The Peace Angel on page 4 is absolutely beautiful, Colin.  And the balloon weaving's very nice too  

--Neil

Hmmm - £40 will get you a fair few bags of balloons...

It kind of depends upon what you are making, but you can't go too far wrong with a few bags of mixed traditional/entertainer 260s from Qualatex and a bag of 100 260q white - it is a really common colour and used in a lot of models I make.  I'd avoid the jewel finish balloons though as, frankly, they are horrible to work with - very prone to popping and have an awful sticky, tacky feel when using them, never mind the rasping 'squeak' when twisting them.  This is just my humble opinion though  :?  

In addition to the 260q stuff above, I'd probably buy a bag of mixed black tipped 321s (apples, wasps etc), and one bag each of assorted of 160s and 350s.  Generally speaking, you'll not use many (if any) geo blossoms, 646q ballons or 5" rounds day-to-day (if you are just starting out) so I wouldn't bother with them just now. (See the link at the top of the page for all your balloon needs   )

You'll have a good amount of change from your £40, but this should let you get a feel for what colours you like/use and then to spend your money wisely on what works for you  :|

I hope this is of some help - be interesting to see what others think

--Neil

Quote from: "Graham Lee"Why was Colin smiling? Those at the day are not allowed to answer?

I suspect it has something to do with Mr Hickory about to hand him that cluster....

I'm working on it... (Am I warm, cold, freezing?)  

--Neil

Hear, hear AliG!  It was a great night, and I think the one I've enjoyed the best so far!  We messed around with different techniques and designs for crowns, giraffes and princesses (amonst others), twisted delivery pieces and discussed all the usual 'difficulties' facing us like pushy parents, controlling kids, pre-making pieces and whether we're there to serve or show off at events  :? Plus we had a steady supply of appreciative punters (princesses!) who were heading to the pubs and clubs wearing our handywork!!  

The next night is tentatively arranged for Mon 28th May - usual Orchard venue (see previous posts for details) but will confirm in the next week or two.

It would be great to see you there but if you don't fancy it - that's up to you...  

--Neil

Hi

You become a member of the QBN by purchasing the DVD courses and passing the online assesments after viewing the DVDs.  (Although the page below is shown in USD, you can buy them from Pioneer/Qualatex in Bishops Stortford  (tel: 0800 28 12 15)

http://www.qualatex.com/pages/resource_ ... erkits.php

The Job Cost Form is very useful and easy-to-use for calculating, er, job costs!  The form is designed so that initially you complete one section of it with your 'guesstimate' costs (material, labour, others, etc) but the other section allows you to then calculate your actual costs after you have completed the job and see how close you were/where you went wrong.

The folks at Qualatex are very friendly and helpful - I wouldn't hesitate to contact them if you're stuck.

Hope this helps

--Neil

Hi gang

A reminder that the next 'Scottish' (Edinburgh, really) Balloon Jam is scheduled for next Monday 16th April from 7.30 at the usual venue - The Orchard Bar, 1-2 Howard Place, Canonmills, Edinburgh EH3 5JZ.)

Will email a reminder out to all on the list, but anyone reading this who's not on my email list, please just shout or come along!

Cheers

--Neil

I'm happy with it like this, Graham, with the restricted access.  The only thing I find is that when I log in using my iPhone (logging in to the full site, rather than the TapaTalk app) I seem to get kicked out randomly, even when I've checked the 'Log me on automatically each visit' button.  But it's not a time thing; I can log in, hit 'View Active Topics' and immediately get chucked out again... Very odd.  :x

Quote from: "Graham Lee"We had the most ever users online yesterday with 56 people looking in at 1.54am.

I'm guessing the majority at that time would be members in the States?!?!

--Neil

Great review so far, Darren.

I've been lucky enough to attend workshops by Alberto three times, I think it is, now.  He is a fantastic, talented artist with a very easy-to-follow teaching style and it is very apparent he knows his stuff.

But....

I can't help feeling, based on your review, that this seems almost to be a case of using 321s for the sake of using 321s.  I've seen many great designs using 321s in a 'natural' way (I'm thinking some of Buster/Don's Untitled Collection) but this just seems a little 'forced' - there's not much of it (so far) that really needs a 321.  Given these are a bit more expensive than standard sizes I'm a little skeptical about the motive behind the DVD.  The cynic in me wonders if it is simply a push by Qualatex to shift more of these balloons, perhaps?  

I guess I should wait for your final word on the DVD for your opinion...  :?

Just my thoughts.  

--Neil

Quote from: "David Brenion"Looks great, Neil!

Thank you, sir!  It is a fantastic DVD, as are all the Nifty Balloons ones I have, and I'd have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone.  Here's hoping there are many more to come!  

--Neil

Hi Steve

Hmmm - good question!  I've never tried this, but it may be possible to get some sort of varnish or laquer that you could 'paint' on the latex.  My concerns though would be a) that it may not prevent the balloon from popping, as I'd think that as soon as the balloon was moved or pulled the coating could possibly flake off.  Have you tried painting hi-float or some other sealant on to a test balloon to try it? And b) if you are coating a diamond clear, any coating would more than likely leave some sort of residue that could spoil the transparency of what you're trying to show.

I did a google search (as I'm sure you'll have done) and couldn't find anything on this, though.  My rule-of-thumb tends to be that if a google search returns nothing, it probably isn't possible or doesn't exist!  

Not much help, I know, but please let us know how you get on!  You may have a great business opportunity there  

--Neil

:oops: Thank you both, that's very kind of you.

It's a fantastic DVD, Snurb, and easily worth every penny!

--Neil

In Nippy's review thread for Masks, I mentioned that I've tried this monkey many times and it's always turned out, well, rubbish.  It's a great design, just I've stuggled with it.  So I tried again this evening after a couple of advice pointers/tips from Darren and here it is.  I'm not entirely happy with it, it will do, basically, but it's much better than it was thanks wholly to Darren's help.  Thank you, sir!  

--Neil

Thank you for your advice, Darren, and your kind words!

Right - that's my mission for this evening.  I'll post a photo and we can take it from there...

Thanks again for your time and advice.

--Neil

(Edit: Sorry, don't mean to hijack your review thread - will post the photo to another topic)  

I'm so jealous of you being able to make these so perfectly, Darren.  I've tried the monkey one several times and (without giving anything way) I just can't get the bit right with the eyes (especially the eyeballs) - it's just not possible, surely, even though I sit and watch Mr B doing it in front of my eyes!!  :shock: I find the sidewall bubble a breeze compared to the eyes, and that's saying something!

Excellent work

--Neil

Nothing weird about making a rubber chicken, sir!  Nice work as always

--Neil