I was asked for a Sonic for the first time at my restaurant last week. I like yours a lot more.   [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ] ImageUploadedByTapatalk1349808031.795506.jpg[/attachment:1ob3sim0]

Suzon

Thanks for the link, very cute as well.

JC

Great looking Tinker.  I will not show this photo to my two daughters, as they would demand I then make it.

Brian,

Looks like you had a blast at the wedding.  I actually just twisted at my first wedding (at the US Naval Academy).  They are fun venues to work.

JC

[ You are not allowed to view this attachment ] ImageUploadedByTapatalk1348062728.287593.jpg[/attachment:7nee9nvl]

Looks great.  I have had a decent amount of people asking for a gerbil/hamster/ginny pig; this would certainly fit the bill.

From what I have experienced in the U.S., a typical fee for a weekly restaurant gig is 25% - 50% of your normal fee.  

Including tips, I get about 40% of my normal fee.  I also get a free meal, a good chunk of my referrals are a result of my restaurant work, it is a comfortable place to try out new stuff, and it is steady money; so it ends up being a great deal for me.

I think I messed up attaching the picture in my last post.  Here hopefully is the pic of how I wrap my balloons.  

[ You are not allowed to view this attachment ] ImageUploadedByTapatalk1344212065.976862.jpg[/attachment:1bl47y2t]

Daisy,

 I am currently just using the balloon bags to hold my balloons (see pic) and they have been doing a great job.  But, I have a couple IKEA's around my area will have to take a look at the

JC

Oh man, it looks like Koons might now own the rights to the tulip twist (along with the balloon dog).  I guess I will have to cease and desist from using it myself anymore.

A couple weeks ago a person sent me an e-mail, provided a picture of a stork balloon with a baby, and asked if I could make something similar for a baby shower she was hosting for a friend.  I said no problem and set a date/time for delivery.  When I meet up with the client, I found out she was African American and I had a made a white baby (see pic attached).   As I was handing over the piece, I hesitantly asked if her friend was also African American and she said "yes," as she was staring at the little baby I made.  She was in a hurry to get to the shower and told me it would be ok.  However, luckily I had my supplies in my car and was able to create another baby on the spot.  I told her she could have both babies, no extra charge   She e-mailed me a couple days latter and said the two babies were the hit of the party.

Not sure if anyone else has had an awkward balloon moments via a failure to properly communicate?

I've been using a Twist'em Up Triple Busking Bag (that I love) the last couple of years.  I recently switched over my setup for non-strolling gigs.  I've been pretty pleased with it so far and figured I would share it with you guys (as my wife's does not seem that interested to hear about it any more ).

I was looking for a bag that would hold a greater variety of balloons.  A couple people on Balloon Chat mentioned the Rolling tote XXL (found on Amazon) and I also saw it mentioned on The Magic Cafe.  Since it was under a $100 and was a lot cheaper than the large bags made specifically for balloons, I decided to give it a try.  After fully loading it, I was able to put 4,000+ balloons in it.  It has a ton of space in the middle (with dividers) for 160s, 260s, 350s, etc. and two sides of the bag have small clear pockets which are great for hearts, rounds, etc.  I like it because it holds almost all the variety I want and I don't have to fill it up as much.  After 10 hours of heavy use during line work, there was no need to restock (see picture of balloons after the 10 hrs of use).

At events, I place the bag on a folding table I bring.  I also created an info board that is attached on the front of the table/bag. The board is metal and everything on it is magnetized, so I can switch out the suggestions I provide, attach different info regarding cost/tips, attach a business card container, venue info, etc.  I have attached a couple pictures to give you and idea of what I'm talking about.  

It is a little bigger setup than my last balloon "rig", but it is still small enough that I can bring everything into a venue in one load (but if not rushed it is easier to make two trips).  And for venues that I need to walk a ways to get to, I have a small folding cart that holds everything, making it easy to carry everything where ever I go.  It is certainly not something I would use if I needed to do walk around, however most of the events I do I stay stationary and it seems perfect for my needs so far. [album][album][/album][/album]

Shonna,

I went to your lecture at Kapital Kidvention a few months back and have now incorporated your big bear designs into my everyday work.  I use your Elmo, Cookie Monster, bunny, and cat designs all the time (and Ken Stillman's Spiderman variant).  The sculptures are quick and easy, yet they look great, are big, and people are always intrigued the big bear shape; all the perfect qualities desired for line work or any balloon event.

Thanks
J.C.

Candle?

Here is my take on Graham's first giraffe.  This is my first time posting a pic, so hopefully it works.


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What bothers me most is leaving the nozzle of the balloon hanging out.   Even if I have a line of 30 people waiting, I have a hard time not cleaning up the ends.