Hi all,

Hope you can follow this. It looks like it may be a long read, so please don't get bored

The flowers are self explanitory, made with 260's

Here we go with the monkeys. The head is based on a Don Caldwell design, and the monkeys are made with 2 orange 160's, and some blush scrap.

Blow up the 1st 160, with about 1.5" to 2" uninflated tip. Make a loop twist in the end for one ear (Fig 1) then two lock twisted bubbles for the head (Fig 2) Now twist another bubble, and make these two into a three bubble roll through (Fig 3)

Now turn this three bubble roll through into four bubbles by first making another loop twist ear, then a bubble the same size as the other head bubbles, bring it across, and twist it into the first ear (Fig 4)

Next make a small bubble and ear twist, to be half the width of the head (Fig 5) and jam it between the bottom two head bubbles (Fig 6) This should put it pointing straight down, in position for neck and body

With the long bit of balloon in position, add scraps of blush for his mouth, and inner ears (Fig 7) That's his head done.

For his arms, back, and legs, blow up the other 160, leaving an approx 5" tail.

Make a pinch twist in the end, which will sit behind his neck, then make an arm bubble, and two pinch twists fo his hands (Fig 8). Then bring back a bubble for the other arm, and lock twist it into the neck pinch twist (Fig 9)

Twist the single pinch twist into the main monkey, just below the head, to create a short neck (Fig 10) Twist a body (which will be out of the two balloons) and curl the rest of the first balloon up for the tail (Fig 11)

Next make one long bubble for his leg, and two pinch twists for his feet (Fig 12)

Bring the balloon back and twist it in for his other leg (Fig 13) and with the bit left, make a small pinch twist at the base of his tail to hold his tail upright (Fig 14).

Add a simple face, and that's the monkey complete (fig 15)

Now while I go for a small Whiskey (or 2) you make another monkey facing the other direction, and three flowers

Back again

Now let's do the base and finish it off !

Get 3 smooth, and fairly straight twigs, and with a bit of sandpaper smooth off any spikey bits.

Lay all your components (monkeys, flowers, and twigs) out flat, to get an idea of the size, and how your design will fit together. Now blow up your base balloon, and lay it in position. This will enable you to get the size of the base right (Fig 16)

I have used a 360, but on reflection I think a 660 would give far better stability.

Once this is done, tape the twigs to the balloon with strong tape. Brown parcel tape is ideal, but I have used White insulation tape here. (Fig 17)

Now twist the base balloon, and fold it over the first section with the twigs taped to it (Fig 18)

Now to hold the twigs secure, tape round the two sections of the base, and twist the two sections of balloon tight (Fig 19) Use coloured insulation tape, and stickers to decorate as appropriate.

Tie off, and remove the excess balloon section, and you should have a base balloon which is holding the twigs quite secure (Fig 20)

A 260 around the top makes a nice finishing trim, and also helps to keep the twigs upright. The 260 is stuck to the base balloon with glue dots (Fig 21)

Here's how the base looks from the top (Fig 22)

Now all you need do is carefully thread the monkeys on. A bit of selotape between the arms may help if they are a bit loose. The flowers are tied in using the "tail" of the balloon used for the centre.

Here it is complete (Fig 23)

There you have it......a Monkey Garden........Enjoy and have fun with it,

Thanks for sharing phoenix.

Notice you do 5 petal flowers, any reason?

Fuzz

Let the reason be Loooooooooooooooooove