Balloon Chat

Uncategorized Boards => Balloon Review => Topic started by: nippy99 on August 08, 2011, 05:25:21 PM

Title: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on August 08, 2011, 05:25:21 PM
Hi All,

As promised I am writing a review of Ken Stillman's Balloonclick.com and specifically looking at the video tutorials posted for May 2011, the first month of the on-line resource. I was very interested to see this site launch and was skeptical about joining after having my fingers burnt from subscribing to a previous web based tutorial site called something like arttwist.com. This site ran for about six months then disappeared as did all of the content I had paid to access. This is the risk of on-line subscription resources - you can access and retrieve the information for as long as it is on-line and the moment it disappears so does the information you invested in. Given Ken's standing in the balloon community, his excellent published DVDs and the incredibly low price of just ten dollars a month I had nothing to lose. I really didn't have a clue what to expect so had nothing to lose and as I could cancel my subscription after just one month it was worth a punt.

Joining Ken's site is easy and subscriptions are paid via paypal. Subscriptions are automatically taken monthly from your paypal account. The moment you join you can download PDF copies of Awesome Balloon Books Vol 1 - 6 which include hitch hiking hats and the cartoon balloon encyclopedia!

Now onto the video tutorials.

Before I start let me say how easy the site is to navigate and that video streaming is very effective and I had no issues with video playback on my 300KB/s broadband link. Some video tutorials are split into multiple sections and Ken's instruction is first rate and easy to follow. For May 2011, there is a nice selection of balloons for complete beginners and one special balloon for those who have a spare 3-4 hours and enjoy a worldwide treasure hunt for a particular type of balloon.


BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIALS - PRICE $10

BUTTERFLY HAT

A very simple and easy to make butterfly hat. The secret here is shaping the wings properly and Ken carefully explains how and where to squeeze the wings to make the perfect shape. A really good hat and one suitable for fast and quick line work.

[attachment=0:lnvna9l9][/attachment]269-butterflyhat.jpg[/attachment:lnvna9l9]

DOG HAT

A good dog which can be adapted to be a standalone model. This one takes longer than the butterfly and is more complex to make but could still be used for line work if time allows.

[attachment=1:lnvna9l9][/attachment]270-doghat.jpg[/attachment:lnvna9l9]
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIA
Post by: nippy99 on August 08, 2011, 09:07:03 PM
FISHERMAN HAT

A simple and fast hat to construct and makes for an excellent model. The way the fish bobs up and down is a lot of fun for kids (and me) - very effective and also a good beginner balloon. Very suitable for line work.

[attachment=1:39wyrdj5][/attachment]272-fishermanhat.jpg[/attachment:39wyrdj5]


MONKEY ON TREE HAT

This hat is very quick and a good beginner balloon suitable for line work. The only problem with this hat is the one I made was top heavy so the tree tended to tip forward too much even with a few added pinch twists.

[attachment=0:39wyrdj5][/attachment]274-monkeyhat.jpg[/attachment:39wyrdj5]
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIA
Post by: nippy99 on August 08, 2011, 09:21:51 PM
NINJA TURTLE



Just when I thought the first month's worth of tutorials would be for beginners, Ken posted the incredible Ninja Turtle. This model stands around 4ft high and is very solid when built. This model uses a new technique (for me) that I hadn't seen before. The head is made from an 18" round balloon that is stuffed with a mixture of other inflated balloons to give the facial features. A really clever idea.

The first challenge was to find somewhere in the UK that stocked Betalatex 18" key lime round balloons. I couldn't find any so after a few weeks I received a bag from the USA. The cost worked out around £14 for a pack of 50 balloons shipped from the USA. Ken said you could also use 16" round balloons but after working with 18" I think this would be extremely difficult. I will try with future models. To save money I decided to use Qualatex lime green for the rest of the body hence the small mismatch in shading between the head and the body. Sorry I am a perfectionist.

Making the head was so frustrating and incredibly painful on the fingers to the point I almost gave up. I popped a fair few balloons but in the end I obtained a shape that was acceptable (still no-where as good as Ken's). I would not recommend this for beginners and in my mind is really best for an advanced twister.

Compared to the head the body was simple. The shell construction requires careful measuring with a tape to get the right shape. The shoulder pieces really hold the head in place and makes the model sturdy. I am not joking when I say this took me 3-4 hours to make. Certainly not suitable for line work!

When the new turtle movie comes out I may be brave to make a complete set of four. An incredibly impressive model and  worth$50 not the measly $10 i paid! Has anyone else made this yet? If so, please post your version as I would love to see it.

[attachment=0:1yixznuh][/attachment]276-ninjaturtle.jpg[/attachment:1yixznuh]
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: Lisa Chester on August 09, 2011, 03:40:47 AM
Thanks so much for posting these Nippy - I had wondered about upgrading my membership
Great to see
Lisa
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: Pam Pearce on August 09, 2011, 08:42:41 AM
for your face?

did you inflate the balloons inside the balloon or try to put in balloons already inflated?

It so much easier to inflate them inside the balloon, just less able to judge the sizing unless you are using a balloon sizer machine

and less painfull on the fingers

Pam
xx

Sorry loving the reviews... keep it up...not looked at this site yet.. will now...xx
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on August 09, 2011, 10:51:18 AM
Lisa - I am pleased you find my review useful. I still have a few more models to add. The great thing about Ken's site is that it is extremely good value and there are no long term commitments. You can register for one month and that's it. I thought the content of this site may dwindle after the initial batch of designs were uploaded. This is far from true. In June and July, Ken added a brilliant Prince and Spiderman, using a similar design to the ninja turtle face plus there is a large ice cream decor piece. And for those not so advanced there is a nice collection of hats. I really hope Ken can sustain the enthusiasm and regular content updates.

Pam - thanks for your help and advice - much appreciated. I don't have any automatic inflation gadgets at home so just had my usual pump. The balloons were inserted into the 18" round uninflected, I then inflated them and spent ages trying to get them in the right position. Constantly blowing up the 18", moving the internal balloons around, deflating the 18"' rechecking and so on and so on.

I not planning on making these in massive quantities but would something like a balloon stuffer work? I could then inflate the 18" round, insert the smaller balloons inside, inflate and position them before deflating the 18" again. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Certainly adding my reviews in sections has helped stimulate some great conversations!

Thanks
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: Snurb on August 09, 2011, 01:15:57 PM
I have also subscribed and so glad I did!
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIA
Post by: nippy99 on August 09, 2011, 08:19:38 PM
HITCHHIKER HAT

A balloon classic by Ken Stillman. I am sure most people will be fully aware of this design. Very quick and easy model to make. I have cut corners this time and not encased the green alien head inside a clear round balloon. A good beginner balloon and great for line work.

[attachment=2:2y8w2oy1][/attachment]271-hitchhiker.jpg[/attachment:2y8w2oy1]


DRAGON HAT

A very easy and quick dragon hat to make. Not too much to say about this one as it speaks for itself.

[attachment=0:2y8w2oy1][/attachment]275-dragonhat.jpg[/attachment:2y8w2oy1]


FLAMINGO HAT

A slight addition to the butterfly hat results in a flamingo. A lovely balloon with plenty of character and great for line work and beginners.

[attachment=1:2y8w2oy1][/attachment]273-flamingohat.jpg[/attachment:2y8w2oy1]
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIA
Post by: nippy99 on August 09, 2011, 08:24:52 PM
SUMMARY

A really promising start to an incredibly cheap on-line balloon resource for the modern age. I recommend everyone sign up to this site. There is something for everyone, from beginners to advanced twisters and there are even a few decor items. I hope Ken manages to sustain the high quality content. I will review future months sometime soon. Look out for his UK lecture in Leeds - tickets available from Graham  :P

BUY THIS ONE!
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: Balloonytoons on August 11, 2011, 11:42:45 AM
Fantastic review  :D

I would not have noticed the colour difference in the turtle if it wasn't mentioned.
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on September 29, 2011, 05:37:46 PM
After the initial wave of balloon models on the site, I do have to say that after a fantastic start there have only been four new video tutorials for August and September, two of which are by Royal Sorrell (and not particularly great either).

I absolutely love Ken's work and still feel the initial two months of contributions were fantastic value for money.

I hope this isn't a sign of things going downhill from here.

I will stay a member for October and then decide whether to cancel or not.

What do other members think?
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: Graham Lee on September 29, 2011, 05:56:37 PM
I'm not a member so not able to comment but would give a heads up that Ken is doing a big tour around the USA at the moment and putting a few video clips on BalloonHQ.
His last leg of the tour is Europe and the UK.
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: CJ Nelson on October 11, 2011, 01:51:46 AM
As mentioned by Graham, Ken went on his tour of the US and I had the privilege of hosting one of his stops.  He recently posted a trailer for a new set of videos that he is going to be posting on Balloonclick sometime this month.  These videos will explain the balloon beads that he taught on the tour.  If you are on the fence  about paying for the gold level membership, this will change your mind.  The whole concept behind the balloon beads will blow your mind!  I recently started doing decor and these beads are helping me make a name for myself!   The class was only a month ago and I have already paid for more than a years membership with balloon beads.  This first photo is using the balloon beads and the head is built using Ken's distortion technique as the base.
[attachment=0:ru8jtnj0][/attachment]Santa Table 2.jpg[/attachment:ru8jtnj0]
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: CJ Nelson on October 11, 2011, 01:55:09 AM
This also used Ken's balloon beads and the simple base that is also on Balloonclick!!
[attachment=0:51hzv8fe][/attachment]Snowman using beads2.jpg[/attachment:51hzv8fe]
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: Leslie on October 11, 2011, 09:55:36 AM
Yes, Ken published the balloon beads technique on his site for gold members.
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on October 11, 2011, 11:12:15 AM
If that Santa is a sign of things to come... fantastic!
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: CJ Nelson on October 11, 2011, 04:54:32 PM
I'll take that as a compliment.  The Santa head is my own design, just used the distorted head for the base, several raisins and a lot of balloon bond tape for the hat.
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK MAY 2011 VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on October 11, 2011, 05:17:30 PM
Hi CJ,

That most certainly is a complement - you did an amazing job - a very well done!
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on February 21, 2012, 10:35:18 PM
I did my original review of balloonclick.com in May 2011 when it first launched. It's been a while since I wrote anything about the site and I have made most of the designs contained on the site so I thought I would use this thread to continue to review each month. The site is indeed still excellent value for money and highly recommended.

VIDEO TUTORIALS FOR FEBRUARY 2012

BUBBLE BUDDY DUCK

Ken has published a new range of 'Bubble Buddies' all based on a standard principle with various heads and leg shapes. This baby duck is very cute and I used it as a valentines gift. My only problem here is around the stability of the body and legs inside the white balloon base and much time was spent trying the secure both the 350Q legs and the body heart into the base. I cheated and ended up gluing it. Our resident forum buddy Kevin (phoenix) suggested securing the legs around each of the body heart lobes which was a great idea.

The heart shaped feet are very effective but unfortunately these need to be glued onto the legs. I found glue dots are not good enough and had to use rubber cement and so this limits where this model can be made. I think maybe I would change the eyes from blue to white but this is just me being fussy. The good thing with Ken's designs is he gives you a concept and base to work with. Any character or animal could be made this way. The style of the design, although different, reminded me of Tonya's excellent collection of Adjustable Hats (see previous reviews)

[attachment=0:251c4gk5][/attachment]549-babyduck.jpg[/attachment:251c4gk5]
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on February 21, 2012, 10:40:09 PM
BUBBLE BODY FROG

The frog is based on the same design as the Duck except the head is different. The head is very simple and fast to make. If I had the right colour blue then maybe with a slight adaptation it would pass as the cookie monster. Of all the bubble buddies I have made to date this has had the weakest reaction as not everyone thinks it looks like a frog!

[attachment=0:u71eltw2][/attachment]550-frog.jpg[/attachment:u71eltw2]
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on February 21, 2012, 10:45:23 PM
SUBMARINE

It's good to know that not everything on Ken's site are knucklebusters. This submarine is very simple and a change of colours and some adaptation would make a great range of spaceships. Ideal for line work. A real worker and excellent.

[attachment=0:18r3g8vp][/attachment]551-submarine.jpg[/attachment:18r3g8vp]
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: AirbenderMH on February 22, 2012, 05:39:20 PM
I spoke with Ken and his son at Twist and Shout about the videos on BalloonClick.  They said their goal was to get at least 4 video tutorials out on the site per month.  I personally think it's a great value for the low monthly fee.  The helicopter hat is one of my most requested sculptures currently.
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on February 22, 2012, 06:22:55 PM
Hi Airbender - that's interesting and helpful feedback. Four models a month is certainly worth the investment.
Title: Re: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: lowemagic on February 22, 2012, 06:58:28 PM
I've been a member since November, and it is worth every penny (or dollar). Most of the models are fairly easy to make. If you're into distortion, there are good examples on how to use this technique. But it takes practise.
Title: Balloon Review 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on February 24, 2012, 09:31:03 PM
Check out balloonclick for an interview with our very own Graham!

BBC last week, balloonclick this week, what's next?

Get yourself a peach yogurt and enjoy the viewing fun. Made me laugh!
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: nippy99 on May 12, 2012, 10:29:08 AM
SMALL PRINCESS

A new additional to Ken's site is this design for a small princess. I have to say this design is simply stunning. The photo doesn't do it justice. The skirt design is very easy and makes for an excellent sturdy base. The bodice design is very clever and whilst the front of the hair was a little challenging the end result I think is superb. My princess face is probably a little too long so I will fix that next time around. Another Ken 'concept' that just by changing colours you have a nice set of characters to add to your collection.

And I am sure if can be easily adapted to a bride design which I will do next week at a wedding in Cyprus!

Everyone should get this one!

[attachment=1:12dbnef1][/attachment]small2.jpg[/attachment:12dbnef1]

[attachment=0:12dbnef1][/attachment]small1.jpg[/attachment:12dbnef1]
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: nippy99 on May 13, 2012, 09:03:20 PM
She is now looking better with a face!

[attachment=0:2z71bxpf][/attachment]snowwhite.jpg[/attachment:2z71bxpf]
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: David Brenion on May 17, 2012, 07:34:54 PM
I've been looking through the balloonclick videos this week. First of all, I must say that I knew the balloon beads were cool, but I had no idea just how cool they were! Also, I would like to point out that there is a link at the top of each video page to view videos with captions. I highly recommend this as they include more detailed information (including measurements) in the captions.
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: nippy99 on June 21, 2012, 12:17:20 AM
CINDERELLA

Another variation of Ken's 'Small Princess aka Snow White' and this one is even more impressive. The dress and the bodice is very similar but the hair is different on this one. A little tricky to make and follow along but I eventually worked it all out. I love these princesses which are great for decoration pieces.

With these instructions, Ken also provides an amazing face graphic which can be printed onto transparent plastic inkjet labels. A really smart way to make an amazing face. Obviously I didn't have any transparent labels in the balloon supplies cupboard so have drawn my usual one for now. Well worth checking out.

MY RATING : A+

[attachment=0:15bazpft][/attachment]cindy.jpg[/attachment:15bazpft]
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: nippy99 on June 21, 2012, 12:33:23 AM
PELICAN TOPPER

This is one of Ken's larger projects and my first attempt at any sort of balloon column. A trip to IKEA ended in a cheap lamp stand to use as a support. The column itself was easy to make. I haven't got a proper automatic sizer for the mocha rounds so I just counted 6 strokes of my qualatex pump so they all ended up about the same size. I'm tempted to buy an automatic pump so if anyone can recommend a decent one with air compressor that would be handy.

The rope/chain tied near the top of the column is great and I didn't know the very simple and fast chain-link weaving technique. The pelican was straightforward.

I added the crab/lobster just to make the column a little more interesting.

This experience has filled me with enthusiasm to make some more twisting/decor designs and I highly recommend Ken's site as a source of inspiration.

Perhaps it is time to tackle the balloon beads now!

MY RATING : A+

[attachment=2:uak4efsz][/attachment]SAM_5711-small.jpg[/attachment:uak4efsz]

[attachment=1:uak4efsz][/attachment]SAM_5706sml.jpg[/attachment:uak4efsz]

[attachment=0:uak4efsz][/attachment]SAM_5704sml.jpg[/attachment:uak4efsz]
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: nippy99 on July 28, 2012, 08:07:19 PM
Has anyone tried this one yet - looks fantastic...

http://click.balloonmaster.com/wp-conte ... onster.jpg (http://click.balloonmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Green-Monster.jpg)
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: SoniaPayne on July 30, 2012, 07:52:33 PM
I have been so intrigued by these reviews, that today I upgraded my membership to Gold.  Can't wait to try one of the princesses - although something tells me I'm not going to be doing my twisting in my car during my lunch break for much longer!!! LOL

Thanks as always for the reviews Darren - Amazing as ever!!

KR
Sonia x
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: Graham Lee on August 25, 2012, 09:46:27 AM
Ken has put the instructions up for his Awesome vase and flowers on balloonhq, http://www.balloonhq.com/photos/db/comp ... catmapid=0 (http://www.balloonhq.com/photos/db/complete.php?id=92084&pics=8&page=0&pos=0&catmapid=0)
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: nippy99 on August 31, 2012, 05:04:18 PM
BRIDE & GROOM

This Bride & Groom is very interesting and is a nice little exploration into building latex faces. The Bride herself is a variation of Ken's brilliant Snow White design. This design can be adjusted to be any Princess. The head itself is the hardest part and it does involve some playing around to get the blush face to sit securely inside the hair/hairband.

I started to make the Groom very late last night and thought the head was a regular 646Q. How wrong was I. I was a little surprised to find there are two 5" rounds inflated inside the 646 and then two plastic beads used as anchor points for the hair. I haven't exactly replicated Ken's design here as the neck is not quite right and the hair looks be bit suspect. Even so, the person who asked me for these balloons were delighted.

Well worth investing in Ken's site and made perfectly these models will boost your reputation and make ideal giveaways for any weddings at which you are booked to entertain.

[attachment=0:6o8dclky][/attachment]bridegroom-noface.jpg[/attachment:6o8dclky]

[attachment=1:6o8dclky][/attachment]bridegroom-face.jpg[/attachment:6o8dclky]
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: Morethanballoons on September 04, 2012, 03:22:25 PM
WOW, I am a member of Kens "Club" (not had time to do much yet), but I cant get over how much time, patience and expertise you display with your reviews. Big Kudos and Thanks!

ps. I have sheets of the "transparent Inkjet paper" from Online "Rymans Stationary" yet to try them, but happy to let you have a few sheets for your trials / Reviews (least I can do to help). :)
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: nippy99 on September 04, 2012, 03:58:21 PM
Hi, thanks for your kind comments. I don't know how I find the time either. Please give your sheets a try and let me know if they are good and I will order some from the site. I do appreciate your kind offer though.

Cheers

Darren
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: nippy99 on September 14, 2012, 11:00:37 PM
GIRAFFE HAT

A very quick and simple giraffe hat. The giraffe head is very effective and I love the simplicity of the design. Could be good for line work and restaurant gigs. Very visual due to the size of it. Nice.

[attachment=0:2o6t0kn0][/attachment]giraffe3.jpg[/attachment:2o6t0kn0]
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: Snurb on September 15, 2012, 07:33:43 AM
I've been doing this for years out of 260s, not sure where I got it. A quick pinch twistafter the front muzzle works great and positions it. The neck is 2 spiraled 260s after making the bobble bits on his head with them. If I can find a picture I'll post it.
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: Lisa Chester on September 15, 2012, 08:20:28 AM
I believe the one you do Snurb is a Patricia Bunnell one - I like that one too
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: Evansmagic on September 17, 2012, 03:20:09 AM
Great reviews!  I have subscribed as well.  A lot of information on there!
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS - RATING A+
Post by: nippy99 on October 19, 2012, 08:40:29 PM
PUMPKIN SCARECROW

A really good scarecrow. The body design made of 350Qs is chunky and holds everything nicely in position. The straw hands and feet are effective and i love the way one leg folds over the other. Ken's original design is a plain pumpkin for the face which I really like but the wife did have a go at drawing a face. I should really add a small bird to perch on the scarecrow's arm.

This would be a nice edition to a Halloween display piece.

[attachment=0:k80htlmh][/attachment]scarecrow.jpg[/attachment:k80htlmh]
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on September 20, 2014, 05:26:19 PM
I haven't visit balloonclick.com for quite some time as I got bored waiting around for new model updates and so after a year or so I cancelled my membership. Having looked today a fair few new models have been added, just not as frequent as I would like.  I re-joined to catch up with Ken's latest designs. Let's carry on with this review...
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on September 20, 2014, 05:31:32 PM
NINJA TURTLES

This is a set of four ninja turtles all made up of the same design. The only difference is the colour of the eye band and the weapons they are holding.

This design is quite time consuming especially when making all four at once! The body, legs and arms are super fast and constructed out of just two 260Qs. The head is made up of 7 160Q bubbles and this is a little tricky. The eyes themselves are difficult to fit as the whole structure is not secured until you have gone all the way around the head.

The head design is very similar to the face of David Grist's bob the builder except the head is inverted (nose downwards).

The end result is pleasing I just prefer the simpler head designs readily available on the internet.

So as I made four turtles does that make up for the one model lacking from yesterday (from my 3 a day target) plus today's quota!
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on September 20, 2014, 05:32:37 PM
[attachment=1:380j7ow2][/attachment]474-ninja-turtles.jpg[/attachment:380j7ow2]

[attachment=0:380j7ow2][/attachment]DSCF0388.jpg[/attachment:380j7ow2]

[attachment=2:380j7ow2][/attachment]blue-turtle.jpg[/attachment:380j7ow2]
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on November 09, 2014, 05:55:07 PM
MARVIN THE MARTIAN

Posted on balloonclick.com as an October 2014 update - this is a parody design of Marvin the Martian. This design is very simple yet effective, quick to make and could even be used for line work if you have some more time. Ken provides some downloadable stickers for the eyes which look good especially if you are not too good at drawing (like me).

The only tricky part is the s-bend for the top of the hat but this could be made simpler just by curving a 260Q.

A very usable design.

[attachment=0:3mcm17wi][/attachment]553-martian copy.jpeg[/attachment:3mcm17wi]
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: oligunner on November 12, 2014, 11:54:17 PM
I have been a member on ken's site for a while now and have done a few of the designs.

Il post some pics here if can find them.
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: oligunner on November 12, 2014, 11:58:55 PM
First I noticed the review of the turtle with the tricky head and about using a 16" balloon instead of the 18"

Well I done the spiderman with the 16" balloon.

I went through a couple of geos as kept popping but I succeeded after about a hour to get the head done.

The body is not the best but the head concept is great.
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: oligunner on November 13, 2014, 12:03:08 AM
The second one is have here is the giant hulk.

Now this took me about 4-5hours to make and it was difficult to follow some parts of it as can tell from pic. But had only been twisting for about 7 months so if can accomplish this in this time his instructions are quite good as this is a huge model.

Ken mentions to use sempertex balloons here for the length but I used all qualatex so can be done.
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on November 21, 2014, 05:50:36 PM
LOVE SKUNK

Obviously a parody of Pepe Le Peu. This skunk has a challenging 's-twist' which can be frustrating if you haven't mastered the technique as yet. The face design is a little difficult to follow along with the instructions at the beginning due to the video being shot against a black background. You may need to wind it back a few times.

Overall a nice design but Beating's 'skunk' has the edge for me!

[attachment=0:2alvusde][/attachment]skunk.jpg[/attachment:2alvusde]
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on December 26, 2014, 01:11:40 PM
SOLDIER

A lovely Tin Soldier - very festive but equally usable for all year round. The design is nice and the yellow balloons on the soldier 'vest' holds everything in place. This model would be a great addition to any larger display.

[attachment=0:jowm7fl1][/attachment]480-tinsoldier.jpg[/attachment:jowm7fl1]
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on December 26, 2014, 01:14:54 PM
MRS CLAUSE

This is a very versatile design which Ken has adapted to make various princesses. Fairly complex and time consuming to make. Bubble sizing is important to make everything look even and in proportion.

I wasn't brave enough to draw a face!

[attachment=0:33yne1cb][/attachment]492-mrsclause.jpg[/attachment:33yne1cb]
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on December 27, 2014, 09:59:14 AM
HOT DEVIL

This design uses a distortion technique for the face. This isn't easy to achieve especially when using small balloons. The end result is not that great and not really worth investing the necessary large amount of time. The artwork looks ok though!

[attachment=0:1mry9bud][/attachment]514-hotdevil.jpg[/attachment:1mry9bud]
Title: Re: 010 - BALLOONCLICK VIDEO TUTORIALS
Post by: nippy99 on December 27, 2014, 10:04:24 AM
BETTY BOOP

The best use of a big bear head I have seen so far. The bear balloons make for the perfect dress. This design uses small 'balls' in the shoulder joints. The hair is fairly complex to follow so I had to improvise slightly. This is a great delivery piece especially when wrapped in plastic. Sticker templates are provided for the eyes if you are not good at drawing!

Well worth making.

[attachment=0:2a08zs53][/attachment]635-betty.jpg[/attachment:2a08zs53]