Certified Balloon Artist- Sculpture workshop- and Balloons made in America
What a month! At the end of August, I (Sandi) went out to Kansas for a special invite-only workshop at the Pioneer Balloon World Headquarters. Pioneer makes the balloons that I predominately use- Qualatex.
The workshop itself was phenomenol. It was taught by Belgian balloon artist, Luc Bertrand. In the 2 day workshop we learned some new techniques for building sculptures, and then had a little friendly competition to build a giant doll that Luc had designed for a competition at one of the conventions some time earlier (and it won). There were 2 teams, each with 12 people or so on them- the red team and the blue team. I was on the red team (we won…).
It was a great excersize in teamwork and learning some new techniques and some time saving techniques as well.
During the workshop we were offered the opportunity to go on a tour of the headquarters. We didn’t get to see the balloons being made, as that happens at another facility down the road, but we did get to see how the design and prototype new balloons. And, I learned something really interesting, not only are all of the balloons I use made in America, but the mylar balloon plant also makes all their mylars for international distribution! So, not only is Pioneer/ Qualatex making their products here in America instead of outsourcing to China, they’re one of the few companies still manufacturing in America and exporting to other countries!!! I was very impressed!! I wonder why they don’t do more marketing about that. I think that in todays outsource- happy environment, that would be a major selling point….
Anyway, the other exciting thing that happened during those few days was that I finally took the CBA (Certified Balloon Artist) practical exam. I had done the written exams many many years ago- having purchased the kit in the late 1990s… but I never took the practical exam. I’ll be honest, I thought that it was going to be really easy, and didn’t think that much about it. Well, at 2 in the morning, working with my roommate for the event, Rachel Porter from Balloon Splendor in Washington, after spending 4 hours working on the job cost forms, I totally changed my mind!!! It was really eye-opening to do the job cost forms and learn exactly where my profit centers are, and where I was losing money without even realizing it!!
In the test itself, besides having to submit 4 photos with job cost forms, and 2 original designs with job cost forms, you also have to make a couple of arrangements copied from a card, and a 5 balloon spiral column, and answer some questions, and do a mock phone call. No biggie, right? Guess again!! For the 5-balloon spiral column, I found out that it had to be done without the automatice sizing equipment we always use, and it had to be done on monofiliament line. Both things that took me out of my comfort zone. I usually do my columns using the automatic sizing machines, and then building them on 260s or dacron line. Then, the room was really hot (and a very humid day) and the balloons were sticking to each other, and to my arm. I thought that it was part of the test, so I didn’t ask to have the AC turned up, LOL! Afterwards I found out that it was an accident and that it wasn’t part of the test, lol! Anyway, my column wasn’t that great, when the tester shook it, it broke in two. I would have had words if one of my employees had done it that loose. Luckily that wasn’t the only thing we were scored on.
So… to make a long story short, and in spite of my loose column, and being taken out of my comfort zone, I passed!! I can now add the letters CBA after my name!!!!
To all you balloonies out there, go through the training, take the exam and get your CBA. It’s a worthwhile experience.
My friend Lisa from Blooming Balloons in North Carolina made a little slide show video of the workshop/ competition. I’m trying to get a copy of it, and if I get one, I’ll upload it here… in the meantime, here are a couple of pix that I took at the workshop…
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- Bouquet made from card for test
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- CBA certificate after passing exam
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- Delivery arrangement made for exam
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- Luc’s little doll – distortion demonstration
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- Luc demonstrating distortion eye technique
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- Cute “chandalier” hanging in Pioneer lobby
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- This is the red team and the red team doll
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- This is the red team doll- love the little toes! (Lisa’s idea)
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- Hair technique demonstration
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- Treva and her very cool dragonfly
Here’s Lisa’s video… guess YouTube disabled the audio 
But it’s still fun to watch 
I’ll have to remember to tell her about Animoto
Stage Backdrops and other new stuff
Stage Decor, Backdrops, Custom Sculptures, Oh MY!
These past few months have been interesting here at Balloon Utopia. We’ve been getting some really interesting jobs- especually on the corporate side of things. We are loving working in the live event industry and being challenged to come up with new stage decorations. In fact, we’ve done so many lately that you shouldn’t be surprised if a whole “Stage” page shows up! We’ve also been commissioned to make a larger-than- life mermaid. This was a really fun and interesting project. We love challenges! No matter what your event, call the San Diego Balloon Experts to make it really pop! (pun intended, lol)
Party City, $1 Stores and the California Balloon Laws
Today I had to get some balloons from Party City. I know, it’s silly that I would have to pay full retail price at Party City for my balloons, but tomorrow is my little son’s birthday, and he is all about Toy Story. Problem is, my local distributor doesn’t have any Toy Story balloons, and I procrastinated until it was too late to get them from out of state- what can I say, shoemakers children… Anyway, I find it shocking and disappointing that Party City, probably the largest retailer of Mylar balloons, refuses to comply with the California balloon laws. I went in to pick up my balloons, and was handed a group of mylar balloons without a weight. I asked for them to please weight the balloons in order to be compliant with the law, they told me they could put a clip on it (which was an insufficient amount of weight for the size of the balloon) or I could purchase a weight. I told them that I didn’t care if the weight was a piece of cardboard, or a bag of rocks, but that my balloons, and every other mylar balloon that walks out of the store MUST be weighted.
Well, I’m sure that they saw me as the balloon police, but the reason for the laws are to protect our power lines from accidental failure. Here’s a link to a video I made on the subject of CALIFORNIA BALLOON LAWS. I may be a little fanatic about it, but I was part of a group that worked really really hard to lobby against the ban on mylar balloons that almost happened a couple of years ago. The law banning balloons actually passed, but lucky for us, we got off on a technicality- Gov. Shwartzenegger vetoed it because he was trying to get the California state legislature to balance the budget, and had said that he would veto all bills until the budget was balanced.
I have this same conversation every time I go into a Party City or a $1 store. If the largest retailers aren’t compliant with the laws, how can we expect the general public to observe them- or even know about them? It’s our job as decorators and retailers to educate the consumers. Anyway, if you go into a store in California and see that they are selling mylar balloons without the proper anchors, please take the time to say something to the manager. If we want to continue enjoying the color and happiness that mylar balloons provide, we all need to take care to observe the laws. Otherwise, we may lose the right to use them in California- as almost happened a couple of years ago.
Just to keep everything in one place, here’s a quick synopsis of the main points of the California Balloon Laws:
Every balloon that is made of an electrically conductive material (mylar) and filled with a gas lighter than air (helium) must be individually anchored to a weight that is heavy enough to keep it from flying away.
No balloon that is filled with a gas that is lighter than air may be attached to a material that is electrically conductive (so no mylar ribbon on latex balloons).
There are a couple more points, but those are the biggies.
All right, off my soapbox and onto the birthday cupcakes….
Unpoppables on TLC
Last night was the premiere of The Unpoppables on TLC. This is a new balloon reality TV show. They aired the first two episodes, and I have to say it was truely a treat to watch. The show follows three balloon artists as they go through the process of what we do- consultation, conception, design and building amazing decor. The three balloon artists are Addi Somekh, Brian Asman, and Katie Laibstein. Addi I think I can call a friend. He’s been an inspiration to me for many years, and I’ve gone up to LA to help him out on jobs a few times. I’ve always admired the way that he thinks and sees the world in balloons. He’s truly an artist. Brian I have met several times at conventions, and have always wanted to learn his balloon couch. (Yes! You can actually sit on it.) I can’t say that we’re friends, as we don’t really know each other, but I’ve always respected his work. I’ve never met Katie, but I really liked the “fire” she built in the first episode.
I had to smile at the show, because it really showed what it’s like. Very often when doing the big sculptures you’re working right up until the last minute, and running agianst the clock. Since balloons have an optimum life span, you can’t start a big project too soon, or it will lose the best part of it’s life waiting to go to the event. And the all night sessions are famous in our industry- especially on the “twisting” side of things.
I’m also really excited that this show will educate the general public about just how far we can take our art form. For years we’ve struggled to be taken seriously as an artistic and decorative medium. Often our big brothers and sisters in the larger special event industry figure that we’re all just clowns who make dogs and swords or a cheaper alternative to flowers, and can only make arches and balloons on string. We have come so far in even just the last 10- 15 years! It truly is amazing what my colleagues can do with balloons!
Back to the review, I thought that they did a great job, and a great service to our industy. Anyway see for yourself, below is a preview for you. I highly recommend tuning in to watch The Unpoppables on TLC. Hopefully they’ll continue this series for many more seasons!
- Sandi
Balloon Decorations San Diego- Newest Events
Most Recent Balloon Decorations
This is a small sampling of some of our most recent work. In this edition, we had some interesting challenges, like trying to bring to life Andy Warhol’s Silver Room for a party, creating large scale Football Players for the Poinesettia Bowl, and making the University of North Carolina logo- giant size! We love the challenges. If you have an idea for an interesting theme or logo, give us a call, we’d love to put our thinking caps to the test!
Social
Sorry for the multiple clicks and links, but I haven’t figured out how to forward it directly…
Want to learn how to make more money with Social Media? This course is the BEST Social Media course that you can find! The skills that they teach can either be used to help you increase your own marketing efforts, or you can build a side social media consultant business with it. Like I described in the video, these people really know their stuff! I have taken two courses from them, and they really over-deliver. I will be taking this course as well. Even if you don’t end up taking the course, the free videos that they have out for the launch are worth taking a look at! Video # 3 especially has some great tips in it!
Balloon San Diego Most Recent Events
Here are some pictures that show you some of the things we were busy with this summer. There are more pix, like a ton of entertainment pictures that will be added as we go, but this is a fairly good representation of some of the San Diego Balloon Events that Balloon Utopia provided decor for.
Phil Mickelson Start Smart Event
Phil Mickelson Foundation Start Smart Balloons
This is an incredible annual event that Balloon Utopia is hired to decorate. Every year it gets a little bigger and more kids are invited to attend. The general theme of the balloon decorations remains the same every year, but the configuration of the areas inside of Walmart changes.
New Videos by Balloon Utopia
Want to Balloon San Diego? Or any other city? Here are some of our videos….
How to Make a Balloon Arch
California Balloon Laws- ok, it’s not the most fun topic, but it’s important to know!
Are there environmentally friendly balloons?
How to make a balloon bike
Learn To Make Balloons
Now you can learn to make balloons too!
Download out iTunes feed to have balloon lessons delivered straight to you iPod or iPhone!
Just Click the iTunes button…
New Commercial
Why Balloons?
Why indeed? Check out our new internet commercial… (experimenting with the medium)
By the way, the music is by Kevin MacLeod
Challenges, Slow Economy and Working on a Budget
Challenges, Slow Economy and Working on a Budget
This year has been a year unlike any other. Unless you’ve been living in another more affluent country, or in a self sustaining environment, chances are that you’ve also been hit by the recent economic crisis. For us here at Balloon Utopia that means that we’ve been working hard at helping our clients come up with decor that is heavy on creativity and not on budget.
Some of the ways that our clients have been saving money this year
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Bulk Balloon Deliveries- for clients who have a good system of support to lend a hand in the set-up, this can be a great option. Instead of hiring Balloon Utopia to do the whole set-up, we will come out and inflate a bunch of balloons onto our premium sparkly ribbon. We then tie them in manageable bunches to chairs or room fixtures so that your volunteers can cut them off and arrange them. We even give a quick demonstration on how to arrange them to get a nice, consistent look in your bouquets.
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Repurposing decor – this has been covered in an earlier blog post. (click the link to go to article- Repurposing decor ). Basically, this is a great option for multi-day events when you want a different look, but not a brand new decor budget. Ask one of our designers how you can make the most of your decor for mulit-day events.
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Hi- low centerpieces – You can get a really interesting feel and ambiance by varying the table centerpieces so that some of them are going up high in the air, and others are low. In this way you can have the “wow” effect of some of the more intricate centerpieces without having the expense of putting them on each and every table. Also, the varied heights and energy produced by this type of decor can be quite stunning.
4 Steps To a Great Life
Before I started in balloons, I was learning magic. I find it difficult to say that I was a magician, as I never was very good, but I learned everything I could find in a book, or that my magician friends would teach me. Today I was browsing the site of one of those magician, an amazing close-up guy named Lou Serrano , and I came accross this post on his blog. I thought it was advice that everyone could use, no matter what business they are in, or what they do…. Anyway, read and enjoy!
I thought I’d share with you a very simple four-step formula that I use to grow my business both as performer and as a marketer of products designed to enhance the business of other professional magicians.
- Vision. Before I can create a plan of action, I first have to create a vision for my life. I look at the big picture, and I ask myself, “What do I truly desire for myself? If I had the perfect life, what would it look like? How many hours would I work? Would I prefer to travel for work or would I prefer to stay close to home? Do I want to perform for children or adults? Would I rather perform at private events, corporate events, or both? How much money do I need to make to have the freedom to live the life I desire? What fills my life with passion? How can I share my passion with the world around me?”
- Goals. Once I’ve clearly defined the vision I have for my life, I create goals that are aligned with that vision. I write down these goals as succinctly as possible and write down a date by which I am to accomplish the goal.
- Plan. With my goals written down, I then create a plan to achieve those goals. Every detail is spelled out including the people I need to contact to help me in the achievement of that goal. I clearly define my market, and focus all my marketing efforts to provide solutions for that market.
- Execute. The final step is to execute the plan. I have found that a little goes a long way. Instead of trying to accomplish a goal all at once, I work on it a little every day. In this way the work is much easier, less stressful, and much more enjoyable.
The above formula may seem overly simplistic, but living a life full of passion, happiness, and freedom does not require a degree in rocket science. All it takes is the commitment to do some very simple things on a consistent basis. – Lou Serrano
Repurposing Decor
Repurposing Decor
Budget Stretching and Greenness
Recently we did a really interesting multi-day event. The event itself was fantastic, but what made it really different, and slightly challenging for us was streching a small budget over 3 days, and getting a completely new look. Usually, when we do multi- day events, either the decor stays the same for the whole event, or we come in and make entirely new decor. This event was different. In order to stretch the budget, we hi-floated the balloons for the first night’s decor, which was a Chinese theme. Adding the hi-float to the balloons meant that we could be sure that they would float for the entire time.
Here you can see the giant balloons we used for the Chinese theme. For the second night, a Carnival theme, we took the red balloons and added a colorful collar to them to make them look more festive.
I didn’t remember to take a room shot, so you’ll just have to use your imagination a little for the whole effect. In the meantime, the black balloons were put into another part of the hotel to decorate that room until we were ready for them. On the third night, we were ready for them… The third night was a concert, with some really neat special effects and blacklights! So we added funky blacklight reactive neon 260′s to the balloons to give it another fresh look.
We had a really good time brainstorming ways to re-use the same decor in new ways. In todays economy, with the reewed interest in the green movement, decor repurposing is a great solution!
For more information on decor repurposing, or to find out how to use this concept for one of your events, call Balloon Utopia, San Diego’s Event Decor Specialists! 619 339 8024
Click here to see photos from the San Diego Event Decor gallery
More Instructional Clips From Balloon Utopia
Balloon Utopia Instructional “How To” Videos
We will be uploading various video clips from some of Balloon Utopia’s (the San Diego Balloon Experts) instructional DVD’s. Check back for new uploads.
For Amazing Balloon Designs, Click here to see the San Diego Balloon Decor Gallery
For Incredible Balloon Entertainment, Click here to see the San Diego Balloon Twisting Gallery
New Video Blog
Balloon Utopia Instructional Videos On You Tube
Here’s something that we’re really excited about, we’ve started uploading instructional videos to You Tube!
We’ll also have a stream here on our site on the videos page of the blog. Want to see what we’ve got? Click here to go to the Balloon Utopia video page of the blog. So far there’s only one video up there, but keep checking back, because this is a dynamic website and we’re always adding new material!
Balloon Utopia is the San Diego Event Expert. Call us for all of your San Diego event decor and entertainment needs. Click here to visit our decor gallery.
Kids Video Fun
Some Fun Stuff For Our Younger Viewers
These videos have been picked as favorites by the Balloon Utopia kids.
Sky’s Picks (Toddler Tunes)
Clay Play
To the Garden
”Elephant Song”
Shor’s Picks (8 year old Bakugan Fan)
Bakugan Episode 43- part 1
Bakugan Episode 43 part 2
Bakugan Episode 43 part 3
Both kids love this one… but it’s potty humor…. Jurassic Fart
Sunrise Ice Cube
Orange Juice and Grenadine
Fill ice tray 2/3 with orange juice and top off with grenadine. The heavier grenadine will sink to the bottom making a cool color effect. Goes well in Shirley Temples, Lemonade, Ginger Ale and Pineapple Juice. For Alcoholic Drinks try with any rum based drink or fruity vodka, or tequila drink.
Hiring a Balloon Artist for a Birthday Party
Here is a link to an article I wrote on Squiddo.com about hiring a balloon artist for your child’s birthday party.
This article discusses various styles of balloon entertainerment and which is best by age.
Balloons Are Green!!!
Many people wonder about the environmental impact of balloons. Contrary to popular belief, balloons are one of the most environmentally friendly decor mediums around! Here are a couple of fun facts about balloons’ greeness.
Balloons come from the sap of the rubber tree, Heveabrasiliensis, which grows in Malaysia. This sap looks like milk and is shipped to America in large ocean tankers. Once it is removed from the tree, the sap is called latex.
Balloon are biodegradable; they decompose at the rate of an oak leaf.
Balloons are environmentally friendly! Because they’re made from the sap of a tree, in order to make more balloons, more trees must be planted!!!!!
Something that is important to note however, though the latex balloons are completely green, mylar balloons are not. Mylar balloons do not biodegrade. Also, when using balloons for balloon releases, besides getting FAA permission, make sure that the balloons are attached to cotton string which will biodegrade, rather than a poly ribbon, which will not biodegrade.
Hiring a Balloon or Decor Company
Hiring a Balloon Artist or Decor Company
By Sandi Masori
Putting on an event is always a huge task. There are so many little details to keep track of, from the venue, the catering, entertainment, and of course the decor. The decor will really set the ambiance for the event in a way that no other part of the package will. The mood of the room will be evident from the moment your guests walk in. So whether you’re planning a corporate event, or a private event, you want the decor to send the right message.
Balloons are an amazingly versatile artistic medium. Especially in this economy, balloons can provide a great alternative to hiring expensive lighting or prop packages. Balloon décor can serve many purposes for any special event. Balloons can provide an atmosphere of fun and festivity; they can lend elegance and light, they can make a big room seem more intimate; they can transform a room; they can highlight focal points, and they can make for great photo backdrops.
There are so many options for balloon décor that it’s really something that you should give some thought to before meeting your decorator. The first things that you want to figure out are theme (if there will be one), and budget. Next you want to think about the purpose of the décor, per above. Next you want to think about the guests at the party, will it be more for the kids, or more for the adults? This will make a difference in whether the décor should be more whimsical, or more elegant.
In the majority of cases, the most important area of the room to decorate is the dance floor. This is where most of the action of the party will be happening. The next most important areas are the table centerpieces and the entrance, or any other focal point (i.e. activity centers, or sponsor tables). You want to make sure that any décor put on the dance floor is very stable. You don’t want something that could cause someone to trip. For that reason, for example, it’s better to have sturdy columns with a wide and heavy footprint than a helium arch on a simple weight.
Another thing that you want to know about are the California Balloon Laws. Because of California’s faulty power lines, there are special rules for balloons in California. Every helium-filled foil balloon must be individually attached to a weight. Nothing that can conduct electricity can be attached to a helium balloon, even if the event is indoors because someone might carry the balloon outside. This means that you can’t have metallic ribbon hanging on helium-filled balloons over the dance floor. However, there are non- conductive plastic ribbons that are very shiny. (See below for more information).
When you are planning your décor, make sure that you tell the decorator who the other vendors are, and what they will be doing, (i.e. will you be having a multimedia presentation on a screen over the dance floor?) This way all of your vendors can try to work together to provide you with the best possible event.
Call the balloon decorator early in the planning process. Like other special event vendors, the balloon decorator’s calendars tend to fill up quickly. Also if you want to do any sort of custom work, they need time to build the frames, and order materials. The balloon decorator should be brought into the planning as soon as you secure the venue. For the most effective consultation, you should meet at the venue itself. This way your decorator can advise you what will look good with the room and the atmosphere you are trying to create. Even if it is a room that both of you have been in many times, it’s much easier in the visualization process if you are looking at pictures and discussing ideas there. Also, it will ensure that there are no potential problems, such as asking for a balloon drop in a room with no rigging points, or for a canopy in a room with a very low ceiling.
With appropriate planning, your décor can make a huge difference in the quality of your event. Balloons can transform an ordinary room into an extraordinary experience.
** Following the California Balloon Law
1. Never Use Metallic Ribbons
California law prohibits the use of foil/metallic string or ribbon, or other attachments that conduct electricity, with helium-filled latex or foil balloons, regardless of whether the balloons are for indoor or outdoor use. Foil balloons and ribbon have been known to cause power outages when balloons become entangled in power lines.
2. Use Balloon Weights
Foil Balloons must be attached to an anchor. A variety of attractive plastic weights are available to anchor balloons. The only requirement is that the weights be heavy enough to keep the balloons from floating away.
3. Never Group Foil Balloons
California law bans the grouping of foil balloons. All foil balloons must be individually weighed.
4. Individually Anchor Balloons
California law requires only foil balloons to be weighted. A mixed bouquet of helium-filled latex and foil balloons would require that each foil balloon be individually weighted. Clusters of balloons tied together stand a much greater chance of becoming tangled in power lines.
When a helium-filled foil balloon is sold with latex balloons (as in a delivery arrangement), the balloon strings or ribbons may not be tied to each other. Rather, you should tie the individual foil balloons to an anchor that weights down the group and keeps it from being released accidentally. This ensures the balloon strings will not remain tied together if they are cut off or untied from the weight.
** Taken from Qualatex.com
Governor Schwarzenegger and California Balloon Laws
This is a reprint of an article that I wrote in October, but the information is still important and is worth reposting….
Gov. Schwarzenegger saves the balloons!
In April 2008 Senate Bill 1499 was introduced in the State Senate Public Safety Committee. Introduced to the Senate by Senator Scott and the power companies, who contended that mylar balloons could cause massive power failures. The bill would have made it a crime for any person to sell or distribute any balloon that is constructed of electrically conductive material, and filled with a gas lighter than air, or any balloon filled with a gas lighter than air that is attached to an electrically conductive string, tether, streamer, or other electrically conductive appurtenance, except as specified. The lobbying efforts of the balloon industry succeeded in bringing about a compromise, although the bill’s passage still would have meant significant changes in the use of mylar balloons here in California.
After passing the Senate and the Assembly, SB1499 was vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger who determined that other bills were a higher priority for the State of California. There is already a balloon law in place here in California. Current law mandates that helium-filled balloons be affixed to weights, attached to ribbon made of non-conductive material, and feature a label warning of the dangers of releasing balloons into the atmosphere. The current law has been in effect since 1990.
Although the balloon industry dodged this bullet, it’s important for anyone who puts on events to be aware of the current balloon laws, and make sure that they are followed, so that we don’t again face an all-out ban on helium-filled mylar balloons. In practical terms, what does this mean? It means that decorators in California can’t make helium filled arches out of mylar balloons, unless there is an anchor attached to each and every one of those mylar balloons- which would make it perfectly appropriate décor for the back of the stage, or as a wall dressing, but not for over a dance floor. Also, mylar balloons cannot be used as free-floating balloons on the ceiling. In a room with panel ceilings, however, the same look could be achieved by hanging air-filled mylar balloons from the ceiling. One last tip, often at events, guests would like to take some of the balloons home with them. Having some extra balloon weights on hand would enable your guests to take their souvenir home, without violating the California balloon laws, or running the risk of inadvertently causing a power failure.
Coffee Ice Cubes
This month’s ice cube is a Coffee Ice Cube. Mix up your favorite coffee and pour it in an ice cube tray and freeze. It’s that simple. Recommended ways to use your flavored cube… add it to Ice Coffee for flavor that won’t dilute. It’s also good in Kahlua, Baileys, and any other drink that you want to give an extra flavor kick. For the kids add it to mild for a gentle coffee ice cream flavor, or chocolate milk for a mocha flavor.
Keep checking back for the newest Ice Cube recipes!