=0:347tksjv][/attachment]goofy.jpg[/attachment:347tksjv]
SNOW WHITE
There are many different variations around for Snow White. This one is simple in design but I can't help thinking the proportions are wrong and the vast gaps within the dress look a little funny. On a plus point I really like the shoe and feet structure which I intend to use for another model.
[attachment=0:9gtib1mv][/attachment]snowwhite.jpg[/attachment:9gtib1mv]
Would one 11" yellow sort out that problem, looks nicely constucted and reasonably quick to make for Snow White.
I like most of the model, but don't understand why she is carrying two white fish?! ;)
Is this better?
[attachment=0:28ul9zqr][/attachment]snowwhite.jpg[/attachment:28ul9zqr]
PIGLET
This is a design from the Pooh Bear section. Quite a nice piglet although it looks a bit 'blocky' (if that is such a word) - the contours need to be a little more curved for added cuteness. The box weave for the body is effective and I have decided to have my one sitting on a geo base. Instantly recognisable as piglet but this may be down to the use of colours rather than the design itself.
[attachment=0:ktth6tau][/attachment]piglet.jpg[/attachment:ktth6tau]
EEYORE
I am not really sure about this one. I think it is only the colours that give you some idea it looks like Eeyore. The face isn't right. Never mind, the children at my show today still liked it!
[attachment=0:1xrutqsj][/attachment]621-eeyore.jpg[/attachment:1xrutqsj]
YOSEMITE SAM
This is one of my favourite characters but this one is a toughie. My head proportions are not quite right and to make the hat 'rings' sit nicely is impossible so I used a few glue dots. I can't help thinking he looks like he is wearing massive glasses. I may have to try this one again.
[attachment=0:3vtavmzg][/attachment]yosemite-small.jpg[/attachment:3vtavmzg]
WILE E COYOTE
Be warned this design takes quite a long time to make and clearly this is intended for special occasions. There isn't anything particularly complex here but it will take a little patience to make sense of the instructions. I had to make it twice! The coyote's claws and feet are excellent. I did find this model slumps forward a little and doesn't stand up on its own. I decided to make the Road Runner as well so they could have a photo together!
[attachment=1:1uf98fab][/attachment]coyote.jpg[/attachment:1uf98fab]
[attachment=0:1uf98fab][/attachment]coyote2.jpg[/attachment:1uf98fab]
ROAD RUNNER
I have been making roadrunner for years and can make one within a minute. This one took ages! It is incredibly intricate but I certainly feel the effort is well worth it. I love this one. Again one of the more complex designs, following the instructions is an art in itself but take your time and the end result is excellent.
I really like the photo of them both together.
[attachment=1:17cyyo9l][/attachment]roadrunner.jpg[/attachment:17cyyo9l]
[attachment=0:17cyyo9l][/attachment]beep.jpg[/attachment:17cyyo9l]
SYLVESTER THE CAT
As requested by Rob, this Sylvester is good. It stands nice and tall and is easy to make. The only criticism would be that it is missing two small pinch twists around the waist which I added to offer more stability.
[attachment=0:3bj5uz3h][/attachment]sylvester.jpg[/attachment:3bj5uz3h]
Darren thanks for this and I like it!! To be honest I like everything you have made from the book and have hence taken the plunge. I bought a copy from someone in the US of eBay. It's cost me £115 but I just love so many of the designs, as you said, if Beating does something you have to get it!!!
Wow! That's a lot of money for a book Rob but you will make that money back if you sell the creations in this book. If you need any help tackling the instructions let me me know. After doing several you learn Beatings style and can simply look at the photos. Once you have made some of them please post them as I would love to see your interpretations.
Yes I thought £115 was expensive, is this the book that Leo at IBS has, Is it the one with Taz on the front?
That's the one Graham. I have been trying to help Rob find one but to no avail.
Is Leo out of stock?
Yep IBS has no stock and I have not heard from Aaron. The seller really would not budge as he knew how much I wanted the book. I have paid up now. With it being115 I thought this was maybe £205 over the odds but for an out of print book I guess it's the price you pay:-(
Rob, the point is you have seen some of the designs and feel it is worth that price tag to you - so I am sure you will be very happy with the book. Enjoy!
Perhaps I should sell mine then? Before anyone asks........NO!
Such great stuff!!
Nippy love your reviews!!
I am partial to the Elmer FuDD one...
PENTAGON
A random balloon design for a cartoon character book! This pentagon shape is made from a single balloon. It is actually very nice and it was quite satisfying making it. Careful bubble sizing is required (not like mine) to get the best shape.In Beating's instructions he makes all the bubbles in one long line which is a nightmare as they keep unraveling. Worth a look.
[attachment=0:17pf31rb][/attachment]pentagon.jpg[/attachment:17pf31rb]
POOH BEAR
This is one of the weakest designs in the book. This doesn't really look like pooh bear and to me is only recognisable by the colours used. I won't be making this one again.
[attachment=0:2vqmmrty][/attachment]pooh.jpg[/attachment:2vqmmrty]
DWARF
A simple looking dwarf that is easy to make. Not the most impressive design in this book and the model is a little too thin for my liking. Could be good for a Christmas design.
[attachment=0:3i083rf7][/attachment]dwarf.jpg[/attachment:3i083rf7]
WITCH
This witch is brilliant. This is made mostly of 350Qs so it is a nice big size. The top of the head/hat is very well crafted and it all fits together really well. Careful bubble sizing is required to avoid using additional 350s. Perfect for halloween. The only weak area is probably the feet which do not sit particularly flat.
[attachment=0:1k01aqd2][/attachment]witch.jpg[/attachment:1k01aqd2]
Can you believe I still have 16 more designs to make to complete this review!
I was flipping through the book again this morning. I wonder if Beating would have used 646 balloons more if there were more colors available when the book was published. I think he would have as it would clean up some if the designs. Especially the bodies on some of the figures. Just thinking out loud.
PEPE LE PEW
I thought this model would be ideal with Valentine's day approaching but to me this design doesn't quite capture the character of the original cartoon. It isn't immediately obvious who it is supposed to be and a birthday party group didn't even recognise it as a skunk! It was fun to make and I really like the head design but one I am unlikely to make in the future.
[attachment=0:3i7sovov][/attachment]pep.jpg[/attachment:3i7sovov]
PRINCE
A reasonably quick to make Prince which will go well with the Snow White I have been making for years. The use of iconic colours helps to make it look like a prince. The head design is very similar to that used by Shirley Ray many years ago. This one will be fine until something a little more complicated comes along!
[attachment=0:16krhfis][/attachment]prince.jpg[/attachment:16krhfis]
MINNIE
A variation on the Mickey Mouse design using the same head structure. The dress on this balloon is clever in the way it all goes together. For me the short legs and the way the feet stick out ruins the design. I also had a little trouble making the head remain straight. Some interesting ideas but a little weak compared to all the others.
[attachment=0:1epgpd0u][/attachment]minnie.jpg[/attachment:1epgpd0u]
DOOLY
I haven't a clue who the next three figures are but I think they must be japanese cartoon characters. This one is named Dooly. I don't really like head designs that have a 160 wrapped around a 350Q as they look top heavy and are not particularly stable.
[attachment=0:3ikm0wab][/attachment]dooly.jpg[/attachment:3ikm0wab]
DDOCHI
Another one with the same head design...
[attachment=0:29fogy7v][/attachment]ddochi.jpg[/attachment:29fogy7v]
DOUNER
This is a clown-like character. The hair design is very nice here which builds up using just two 260Qs. Personally I don't like the way this one leans forward.
Just ONE MORE design to go and I have finished this long review!
[attachment=0:2msaau72][/attachment]douner.jpg[/attachment:2msaau72]
Loving the review Darren - so glad I bought this book before it went out of print!!! X
TWEETY
And the final design is Tweety. Again this one using the same head design that I do not really like too much but it does look a little like Tweety. Quick to make and very simple.
[attachment=0:1piap2u8][/attachment]tweety.jpg[/attachment:1piap2u8]
SUMMARY
Even though it has taken me around 10 months to finish this book review, there are still some designs I haven't covered. There are a number of geometric shapes explained plus there are photos only of 'baby-sized' cartoon characters that you can make for yourself.
This has to be one of the best balloon books ever made. There are literally hundreds of colour photos, the instructions are pretty good and some of the main characters are reputation makers. If you purchased this book when it first appeared on the market then well done, and even if you have paid £100 for it, I still think that represents good value compared to the financial returns if you include these designs in your professional work.
'Beating' is currently working on his 3rd book. DO NOT wait for a review - just buy it!
Phew... all done :-)
Is it just one book you are reviewing or volumes? Is it £100 for the one book? What is the 3rd book? An update of this one?
Thanks
Chris
Hi Chris,
This review is for a single book. You will find a review of Beatings other book on the forums if you have a search.
He is currently working on his third book but I do not know what designs will be included.