062 - BIG BEAR HEADS VOL 1 - SIMPLY SHONNA DVD

Started by nippy99, December 12, 2012, 07:01:18 PM

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nippy99

Balloon Review 062 - Speciality Shapes by Simply Shonna - Big Bear Heads Vol 1

Available from https://adventureinfun.com/Merchandise.html priced $35

I have been reluctant for a long while to take on another speciality shaped balloon given I already have a myriad of 160s/260s/350s/646s/ 5"/9"/11" etc and I also tend to keep only a stock of Qualatex colours. I have been watching Shonna's progress in using the Big Bear Heads for a long while and when she gave me the opportunity to obtain a review copy of her DVD I thought I had nothing to lose.

For me to invest in another shape of balloon this collection of designs really has to offer me something special in terms of time-saving designs, reputation makers, or something else that adds to my current repertoire. The first problem is obtaining Big Bear Heads in the UK. Shonna was able to sell me a few starter packs and if this evaluation proved successful I will need to think of a way of purchasing them in bulk from the USA. My other concern is over colour matching the Qualatex vs Sempertex palette in the designs taught on the DVD.

For these reviews I have not included my usual kit list as I have swapped colours around from the original designs but I am sure it is easy enough to see what balloons you need.

PLEASE NOTE, WHILST THIS DVD WAS SUPPLIED FREE OF CHARGE MY REVIEW AS EVER IS UNBIASED AND IMPARTIAL!

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


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

Before I start showing any of the designs as few comments about the DVD. The quality of the DVD is excellent. The video is crisp and sharp and the sound is fine. The DVD models are available as individual chapters so you can access each design quickly.

Whilst this DVD is not for the complete beginner, you really do not need much experience at all to access the learning material. Shonna takes time to explain everything in sufficient detail even down to what a filbert pump is! The instructions are clear, video close-ups are done at the appropriate time and there is no issuing with following along.
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

SoniaPayne

Really looking forward to this one Darren. Thanks as always for doing this review for the benefit of all of us :) Am also interested in purchasing some of the balloons. Let me know if you decide to place an order - would be very happy to help split shipping and taxes etc.
Sonia x

nippy99

SMILEY GUY

The first design of the collection is naturally the simplest. Inflating the bear balloon itself is best done in sections as you manually squeeze air into the individual lobes before inflating the body. This design is very quick to make and perfect for line work especially if you decide to leave off the flower and add an heart instead. My own artwork is a bit of a let down. If you have a big line this design is perfect as the end result is large, unusual and I do believe children will be impressed with this.

I see this design as being a foundation upon which to build. In fact there are so many variations that spring to mind I would imagine most requests could be adapted and catered for.

It's a good start and the perfect way to learn the basics...

[attachment=0:2kqztgua][/attachment]smiley.jpg[/attachment:2kqztgua]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

BUNNY

A variation on the first design but this time adding large ears and using different artwork. The original design was done using pink balloons but I only had a toffee brown (i think) colour that combined with mocha brown looks really good. The artwork is better on this design and it helps using a white marker pen. The original design has the bunny holding a heart and a small easter egg. I couldn't help but add my own carrot!

I absolutely love this one and will be using it as a fast crowd pleasing bunny.

Really nice.

[attachment=0:3jidm128][/attachment]bunny.jpg[/attachment:3jidm128]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

Simply Shonna

Hi Nippy,
Thanks for doing the review.  I just wanted to point out that I made this DVD in 2008 I believe before we started using 360's primarily for the arms.   Also, we now make the Red Monster differently.   Dustin pointed out to me one day while I was making it that it would be much simpler if I just made it the way I made all the others.   Sometimes I feel rather dosey when Dustin or someone else notices the obvious that I can't see.   LOL

By the way, your sculptures look great.   Love your carrot.   We do that too when time permits.

nippy99

MOUSE

For this variation the big bear head is up the other way. A very fast and simple mouse design. The optional cheese can be added for extra complexity. I can't help thinking this design would be best suited for a pre-school/nursery school event just by the look and feel. I am not sure I would use it anywhere else myself but that's my own opinion.

[attachment=0:3piwfnow][/attachment]mouse.jpg[/attachment:3piwfnow]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

CAT AND MOUSE

I love the head of this cat. With this model the head lobes are barely inflated which makes for some lovely ears. Very quick to make and a little mouse can be added. I always struggle to make a quick and easy cat that is impressive for line work and this may well be the one to use in the future.

[attachment=0:39kkq1yl][/attachment]cat.jpg[/attachment:39kkq1yl]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

TEDDY v1

This Teddy uses 350Q for arms and legs giving this model a much cuter look and feel. I am not sure about the chosen colour but made in brown or yellow this would be quite a good one.

Very fast and easy to make.

[attachment=0:1t35ijhf][/attachment]teddy1.jpg[/attachment:1t35ijhf]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

TEDDY v2

This Teddy uses two smaller bear heads. I just happen to have one sample bag so it gave me a chance to use these. I am not overly keen on this design.

[attachment=0:1acr4gou][/attachment]teddy2.jpg[/attachment:1acr4gou]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

TEDDY v3

This one uses a link-o-loon for the body. I didn't have one so I used a white round with a raisin. I really don't think the extra time spent on this design is worth it. Teddy v1 gets my vote as the best and easiest to make.

[attachment=0:30twmftm][/attachment]teddy3.jpg[/attachment:30twmftm]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

BIG RED MONSTER

This red monster is a parody of Elmo from Sesame Street. In this design, Shonna uses a link-a-loon for the face but I didn't have one handy so used a round instead. Personally I feel the link-a-loon gave a better shape as my Elmo doesn't look quite right. Also with a link-a-loon the construction is much faster. Perfect for line work - I must get some link-a-loons!

[attachment=0:1jbrwmj7][/attachment]932-monster.jpg[/attachment:1jbrwmj7]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

SIMPLE LITTLE GUY

This is an interesting variation as it uses a small bear head and a clown head. The end result is effective yet very fast. If you want something suitable for speed twisting at restaurants or line work this is a good one. You can vary the colours and add different effects using additional balloons.

[attachment=0:19kqpksw][/attachment]guy.jpg[/attachment:19kqpksw]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

LITTLE BOY

A quick and easy little boy character. The head is simplistic and fast to make but my artwork is lacking. This one can be easily adapted for other characters and with a change in balloon colour Shonna shows how to make a bob the builder using the same technique.

[attachment=0:m9afc9y9][/attachment]littleboy.jpg[/attachment:m9afc9y9]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

ELF

A nice Christmas Elf. Using a variation of Ken Stillman's superhero head, Shonna makes a good Elf shape. My ears are slightly different in size. Simple, quick and easy yet again..

[attachment=0:4wzeke26][/attachment]elf.jpg[/attachment:4wzeke26]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd