071 - SPECIAL OCCASIONS SHIRLEY RAY

Started by nippy99, March 06, 2013, 11:08:50 PM

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nippy99

Balloon Review 071 - Special Occasions by Shirley Ray

Available from Balloon Parade priced £35 - http://homepage.ntlworld.com/balloonparade/

When I first started balloon modelling by first step beyond the basic 260Q single balloon models was the work of Shirley. I absolutely love her designs and have used them extensively in my professional work. Some of the balloons on this review were made a few years ago so the photos may well not be as good as usual.

As before, Shirley's instructions are first rate. All sizes are given in finger lengths and her explanations are easy to follow. The DVD quality is good and each model can be accessed via the front menu.

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


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

#1
SCAMP THE DOG AND BELLA

These two models are worth the cost of the DVD alone. They are simply brilliant and are a major reputation booster. The brown dog is the best and I love the ear design. I all hangs together so well and the full look of the body section is achieved with minimal balloons. The grey dog sits taller and is of similar construction. The artwork adds so much to the end result and Shirley does an excellent job explaining the technique. Well worth the investment.

[attachment=0:1phqgi98][/attachment]dogs.jpg[/attachment:1phqgi98]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

#2
ROBIN

This is a fairly weak design. The robin doesn't look realistic and sits strangely amongst the holly. A one off for me.

[attachment=0:2bs5sors][/attachment]299-robin.jpg[/attachment:2bs5sors]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

#3
CANDELABRA

I made this version of the Candelabra a few years ago. At the time I didn't have any gold balloons so if I get time I may remake it tonight just to see what it looks like with the correct colours. I absolutely love this design. It has some nice animation with the candle flames and the way Shirley guides you through the artwork is superb. Even if you are rubbish at drawing like me you should find it simple enough to follow along.

One of my favorite designs. Just make sure the spokes on the base are sized all the same.

[attachment=0:z68s3ojo][/attachment]304-Candelabra.jpg[/attachment:z68s3ojo]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

#4
TOY TRAIN

KIT LIST : 160Q PALE BLUE / 160Q BLACK / 160Q CLEAR / 260Q WHITE

This is a very rare Shirley balloon in that it is awful! This is not the usual high standard and very disappointing. If you are after a decent train check out one of the TBAG DVDs which has an excellent version.

[attachment=0:3ozktdz5][/attachment]307-train.jpg[/attachment:3ozktdz5]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

#5
TRAIN CONTROLLER

The perfect companion to Thomas The Tank Engine. This Fat Controller is based on Shirley's Bride & Groom design. This model is not explained in detail. It doesn't need to be as most of it has already been taught. Shirley just explains the differences.

If you are looking for a good Thomas Train, check out TBAG VOL 4. Both these models combined would make a nice delivery piece.

[attachment=0:23ne54xb][/attachment]traincontrol.jpg[/attachment:23ne54xb]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

#6
BIRTHDAY BEAR

This bear is very similar to Shirley's design on one of her previous DVDs except this one is made in 350Qs and has been designed to hold a balloon number. Clearly you would need to be very old to be 2013 years old but clearly I adapted it for New Year. A very popular design, quick and easy but large and impressive.

[attachment=0:3le1jpds][/attachment]birthdaybear.jpg[/attachment:3le1jpds]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

#7
BRIDE AND GROOM

I made this pair of characters a few years ago. The Groom I still use to accompany my alternative Bride. This version of a Bride is really nice but incredibly time consuming. Highly recommended if you have a spare hour and wish to put in so much effort.

[attachment=0:2194cbz0][/attachment]306-brideandgroom.gif.jpg[/attachment:2194cbz0]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

Patricia_Balloona

#8
OOOh I love the Lady and the Tramp dogs and Lumiere !
"Much of the beauty that arises in art, comes from the struggle an artist wages with his limited medium" - Henri Matisse.

My balloon blog=
https://patriciaballoona.wordpress.com/

nippy99

#9
DRACULA

This Dracula is one of the weaker designs on this DVD collection. The face is too basic to give the right effect and requires a lot of artwork to make this character look half decent. The body design is useful for future characters. Not something I will make again.

[attachment=0:7ruurcxk][/attachment]301-dracula.jpg[/attachment:7ruurcxk]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

#10
COFFIN

I couldn't help chuckle at the irony of this balloon after the week I have had :-)

This is an addition to the Dracula design. Sorry but a 160Q frame of balloons just does nothing for me. If I was making a coffin I would have added a back onto it and maybe a lid. This is a one off.

[attachment=0:yf6fn72j][/attachment]302-coffin.jpg[/attachment:yf6fn72j]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

#11
SNOWMAN

A very simple snowman. This is a basic design with lots of added features using 160Q balloons. There isn't anything difficult here and the end results is not too bad.

[attachment=0:23ta4j7w][/attachment]298-snowman.jpg[/attachment:23ta4j7w]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

#12
REINDEER

This reindeer design uses a very strange mix of colours which makes it look odd. Potentially this would look better with another colour choice. A very basic design that now looks dated compared to other reindeer designs. Not one I will be using and a fairly weak model for this DVD.

[attachment=0:1vdpscnn][/attachment]300-reindeer.jpg[/attachment:1vdpscnn]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

#13
MONSTER WRISTBAND

A very simple monster wristband that is an ideal halloween wearable. Suitable for line and restaurant work. If you make the arms longer and more expressive you may even get away with this as a Ghostbuster Slimer.

[attachment=0:1uoz8j7q][/attachment]303-monster.jpg[/attachment:1uoz8j7q]
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

nippy99

#14
SUMMARY

In my opinion The Lady and The Tramp and Lumiere (Candelabra) is worth the price of the DVD - everything else is a bonus. I have made a lot of money from just these two designs. They have stood the test of time and still look modern and relevant for today's demanding market. This DVD should be in everyone's collection. Buy a copy whilst you still can.
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd