JO BAFFO

An interesting name for this character balloon. This is quite a clever way of making a balloon face using 321Qs. It certainly has potential for use with decor pieces. There is a sample body shown on the DVD but no instructions are included. It is simple to copy but I haven't done so.

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DAISY AND LEAF

There are two sections that show you how to make a 321Q leaf and a daisy flower. Alberto also shows how to vary the sizes to make a multi leaf display using a base made of round balloons. I've decided to stick them in an existing vase in my living room and it actually looks quite good!

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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

Hi Neil,

You are absolutely correct. I have been very tempted to make these designs using 350s instead but I wanted to stick the the true design. The leaf on the last model took twelve 321Qs! Crazy... There is only one more design to go. I will share my final opinion soon :-)

I also have been following this review and am rather unimpressed. I really never buy DVDs but this is almost insulting. There are better sources for all of these sculptures with many of them being easier and cheaper to make.

I remember when Mr. Brennion was experimenting with rounds and hearts and posting them on Balloonhq. They were solid designs and I felt he was testing his creativity by limiting his lines and balloons needed.
With this DVD I feel that something simmilar happened. Alberto told himself "I'm going to make a bunch of stuff only using 321s". It is a worthwhile endeavor and helps us grow but don't fool yourself into thinking it is worth selling. Not every experiment is supposed to make the market.

To be quite frank these models are lazy and impractical (the worst combination possible) and even if this DVD were released using 260s and 350s instead I would still not recommend it. There is so much out there that is so much better.


Dylan

SCORPION

The last model on this DVD is the scorpion. I actually got really bored making this one and decided to leave off the back legs and the tail. You can tell on the photo. A very poor example of a scorpion. I've seen much better ones before.

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SUMMARY

The wonderful thing about making every model from a DVD is that you really get a feel for the entire package, the highs and lows, to form a very valid opinion. When reviewing any item I take it at face value. I don't let my experience blur my views and I try to work out the use of each DVD and who it may be aimed at.

My biggest problem about this DVD is little attention has been made to the economic use of balloons or the practicality of design. There are a few examples of where only a 321Q will serve the right purpose but on the whole 321Qs are being used just for the sake of it. Yes there are some nice models on here but i can't help thinking there are better, faster ways to make each one.

I hate to think of a divide between 'decorators' and 'twisters' but I see this DVD suitable for a decorator who is an expert in helium bouquets, arches etc and wanting to add new designs to their portfolio without learning proper twisting skills. Most of these designs are based on inflating with the required number of pumps and then tying bubbles together.

To me this DVD is too highly priced for the value I personally received but I am believer of everything has its placed. Look at the models and make your own decisions.

This DVD scores low due to the inefficient design, the excessive use of 321Qs and the price tag.

Hi Dylan and Neil,

You both have very valid views - has anyone purchased this DVD and would like to share an alternative view? There's no right or wrong  :lol:

Oh well looks like I wont be selling many of these then  

On the other hand I really can't see myself as a professional twister without this DVD. The use of 321s is as innovative as it is whimsical in the eyes of your audience. I think I sum up this whole thread by saying " BUY THIS NOW!".

Quote from: "Signeddiamond"On the other hand I really can't see myself as a professional twister without this DVD. The use of 321s is as innovative as it is whimsical in the eyes of your audience. I think I sum up this whole thread by saying " BUY THIS NOW!".

Your post made me smile, I'm pleased Nippy99 does the review and is honest although I do not think my one balloon wonders deserved an A+. Anyway back to the topic, Darren does an honest review and good, bad or indifferent has to post as he feels. I do not disagree too much with what has been written, Alberto is a lovely guy and whenever I have attended his lecture's I always pick up a new idea technique as he normally looks at balloons from a different angle to most so this probably makes it even more of a surprise the comments on this DVD. I think I may play this and have a look myself when I get a few minutes, still busy painting the wardrobes at the moment with all the contents all over the rest of the house, utter chaos at the moment in our house.

Just to pick up on a few points. Graham your DVD does deserve an A+ as it is good value, contains over the shoulder shots as well, does what it says on the tin, has well thought out designs and is ideal for beginners.

My reviews are based upon my own experiences. Like film reviews, everyone should make their own decisions and draw their own conclusions. My reviews do not reflect on the artists as individuals or any other of their publications. I hope individuals will read my review, look at the models, read the ongoing commentary and make their own decision.

It's only by making each model that you get a balanced view, the quality of the instruction and the workability of each design. I do not belittle any publication that is below my own twisting skills and judge each one on its merits.

I know a while ago it was suggested that I only post a selection of models rather than each one. I think this is a perfect example of why I do a complete review. If you are after a nice fish for a decor centrepiece then this DVD is great. If you are looking for inventive ways of using 321s then look elsewhere.

I made a comment about a DVD doing what it says on the tin. On the cover this one says 'learn amazing new 321q techniques created by Alberto' - I cannot see one amazing new technique. Tying a 321q in half to make a loop just isn't enough for me and that's why I reached my conclusion.

Perhaps rating each review is the problem and I should abandon the ratings?

What does everyone think?

Hi Nippy,

No,  I think you should leave the ratings as you see fit,  as a Balloon Decorator I think its important to hear your views and see the ratings you advise.  

I dabble in twisting and follow dvd's and have a couple of Thelma's e books so I think its important that us non twisters learn the right way and not just learn how to twist a couple of bubbles as we will never get any where.

So carry on Nippy and thank you -  Debbie @ wow-balloons.com

Alberto's DVD is also reviewed in the latest issue of balloon magic so it will be interesting to see what they have to say and to compare, in fact when it comes I will go compare ROFL Not!

Ha ha - a Qualatex sponsored magazine reviewing a DVD that wastes an extraordinary number of 321Qs. I bet you a tenner the review will be extremely positive....