Balloon Review 125 : Quicker with the Link Vol 1 by Nifty Balloons DVD

Available from http://www.niftyentertainment.com.au/?p ... category=0 priced $40 with FREE shipping.

One of a recent surge of DVDs based on the newly released Qualatex Q-Link balloons. This release is not be to confused the David Brenion's Nifty Balloons. This one is by Nicole in Australia.

I want to be convinced that this DVD teaches models and techniques that offer an advantage over a traditional round balloon.

Let's see what we have here...

Now I know why you ordered all those quick links  

Yes and then discovered I didn't really order enough - I had the odd bag already so will need to swap the colours around!

BIRD

A nice bird design. The Q-link is used to form the birds body and neck. I wasted a few Q-links as I wasn't able to get the amount of air inside just right. I can see the Q-link having an advantage here and it does save some time. The legs on this bird are too far set back for my liking, it doesn't stand on its own but the end result is pleasing. A good start to the DVD.

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DRAGON

In this model the Q-link is just used for the Dragon's belly. The full version of this design takes a long time but shorter versions are suggested to speed up the process. I didn't use the original colours. This dragon uses parts of the other creations on this DVD and so it is easy to follow along and adapt accordingly. Not one of my favourites.

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BOXING KANGAROO

Wow wow wow! I love this one. Nicole made this for a feature in Balloon Magic Magazine and share her instructions for making it. The end result is lovely. Full of character, a nice size and relatively quick to make. Our old friend the frumple twist is back but if you don't over inflate the blush heart for the face then you should not have any problems. I have received so many positive comments about this design I will certainly be using it a lot! Worth the price of the DVD.

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REINDEER

Just when you think things couldn't get any better check out this fantastic reindeer. A brilliant model for this Christmas - I just need to add a flashing LED into the reindeer's nose. The core design is based on the Kangaroo. The Q-link belly gives a lovely rounded look without the need to use a raisin for the extra attachment point.

Brilliant!

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SEAHORSE

The seahorse shown is not in the original colours. The Q-link is used for the tummy of the seahorse. This one is quite nice and probably looks better in the original colours. Care needs to be taken when sizing the seahorses head and tail as I had to add an additional balloon. I have also sized the white eyes too large as they do not sit right.

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ALIEN SPACESHIP

In this example the Q-link is used to form a round body base and a 321Q style tail. I am not sure about this one. It doesn't stand on its own and cannot be mounted on a stick or headband because of the curved base. Fairly quick for line work but not one for me.

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GUITAR

This is a bonus item - no Q-links involved. This is a very quick and effective guitar using two 321Qs. Perfect for line work and a great fun item to use at parties.

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Hmm. The guitar looks a little like a turkey with a sword in the neck!

DUCK

The final design on this DVD is a Duck. I have every colour for Q-link except yellow so this is why the duck looks a little odd. I don't like the overall finish of the duck but the q-links really help in joining both ends of the body together. This will look better with the right colours but you get the rough idea.

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SUMMARY

This is the first time I have used Q-links. They certainly speed up certain designs by not having to use raisins or ultra hard sidewall bubbles. I do sometimes find that q-links are used in a 'lazy' way when a regular round or heart will suffice. This DVD is very well made, great instructions and worth getting if only for the Kangaroo and Reindeer designs! I can't wait to check out volume 2 - right, must go find it now!