Hi

I've only had (or noticed, anyway) this problem when the balloon deflates, as the ink is then concentrated as the latex contracts and it becomes much 'thicker'.  I've not checked their details, but perhaps they are only truly permanent on paper or card...?

It's an ongoing point of discussion as to which markers are best - to be honest, I don't really like black sharpies nor the maxiflo white board markers (although at least these should wash out of clothes) so I'm really stuck!!  :?

Not much help really, sorry - just a comment!

--Neil

Hi folks

I spotted this when I was eating my lunch at my desk today - nearly fell off my chair!!  

(I think the link will only be valid til around midday (BST) tomorrow (Fri)  as the competition closes soon after...)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/magazinemoni ... _240.shtml

Nice one Natalie! Why were you escorted out?

--Neil

Hi Tony

Just to stick my tuppenceworth in - nobody gives an answer because no-one can, which is in essence what nippy was saying.  I'll happily tell you that I generally charge £50 per hour, but what does that mean to you?  As you (probably) don't know my skillset, what I offer, my market, location demographic, overheads etc, does that mean that you should charge that?

Let me ask a question of you - I want to sell my car, how much should I sell it for?  

There's simply no way you can answer that question as it stands.  You'd need to know a lot more info before you could give me some help, guidance or opinion...  I don't mean this to be snotty or rude, but it's just trying to demonstrate how it's too abstract a question to answer.

However, if I was in your shoes, I'd probably gauge how much people in your area are charging by simply calling them and asking.  By that I mean, either you or someone you know calls them up and asks 'How much would you charge per hour for a kids party on a Saturday afternoon at Arcacia Avenue'?  If anyone wants to know more or confirm a booking, just tell them you've nothing confirmed yet and you are just getting an idea of prices.

Hope this helps

--Neil

Yikes!  The rabbit in the film was scary enough, and you've definitely captured the scare factor with this!  

Very nice model

--Neil

As with all your work, Ali, it is brilliant.

Very well done - it looks amazing!

--Neil

Agreed - really nice work as always, Ali  

--Neil

Nice one, Kevin!

(Zoe has a lovely voice - reminds me of Sarah Blackwood from Dubstar)  

--Neil

Just a wee reminder about the jam tomorrow evening...

Hopefully see you there!

--Neil

Weston-Super-Mare for the Bristol Day of Magic?

You're a strange lot down there - next you'll have an airport in Luton or Stanstead and call it 'London'!!      

Nice colourful stand, Graham.

--Neil

Good news!

There's another Edinburgh Balloon Jam on the horizon – confirmed for Monday 28th May from 7.30 at The Orchard Bar, 1-2 Howard Place, Edinburgh EH3 5JZ.

To keep things ticking over, and as mentioned earlier - we're going to have a theme this month and that is.... sea life.  

If you want, please feel free to bring along a model of a sea life thing (you know what I mean?!?  :? ) and on the night we can have a play with fish, sharks, starfish, mermaids, dolphins, etc.  The world is our lobster – ooh, yes lobsters too!  Don't worry if you can't bring a model along – it's not a problem at all – just bring yourself, some balloons and have fun.

So, hopefully see you there and remember as always this is free and open to anyone of any ability over 18 (as it's a side room of a bar we are in).

See you on 28th!

Cheers

--Neil

Hi folks

The next Scottish Balloon Jam is provisionally set for Monday 28th May at the Orchard (see previous posts for address) from 7.30.

Good idea to have a theme - so this month let's go for..... sea life.  So get thinking about fish, star fish, mermaids, lobsters, dolphins, sharks etc etc and let's see what we can come up with.

Will confirm date for certain over the next few days, but pencil it in your diary.

As always, everyone (over 18 - as it's a bar) is invited, and of course it's free!

Cheers

--Neil

Hi Christine

Hmmm - it's tricky, because I guess it depends how you want to play it...
 
I do feel for you, but if it was me (ie, this is only what I would do!) I think I'd just refund and walk away now, but I'd make it clear that it is in no way an agreement with or even acknowledgement of his points or criticism, and I was doing it purely because I am so busy with my balloon art and regular customers that I simply haven't got the time nor the inclination to get into a drawn out fight with him.
   
It does sound to me like he's probably not going to give up until he gets his refund, unfortunately, but it's really up to you...

--Neil

Brilliant!  :shock:  

What a showman - I want to see it

--Neil

Hi Christine

I'm utterly shocked at this!  

You are a wonderful person and a thoroughly deserving award-winning balloon artist who has helped many new twisters and experienced ones too with your offerings.   I've been lucky enough to see your piece and the competition you've been up against when you've won and your win was truly deserved.  You're achievements speak for themselves and hopefully you will be getting a feeling (if you've not got it already!) that there are FAR more many people who respect and admire you than those that don't.

Please don't give in - remember all that nonsense we had with one poster who was just out to rile everyone?  Some people are just like that and we are fortunately that they only rear their very ugly (in every sense) heads occasionally.

There's always someone who's jealous, or who is not very good and rather than accept that as their issue they want to blame someone else for it.  It's an easy game, after all, and makes them feel better.

Personally, I wouldn't even dignify the email with a reply.

(I've just read Martin's post as I send this -- see, we're all with you on this   )

--Neil


--Neil

Quote from: "celebrateballoons"I have just been on the online calculator and it seems my answer was correct. I unfortunatly have to still show my workings out in the answer. Thankyou for that.

Hi - yes, I'd definitely check this again, as it can't be 16 balloons.  That's only 4 rows of 4-balloon clusters, which would only make a small column of about 3 feet high, not a spiral arch....  :?  

--Neil