Hi Dylan,

Excellent creation. I especially love the photo background. He looks like one unhappy alien bunny whose rabbit hole has been taken over by some strange red ball! I wonder how this would look using the vampire/Dracula print balloon? Would look good with a black body. Mmmmm.. Must dig out my balloons :-)

Darren

Hi Pam,

Time would not allow me to make them all on-site. The venue was a 1st Division football match. There were around 2500 people in the family enclosure with ticket sales of approx 700 for children. Gates opened at 2pm, kick off at 3pm. I simply couldn't manage 700 balloons in 60 mins all on my own, especially outside in the wind and the cold.

It went well, i had only a few balloons left by kick off and the family enclosure look nice with blue and white balloons.

Thanks

Make that a dozen members and add me as number 12 - will pay via your site tonight.

Cheers

Darren

Have you ever taken on an event and then realised what a stupid idea it was! Just spent the last four hours making simple balloons to hand out at a football match tomorrow. It really takes its toll pumping, tying and twisting. I thought I would share a photo of my balloon room!

Let's hope they don't pop by tomorrow.

For me I have a nice mix of balloon modelling, children's entertainment and close up magic so business has been unaffected. I think it helps having a one stop shop. Why book three entertainers when a jack of all trades (master of some) is more cost effective and easier to deal with. I have also done a few deals for no payment but where I receive a service in return. It's a win win situation for me. For example I did the Christmas Party for Colchester United Football Club and in return received the VIP treatment on match day for the whole family and my son was the team mascot so he got to run out with the players.

That's something money couldn't buy.

To beat the recession you just have to be flexible and creative. There will always be work for the good people but it is simply harder to find.

I hope 2012 is good for you all

Cheers

Darren

Also to add I placed an order yesterday for 50 odd bags and they arrived today. First class service and less hassle than reciting item numbers over the phone with qualatex direct.

Graham, are you able to obtain other qualatex balloons not listed on your website, for example 5" rounds of some colours listed in the qualatex catalogue?

Well done and thanks

Best wishes

Darren

I was under pressure to knock up a bride and groom in my hotel room on Saturday night and this is what I came up with. A variation of Shirley Ray's Princess and the groom I think came from several other balloons. I was quite pleased with the results. The bride has a long pony tail which isn't visible from this dodgy phone photo.

Hope you like it.

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Well done Kev. Andy is a lovely guy and very helpful. I to use some of his products and find them excellent.

My van has graphics on as well - one question I never considered is what happens when it is time to sell it? Knowing my luck I will remove my graphics and it will look like one of those old BT vans that still clearly show the logo by the contrast in thr sun faded paint colours.

One guy I know had the words 'stop me for a free balloon' written on the side of his van - that didn't last long! (although a good marketing opportunity)

Hi Kev

You certainly have a nice colourful van. Fantastic for advertising whilst driving around.

The only thing to say (and I am not in anyway trying to cause trouble) but you should contact Andy at Razamatazz and ask permission to use his rabbit image. I know he spent £1000s developing this graphic and I believe it is his copyright.

I just don't want you landing yourself in any trouble or hassle.

Apologies in advance if you have already checked with him.

Best wishes

I used my pump on friday night to make all the balloons for my weekend shows. To say I felt more refreshed after my two hours of ballooning is an understatement. No more aching arms and shoulders. I have perfected the art of inflating 260s/350s although 160s are still a little slow given the need to stretch the balloon neck over the end of the pump. It will improve with practice.

To put things into perspective, I typically make around ten balloon prizes per show (each prizes uses an average of 5 balloons each) plus a special balloon for the birthday child. This weekend I have 3 shows so that's around 200 balloons inflated on my macpump. Hard work with a regular balloon pump.

I would recommend this to anyone.

I inflate using a pump simply because mouth inflation leaves me tried after ten or so. There is enough stress on my body making balloons constantly for 4/5 hours at a time that if I can easily avoid another one then i will do so.

Equally if I could find a machine that tied balloons automatically then I would be happy to use that as well.

Hi Bonnie

Those splash bracelets are wonderful - thanks for sharing these. Let us know as soon as your new PDFs are available. I enjoy your work so much and my paypal account is ready to send funds!

Here are a few examples of Shirley Ray's excellent work whose DVDs and instructions I followed to make these creations. Buzz is still very popular for Children's Parties and is one of the most popular balloons in my balloon library.

All of Shirley's creations instructions of which can be purchased from her website.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/balloonparade/

Hi all,

I received my pump today from Graham (thanks for the speedy delivery) and my initial thoughts are that it is excellent. It will take a little practice to use it properly but for those who have it can I ask...

a) When inflating a balloon do you attach the balloon to the pump before extending the inflation arm or afterwards?

b) When you have pushed down once on the pump and inflated your balloon, if more air is required do you pinch the balloon first, then extend the pump, release your pinch and push down to inflate? Or do you just keep pushing up and down until you have finished?

Probably a dumb question but would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks

Darren

Hi Everyone,

I cannot believe it has been almost two years since I joined this forum and having not posted since then I thought I would reintroduce myself!

I am still enjoying my magic and ballooning. it has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for me going from part-time entertainer, to full time for over a year back to part-time again! Someone tempted me back to a 'proper job' (that's my wife talking) during the credit crunch times but in all honesty the magic gigs have been just as busy.

In some respects it is nice not having to chase gigs and work like crazy so now I am hoping to find the time to develop my skills and create some more balloons of my own.

It is also nice to see Graham supplies Qualatex so I have been able to pass my orders his way :-)

Sorry for the long absence - I hope to contribute more in the future.

Best wishes

Darren