Balloon Guys

Resources

Are you thinking you'd like to try your hand at balloon twisting? Here are some things you probably need:

Pump

There are a lot of pumps out there and you can spend anywhere from $4 to over $200 for a pump. The pumps we use are closer to $200, but if you're just doing it for friends, you probably don't need that.

You can find good pumps at the sites below. You want one that's dual action (it pumps air as you push and pull) just because it's faster.

Balloons

This one is pretty obvious, but the balloons need to be good balloons. If you're buying them in the grocery store, they aren't going to work. If they're old, they'll pop more than you'd like. It's best to have fresh balloons from a reputable source.

Our favorite brand is Qualatex, but some people prefer Betallatex. Both brands are good. Check out the list below for some good balloon retailers.

Instructions

When the balloon guys started, the internet wasn't really a thing. We learned from books, particulary some books by Aaron Hsu-Flanders, which came with about 30 balloons and a tiny pump. I don't think they're published anymore, but the content is still good if you can find one used. The sites below also list some books.

The big thing now is the internet. If you go to youtube.com and type in "260 dog", you'll see a ton of videos. Pick one and watch it. If you can't follow the video, try a different one. There are a lot of twisters and some are easier to follow than others.

Balloon Shapes

Balloons come in a variety of shapes and they are identified mostly by a number. The most common ones for most twisters are 260. The first digit is the diameter of the balloon and the second is the length. So a 260 is about 2" in diameter and 60" long.

Balloon types include:

160

This one is 1" x 60" when inflated. It's used for smaller figures and sometimes as trim on another balloon. It is much harder to blow up than even a 260.

260

This is 2" x 60". It's the most common balloon in the twister's arsenal. Most people can't blow these up by mouth, so don't feel bad if you can't do it either.

321 (Bee Body)

This is an oddly shaped balloon. It is 3" around and has a tip that looks like a stinger and doesn't really inflate. It's most commonly found with the tip in a contrasting color, but sometimes it's a solid color.

350

At 3" X 50" this one is short and wider. You can make many animals with it but you have to watch your proportions carefully. It's also used in a lot of character sculptures when you're making a person.

646

These 6" x 46" balloons see more use in decorating than in twisting, but they do show up in a few sculptures.

Blossoms

These are a unique balloon as they have 5 different chambers and blow up to look a bit like a star or the petals of a flower. They are also used in making characters. I don't think I've ever seen one actually twisted.

Heart

Just what it sounds like; these are available in a variety of sizes and colors

Round

Round balloons come in even more colors than the sculpture balloons. They are usually sold by diameter, so 5" or 11" reflects the inflated diameter.

Printed

Typically only round balloons come with printing. The printing can be anything from polka dots to hearts or faces. A lot of times they are seasonal, so you can find pumpkins more easlily in the fall.

Specialty Shapes

There are a lot of other shapes from the bear body to the spiral and the caterpillar. Each manufacturer has their own and they have a variety of uses but typically are aimed at making common shapes easier to create.

Colors

If you can think of a color, there's probably a balloon to match. One thing to be aware of is that some colors are harder to inflate than others. Metallics in particular tend to be more work.

Balloon Resources

Here are links to some cool resources if you want to order balloons or learn more about them.

Instruction

Apart from just googling, these sites are dedicated to helping you learn to twist balloons.

Holly the Twister Sister

Holly provides a new tutorial every week and if you really need more, she has some paid content with more tutorials including clipart, apparel, and business advice.

Sales

These are sites which sell balloons and accessories.

LaRock's Wholesale

This is another great online store.

T. Myers Magic

Don't let the name fool you, this place has a ton of balloons and accessories. It's the goto of the balloon guys with good prices and excellent service.

Contact Info:

Balloon Guys PO Box 225 Allen Park, MI 48101

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