055 - ADORABLE COLLECTION - BUSTER BALLOON DVD

Started by nippy99, October 14, 2012, 08:42:26 PM

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nippy99

Balloon Review 055 - Adorable Collection by BUSTER BALLOON

Originally available as an exclusive limited edition, this DVD is now available at a higher price and in a double DVD set for $100.

The first set of DVDs entitled Inflatable Oddities has been reviewed previously. This collection comprises of eight large sculptures and I would imagine somewhat complex!

This DVD is available from http://www.tmyers.com priced $100.

These DVDs are aimed at intermediate twisters, includes some difficult twists and the instructions on this one tend not to be as detailed as previously. The viewer is left to work out some bubble sizes.

Let's see what we have here....
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

CHAINSAW BUNNY

To much surprise, this design is presented by Tawney Bubbles. Overall I like this bunny rabbit design. If there is one criticism, no reference is made to bubble sizes or un-inflated lengths. Coupled with no close up video shots, a lot of this instruction is left to the viewer's experience and interpretation. Personally I didn't have a problem with it but I know some people will.

The bunny itself is good, the use of 321Qs for ears gives a nice shape. There isn't anything complicated here as with Don's other DVD designs.

The chainsaw is a great edition but i did get frustrated making the grey bubbles sit nicely against the 321Q black.

A competent all-round design, not amazing but good all the same.

[attachment=0:2boos52g][/attachment]bunny.jpg[/attachment:2boos52g]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

SPIKE THE DOG

This design is one of Buster's signature pieces and this is an incredible opportunity to learn how to make it. This has to be one of the best dog designs around. Fairly time consuming to make but Buster explains everything step by step and in lots of detail. The body balloon is a link-a-loon but I used a standard round balloon with a raisin which worked equally well.

Not too much to say about this one - just look at the photo and it says it all really.

[attachment=0:og4mwol8][/attachment]255-spikethedog.jpg[/attachment:og4mwol8]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

BIG BUTT BEAR

Prepare yourself - this bear has many challenging components. The end result is a cuddly bear with a big behind. I made this and to be honest a few people struggled to identify it as a bear! The face design is very well constructed and I particularly like the ways the ears join onto the head. There are plenty of deep marriage twists and hook twists to challenge even the best twister. I really like the head design but can't help thinking that it would look better on a different body. This model is time consuming and probably best left for delivery pieces.

Only advantaged twisters should try this!

[attachment=0:bi78c0xt][/attachment]258-bigbuttbear.jpg[/attachment:bi78c0xt]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

SEA TURTLE

Surprisingly a much smaller model that is perfect worn as a bracelet or attached to a headband. This turtle is wonderful. The round mocha brown shell surrounded by a 160Q works very well and the clear bubbles adds some animation. You will make this one and with a little practice, speedwise it can be used in restaurants.

[attachment=0:1e72a4ls][/attachment]259-seaturtle.jpg[/attachment:1e72a4ls]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

MONKEY

If anyone remembers Super Monkey Ball on the Nintendo Gamecube then you will understand why this monkey has massive ears - but I do not know if this was Buster's inspiration.

This is my first attempt and if I am being honest there are some areas needing improvement. This design is very interesting, a little frustrating and very challenging. The addition of the nose and mouth requires a side wall bubble in a 350Q. This is difficult after the face has been secured to the head so take my advice and do the side wall bubble before assembling the face. For my effort, the 350Q blush could have done with a little more air.

Probably the biggest frustration is the ears. Trying to spiral the blush 260Qs without them coming undone and then using glue dots to hold them in place is hard. Both my ears have gaps which really shouldn't be there. The hands of this monkey are simple but very effective. Buster also shows how to make a brilliant banana but unfortunately I couldn't find any yellow 646s so my monkey will not be eating tonight.

I also have a small gap between the bottom of the yellow 321Q eyes which needs to be closed up.

Overall making this model has given a few design ideas that can be reused, but I am not overly sold on the final model. I'm not saying it is bad, far from it, but the amount of effort needed doesn't justify the end result.

[attachment=0:1s2zbm6j][/attachment]monkey.jpg[/attachment:1s2zbm6j]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

ELVIS

A really wonderful Elvis balloon with plenty of design ideas which can be used for future designs. Some challenging hook twists and S-twists are used which some will find difficult. The head design uses a slightly tricky method for securing the chin but is very well constructed. I love the belt design which can be used for many super hero designs. The body, hands and feet are very simple.

I very much like this design not just for the look of the finished article but for the many new techniques discovered along the way.

[attachment=0:1x7189pv][/attachment]elvis.jpg[/attachment:1x7189pv]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

MILKSHAKE KITTY

This design uses plenty of pink hearts and is a little tricky to make. This one involves many joining of hearts with lobes and you need to ensure the hearts are very VERY soft. The head design is interesting and even after a few attempts my one still isn't perfect. In fact one of the blue eyes started to inflate so I had to rush to get a photo.

The body design is fairly quick to make compared to the head and using hearts for the legs gives a very nice shape.

As with Buster's other designs, this piece will give you plenty of fresh ideas and new techniques to build upon. I am unlikely to make this one again due to the complexity but I can see putting some of the techniques to the test.

Only do this if you have plenty of time, remain calm and prepare for plenty of frustration along the way.

[attachment=0:22kiueht][/attachment]kitty.jpg[/attachment:22kiueht]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

Ballonim

Nippy who produce the DVD of Don calldwell? By the way thanks for the pictures and time you take to post.
balloons create always a smiles

http://www.ballonim.de

nippy99

Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

phoenix

Hi Darren,

You are a very brave man trying that !!!!!

I found it the most dfficult one on the DVD, not for the faint hearted. The body is really nice, and not that difficult, but the head  :o  :o  :o

This is my version.....see where I copped out and took the easy option  :oops:
Kind regards
Kevin

Website  http://www.funtimeballoonsweymouth.co.uk
Gallery   http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2 ... 8d15867d9c
 
The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat healthily, and lie about your age.

nippy99

Great job Kev - I agree the body is fairly easy and is great but the head is a killer....
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

funat60

I think I like Kevin's "cop out" better, lol.
Millie
Twisting Grandma

nippy99

BABY DUCKY

The final model in this collection is a very large baby ducky. This one has a fairly standard head and body but made with 646Qs. The best part for me at the legs and feet. Buster uses a 5" round to make the legs and this is very effective. Be warned there is a need for a side wall bubble in a rather difficult place so I ended up using a raisin (what a cheat!) Much faster than most of the designs on this DVD and large and impressive.

[attachment=0:je4x8g4j][/attachment]ducky.jpg[/attachment:je4x8g4j]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

SUMMARY

A great collection of 8 reputation makers that you are likely to make once or twice then put them away for a special occasion. Way too complicated and time consuming to make 'live' so you will need to work out the best times to use these. If you are not an advanced twister these DVDs may be a little too difficult for you. Buster's instructions are excellent and clear but due to the advanced level he does expect the viewer to be able to master the basics.

There are some wonderful concepts here that can be used in your own designs.

An absolute bargain for those who obtained the complete set at the special price, but at $100 for a double DVD, careful consideration is required and you need to think how you will use these designs.

Not real world designs but I'm glad the DVDs are in my collection.
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd