Balloon Chat
Uncategorized Boards => Balloon Review => Topic started by: nippy99 on December 12, 2012, 07:01:18 PM
Balloon Review 062 - Speciality Shapes by Simply Shonna - Big Bear Heads Vol 1
Available from https://adventureinfun.com/Merchandise.html (https://adventureinfun.com/Merchandise.html) priced $35
I have been reluctant for a long while to take on another speciality shaped balloon given I already have a myriad of 160s/260s/350s/646s/ 5"/9"/11" etc and I also tend to keep only a stock of Qualatex colours. I have been watching Shonna's progress in using the Big Bear Heads for a long while and when she gave me the opportunity to obtain a review copy of her DVD I thought I had nothing to lose.
For me to invest in another shape of balloon this collection of designs really has to offer me something special in terms of time-saving designs, reputation makers, or something else that adds to my current repertoire. The first problem is obtaining Big Bear Heads in the UK. Shonna was able to sell me a few starter packs and if this evaluation proved successful I will need to think of a way of purchasing them in bulk from the USA. My other concern is over colour matching the Qualatex vs Sempertex palette in the designs taught on the DVD.
For these reviews I have not included my usual kit list as I have swapped colours around from the original designs but I am sure it is easy enough to see what balloons you need.
PLEASE NOTE, WHILST THIS DVD WAS SUPPLIED FREE OF CHARGE MY REVIEW AS EVER IS UNBIASED AND IMPARTIAL!
Let's see what we have here....
Before I start showing any of the designs as few comments about the DVD. The quality of the DVD is excellent. The video is crisp and sharp and the sound is fine. The DVD models are available as individual chapters so you can access each design quickly.
Whilst this DVD is not for the complete beginner, you really do not need much experience at all to access the learning material. Shonna takes time to explain everything in sufficient detail even down to what a filbert pump is! The instructions are clear, video close-ups are done at the appropriate time and there is no issuing with following along.
Really looking forward to this one Darren. Thanks as always for doing this review for the benefit of all of us :) Am also interested in purchasing some of the balloons. Let me know if you decide to place an order - would be very happy to help split shipping and taxes etc.
Sonia x
SMILEY GUY
The first design of the collection is naturally the simplest. Inflating the bear balloon itself is best done in sections as you manually squeeze air into the individual lobes before inflating the body. This design is very quick to make and perfect for line work especially if you decide to leave off the flower and add an heart instead. My own artwork is a bit of a let down. If you have a big line this design is perfect as the end result is large, unusual and I do believe children will be impressed with this.
I see this design as being a foundation upon which to build. In fact there are so many variations that spring to mind I would imagine most requests could be adapted and catered for.
It's a good start and the perfect way to learn the basics...
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BUNNY
A variation on the first design but this time adding large ears and using different artwork. The original design was done using pink balloons but I only had a toffee brown (i think) colour that combined with mocha brown looks really good. The artwork is better on this design and it helps using a white marker pen. The original design has the bunny holding a heart and a small easter egg. I couldn't help but add my own carrot!
I absolutely love this one and will be using it as a fast crowd pleasing bunny.
Really nice.
[attachment=0:3jidm128][/attachment]bunny.jpg[/attachment:3jidm128]
Hi Nippy,
Thanks for doing the review. I just wanted to point out that I made this DVD in 2008 I believe before we started using 360's primarily for the arms. Also, we now make the Red Monster differently. Dustin pointed out to me one day while I was making it that it would be much simpler if I just made it the way I made all the others. Sometimes I feel rather dosey when Dustin or someone else notices the obvious that I can't see. LOL
By the way, your sculptures look great. Love your carrot. We do that too when time permits.
MOUSE
For this variation the big bear head is up the other way. A very fast and simple mouse design. The optional cheese can be added for extra complexity. I can't help thinking this design would be best suited for a pre-school/nursery school event just by the look and feel. I am not sure I would use it anywhere else myself but that's my own opinion.
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CAT AND MOUSE
I love the head of this cat. With this model the head lobes are barely inflated which makes for some lovely ears. Very quick to make and a little mouse can be added. I always struggle to make a quick and easy cat that is impressive for line work and this may well be the one to use in the future.
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TEDDY v1
This Teddy uses 350Q for arms and legs giving this model a much cuter look and feel. I am not sure about the chosen colour but made in brown or yellow this would be quite a good one.
Very fast and easy to make.
[attachment=0:1t35ijhf][/attachment]teddy1.jpg[/attachment:1t35ijhf]
TEDDY v2
This Teddy uses two smaller bear heads. I just happen to have one sample bag so it gave me a chance to use these. I am not overly keen on this design.
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TEDDY v3
This one uses a link-o-loon for the body. I didn't have one so I used a white round with a raisin. I really don't think the extra time spent on this design is worth it. Teddy v1 gets my vote as the best and easiest to make.
[attachment=0:30twmftm][/attachment]teddy3.jpg[/attachment:30twmftm]
BIG RED MONSTER
This red monster is a parody of Elmo from Sesame Street. In this design, Shonna uses a link-a-loon for the face but I didn't have one handy so used a round instead. Personally I feel the link-a-loon gave a better shape as my Elmo doesn't look quite right. Also with a link-a-loon the construction is much faster. Perfect for line work - I must get some link-a-loons!
[attachment=0:1jbrwmj7][/attachment]932-monster.jpg[/attachment:1jbrwmj7]
SIMPLE LITTLE GUY
This is an interesting variation as it uses a small bear head and a clown head. The end result is effective yet very fast. If you want something suitable for speed twisting at restaurants or line work this is a good one. You can vary the colours and add different effects using additional balloons.
[attachment=0:19kqpksw][/attachment]guy.jpg[/attachment:19kqpksw]
LITTLE BOY
A quick and easy little boy character. The head is simplistic and fast to make but my artwork is lacking. This one can be easily adapted for other characters and with a change in balloon colour Shonna shows how to make a bob the builder using the same technique.
[attachment=0:m9afc9y9][/attachment]littleboy.jpg[/attachment:m9afc9y9]
ELF
A nice Christmas Elf. Using a variation of Ken Stillman's superhero head, Shonna makes a good Elf shape. My ears are slightly different in size. Simple, quick and easy yet again..
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SMALL ELMO
This is a smaller version of the previous elmo using a small bear head for the body and legs. I have used a red round for the face and a raisin which doesn't give the correct shapre. Shonna's version is better using a link-a-loon. This will be popular with the children.
[attachment=0:r8d9rs6i][/attachment]monster.jpg[/attachment:r8d9rs6i]
HIPPO
This hippo face is really good. Effectively the lower part of the bear head is made into a massive pinch twist for the mouth. Another bear head is used for the body. I am not sure my artwork does this design much justice but I really do like this one.
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FEMALE HIPPO
This hippo uses a balloon weave for the dress. Quite rightly Shonna refers viewers to the DVDs of David Grist and mentions that proceeds from sales goes to his family. This is a nice touch and I like to see credit given when it is due. Therefore if you do not know this technique then you may be a little stuffed here.
This hippo is well constructed. Clearly more time consuming than the other designs and therefore not suitable for line work. The whole model assembles together nicely and I can see the dress and legs sections being adapted for other designs.
Great stuff...
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SIMPLY SHONNA
This little girl has a lovely hair design that is secured with two raisins inside a heart. The hair is very effective as are the bunches uses a series of pinch twists. The body is the usual simple small bear head. You are unlikely to make this for line work but easily adaptable for restaurants or when you have a little more time.
[attachment=0:1yqadz98][/attachment]shonna.jpg[/attachment:1yqadz98]
MOOSE
Unfortunately I did make this balloon earlier today and didn't take a photo at the time. Some three hours later the head is deflated so I have cheated and taken a copy of Shonna's efforts!
A nice variation of the hippo balloon. The antlers are simple but making two pinch twists on top of the bear head may be a little challenging for some but it comes with practice. The balloon weave used for the dress and arms is not explained so if you do not know how to do this you will need to seek another information source.
I can see this one being useful for a team mascot of some kind and this can be easily adapted. This is the most complicated design on the DVD.
[attachment=0:305gg8fc][/attachment]moose.jpg[/attachment:305gg8fc]
SUMMARY
As previously mentioned, the quality of this DVD is excellent. I had no problem navigating the menus or understanding the audio. Shonna's (and family - her daughter I think) are excellent tutors and whilst exact measurements are not given, it is easy enough to size the balloons correctly. Shonna has a good sense of humour and I particularly admire the way she credits and recommends other balloon artists.
The use of big bear heads for me are for those people who are looking for a quick way to put together fairly large sculptures with minimal effort and skill. Without doubt, a bear head will cut down queue times, will cause less physical stress to fingers and will probably allow you to charge a higher price for your models. So IF this is what you are looking for, then bear heads are a fantastic investment and this DVD comes highly recommended.
For me, (and I don't mean to sound big 'bear' headed), my current designs are much more impressive, even for line work, and I do feel that substituting my intricate designs for a 'lazy' bear head body is somehow devaluing the art form for what my audience has paid for. This comment is not to criticise Shonna's DVD or designs, i'm not, I am just explaining how the use of bear heads may not add anything to the more advanced twister. I would be very keen to see how bear heads can be incorporated into more advance designs and in fact Shonna's Son, Dustin, gives a sneak peak of a cartoon dinosaur which looks fantastic. Now if designs like that were possible I would be buying loads of bear heads!
Hopefully my comments are taken as they are intended and that is for each of you to make an informed decision about what bear heads can offer to you and how they may suit your current working style and image.
I still love the rabbit and that is the one design that I will make regularly!
Shonna has supplied me with some more bear head DVDs so maybe my opinion will change as I work through them.
I've just had a quick scan through Shonna's next DVD entitled Exotic Birds and Sea Creatures. The designs on here look perfect for me! - stay tuned....
Thanks so much for this review! I have been interested in Shonna's columns with "balloons to go" and it is nice to see some of her balloons up close. I think I will purchase this DVD because I want to give the columns a try. The balloon guys are cute, big, fast and I think would be perfect for "close the line" items. Thank you for all the time you invest in your reviews. They are so helpful!!
I recently got Shonna's "Quick and Impressive" DVD (which is mostly an updated version of her first Bearhead DVD and I also got her Parody DVD. Although I wouldn't use all of the ones on her DVDs, it seems like there are some characters (anything cartoony or stuffed-animal-like) that are just perfect for using Bearhead balloons and they turn out adorable. For me, that includes things like the bunny, cow, Doughboy, Elmo (her Quick & Impressive DVD has a slightly different Elmo), Cookie Monster, Smurfs, Mario, Snoopy, and Snowman.
Vol. 1 was made in 2009 I believe. I was going to stop having it produced, but people kept asking for it. It is a better quality than the newer ones, something I am hoping to fix with the next 3 we are planning for 2013.
Even though the quality of production on my Quick and Impressive DVD is not as good, (makes me furious as I paid the videographer 3x's as much!), that is the one I would most recommend myself to others if you are looking for quick and impressive balloons.
I honestly make approximately 30 design's per hour with the sculptures on it and those designs are my companies bread and butter.
If you ever see us with other twisters at an event, our line is the longest, but moves the fastest. I just got back from a cruise and the program director told me that they had more positive compliments from my work than they have ever had--was commented that the captian's family was throughly enjoying the Gingerbread Man, Snowman and Rudolph.
Unfortunately there was another twister there that used only 260's and although he did make some decent designs, compared to the Big Bear Heads, his looked a little sad. Kids and adults were leaving the cruise ship hugging 3 to 10 of my designs all looking like they had just been made.
I did not see any of the 260 designs leaving the ship, but then I may not have been looking hard enough.
I would be the first to admit that my designs are very basic and simple, however, that is what makes them so versitile and popular with non-balloon people. While we look for the art of a design and the complexity, your client most likely wants speed and durability.
The most popular design on the ship was the 360 Penguin though, which does not use any Big Bear Heads. ;)
Hi Shonna
That is excellent feedback - thank you. I would have to agree with your comments about durability and I omitted that from my review. The bear heads last a long time, considerably more than a 260Q.
As I said before, if you frequently deal with long lines and need something quick and impressive, bear heads will allow you to achieve this.
I just found this old promo clip from 2009.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcn3bnuu0vE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcn3bnuu0vE)