Hi All

what methods do members use to find the correct colour balloons in a busking bag in a venue under Dim or odd lighting.

I have often had this problem, especially in Bars, and wonder about having a small torch in the busking bag? but this was a real problem at a Halloween do where the light were not only dim, but green too.

I struggle sometimes separating the Dark Green, Chocolate and Black even in good light!

Mark

Hi All

For the last 9 years I have spent my Christmas in London looking after Homeless people with Drink and Drug issues for Crisis, and just to add to the fun, I do the night shift - Our guests lives are generally ruled by their dependencies, so night shift is not about looking after people in tucked up in bed. We often have services, food & entertainment running all night, Including karaoke at 4:00am!

For the last two years, we have had someone doing balloon models in the day shift. I suspect as part of the Crisis Arts and Entertainment team. Was that someone a Balloon Chat member? if so Who?

It it was you, firstly, thank you. It goes down very well. It's nice to come on shift to a pleasing array of balloons.

I would have have loved to take a few balloons along too, but my role is such that my feet hardly touch the ground all night.

But maybe if other members find themselves at a loss as to what to do next Christmas, maybe they too could volunteer for the Crisis Crisis Arts and Entertainment team? failing that, I am sure that Crisis wouldn't turn down offers of creative materials (Balloons, pumps etc?)

Mark

I have purchased a new white paint pen, unfortunately the solvent in the pen seems to damage the balloon, usually with the result that the model pops.

Can anyone recommend any particular make/model of paint pens?

Mark

Up until now I have only really been twisting balloons mostly for my own fun. But have done to odd for friends and family for special occasions & the very odd party.

I had recently done a Halloween party for a local pub, where they where expecting up to 20 kids, and was going to be paid in drinks. In the event 80+ kids turned up and the first pint went untouched until it was all over! Great fun, and went well, and pup owners where very impressed (they have since made up for lack of beer on the day). I also did bundles of models to sell for last Fridays children in need, and got loads of repeat orders for more.

Now:
I have now been asked (from doing the pub job) "we need a balloon modeller for a kiddies party Mark, how much?". I said I would put them in contact with a professional (I was thinking of someone from this site)... his reply was "No Mark. We want you, we love your models, and you have a great personality". I'm pleased he thinks that, but not sure I share his assessment?

1st question has got to be "How much?", at this stage I am assuming it 2-3 hours line type work at a party?. (I am not expecting anyone to say publicly how much they feel I should ask for - but if you could personal message me with vague guidelines, I would be very grateful)

2nd has to be how do I build self confidence? are there any work experience opportunities going? Maybe I really should go to a care and share day? I think I do some nice models, but expect I need to increase the range, and up my speed?

Any helpful advice would be most welcome.


Mark

Hi

I am an amateur balloon modeller, on the Hants/Surrey border. I have been twisting balloons, on and off, for 15 years.

I prefer the challenge of making slightly larger 6-20 balloon characters. But need to also hone my skills on quicker 1-5 balloon models for when I get asked to do the odd party or event.

I discovered Graham and this site after having some of my balloon stock stolen just before and event, and Graham was a star in letting me collect new stock from him. Great service Graham!

Mark