Balloon Basics Guide

Latex Balloons

ENTERTAINER BALLOONS Entertainer balloons are also known as twisting balloons. Formerly called pencil balloons (named after their long, thin, elongated shape), they were seen at carnivals and festivals and used by buskers. Fast forward to the present: entertainers are not just for entertaining anymore! These interesting balloons are included in trendy sculptures, everyday décor, and balloon deliveries. The most common way to inflate these balloons is with an electric inflator or a hand pump. Some artists have mastered the method of mouth blowing, which is acquired after a ton of practice and strong lungs.

MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE Latex should be stored away from bright lights and heated areas.

Q-260-E Traditional Entertainer Latex Asst.

Balloon Arches Arches are a fun and popular balloon decoration with endless potential for creativity. From shopping malls to hotel ballrooms, arches add excitement and provide lavish displays of color. There are many variations. The following is just a sampling of the simple ways arches can be constructed: SINGLE ARCH Single arches are made of single latex balloons tied directly to a monofilament line. The balloons can be packed closely together or evenly spaced. The arch can be dressed up with a variety of accents such as ribbon, tulle, poly-silk leaves, flowers, or feathers. Use air-filled balloons, to create a High-Low Arch, a variation of the single arch. RAINBOW ARCH Rainbow arches include several single arches of varying length that can be placed together, creating a rainbow of colors. SPIRAL ARCH Spiral arches are composed of either a three-cluster or a four-cluster latex group joined by plastic balloon clips and attached directly to the monofilament line. FOIL ARCH Foil arches can be created using helium-filled foil balloons. The balloons can be attached to the monofilament line, using a chenille stem (pipe cleaner) twisted around the tail. SWAG ARCH Swag arches are air-filled and can be suspended from the ceiling or other support. They can be made from a single or spiral arch.

FORMULAS USED TO CREATE BALLOON ARCHES

H

W

Arch is wider than it is tall: Height + Width = Approximate Total Length

H

W

Arch height & width are about the same: 1.5 (Height) + Width = Approximate Total Length

H

W

Arch is taller than it is wide: 2 (Height) + Width = Approximate Total Length

Image courtesy of Qualatex ® , Wichita, KS.

APPROXIMATE # OF BALLOONS NEEDED PER FOOT IN A SPIRAL ARCH

5 inch 9 inch 11 inch 14 inch 16 inch

= = = = =

12 per foot 8 per foot 6 per foot 4 per foot 4 per foot

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