Balloon Review 064 - Balloon Magic Magazine #53 - Priced $7

It's been a while since I have reviewed an episode of Balloon Magic Magazine so I thought I would start the new year off with a quick review.

Let's see what we have here.....

MERMAID BRACELET BY SHIRLEY RAY

KIT LIST :  260Q BLUSH / 260Q LIME GREEN / 160Q DIAMOND CLEAR / 160Q BLUSH / 160Q LIME GREEN / 160Q SPRING LILAC / 160Q YELLOW

I have always loved Shirley's work and to find an edition of balloon magic almost dedicated to her designs for only $7 is a real treat and extremely good value. This mermaid bracelet is wonderful. The mixture of colour is perfect and the design is very intricate without being overly complicated. The only difficult part is the deep tulip twist in the 160Q to make the front of the hair. This model is likely to be one you pre-make for a special event as it is way too complicated for regular working environments.

[attachment=0:2fseebm7][/attachment]mermaid.jpg[/attachment:2fseebm7]

LITTLE KING BY SHIRLEY RAY

KIT LIST : 350Q GREY / 350Q YELLOW / 260Q BLUSH / 260Q RED / 260Q GREY / 260Q WHITE / 160Q GOLDENROD / 160Q WHITE / 160Q GOLD / 5" EYES PRINT

This design was originally released as an instruction booklet on Shirley's own website. A wonderful cartoon-style king. Making the crown will drive you crazy as trying to make the bubbles on top of the crown proved to be a nightmare. As with Shirley's designs, artwork is the key to make your creation look impressive. The only change I made was to put a 5" round in the scepter rather than a 350Q which looked better. A really good design and perfect for a decoration delivery piece.

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LITTLE PRINCESS BY SHIRLEY RAY

KIT LIST : 260Q ROSE / 260Q YELLOW / 160Q BLUSH / 160Q WHITE / 160Q GOLD / 160Q PURPLE VIOLET / 160Q YELLOW / 6" BLUSH HEART

The photo attached is one I made many years ago when Shirley first released this design. My own variations have moved on a bit since then but this is the original shown in the magazine. I have made probably 100+ of these princesses over the years and they are loved by the girls. A reputation maker, certainly not for line work or restaurants and saved for those special occasions. You can see some of my photos throughout the forum showing my revised version and how this can also be used for a wedding bride.

[attachment=0:1y61e7g1][/attachment]princess.jpg[/attachment:1y61e7g1]

BIRTHDAY BEAR BY SHIRLEY RAY

KIT LIST : 350Q WHITE / 260Q PALE BLUE / ASSORTED BALLOONS FOR NUMBERS

This 350Q sized teddy bear is wonderful. I have been making this one for many years but I make it in grey and draw on patch work to look like a popular bear from Clinton Cards! It is fairly quick to make yet large and impressive. The intention is to add some numbers for a birthday but I thought I would have a go at a new year bear! In the past I have also used the hands for holding a balloon stick with a birthday heart.

[attachment=0:k09uf608][/attachment]bear.jpg[/attachment:k09uf608]

I love and use this so much.

FIRECRACKER HAT

KIT LIST : 260Q DARK BLUE / 260Q RED / 260Q WHITE / 5" STARS A ROUND

This hat design needs to carefully sized to give a well proportioned star. This one is OK, not my favourite but I'm sure it has some use.

[attachment=0:zsdi3lnw][/attachment]fire.jpg[/attachment:zsdi3lnw]

SUMMARY

Another incredible edition of Balloon Magic Magazine. Extremely good value containing some incredible designs. Get it whilst you can...