After reading of Graham's recent nasty experience with a scumbag who booked his time and then didn't show up, it occurred to me that it would be really helpful if those of us who have a contract could share it with the rest of us. I don't really have much of a one - just a few terms like in the event of a cancellation, 50% of the fee is owed if cancelled less than three weeks ahead, 80% within the last week, and 100% for cancellation on the day (usually weather related).

If anyone has a nicely worded, legal sounding contract, can you put it on here? I mean, more than one person - everyone who has one. Maybe it could be uploaded as a file or something. I don't know the best way. Then, we could discuss the pros and cons of the different clauses.

This would be a useful addition to the knowledge we share on the Forum.

Cheers,
Kath 8-)

Meaning, I finally figured out how to edit some videotape footage we had, and managed to upload it to YouTube and our website! Links to both our website link and the YouTube page are below.

It's nothing to do with balloon twisting, but I'm so chuffed to have figured out YouTube, especially since I use the Linux operating system (with all its idiosyncracies), that I just had to tell you guys!

http://www.billkath.co.nz/barn_dances.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOqIYxzegcE

Cheers,
Kath 8-)

Hi twisters. This is a review of Thelma Levett's new CD, "Two And A Bit Volume 1". The title implies that there will be a second volume. I hope so – as this volume is excellent. You can find out more details, such as the cost and the models included, by looking at this website: http://www.balloonjam.com/thelma/

This review is from the point of view of a basic twister (myself) who, up until December 2007 had only done one-balloon dogs, swords, parrot-in-a-swing, etc. Then I discovered the on-line balloon community and these forums, and my eyes were opened.

Thelma's instructions arrive either on a CD, or, better still and quicker, by 3 emails. In the emails are 22 pdf files, including a CD cover, a Foreword, a page explaining some of the twists that are not so basic, and 19 files giving instructions for 19 models (listed on the link I gave you).

The pages are clean, uncluttered and very colourful. They would look lovely printed out in book form, but since there are about 130-odd A5 size pages in total, I chose to stick with the electronic version.

For the more basic twister, these models are a delight, because they introduce some new techniques and twists, and they are somewhat challenging, but without being too difficult to master in a fairly short time. I found that I have been getting sloppy in my estimates of measurements, and with some of the models, it's crucial to get that right, as they use every bit of the balloon. So, I got out my trusty ruler, and got things right the second time.

Each model is clearly explained, with text and many photos – each way of explaining enhances the other, so you'll have no trouble whether you're a "verbal" or a "visual" person.

What a delight to reproduce these colourful, innovative and original designs! They will be a hit with any group of people, and I'm looking forward to using them, after spending some time getting up to speed with them. For beginners they will be a bit of a challenge, but well worth the effort when you see the results. For more advanced twisters – well, the designs are stunning, and will be a welcome addition to your repertoire.

I have attached a few of my versions of the models (with Thelma's permission) – they look pretty good as long as you don't compare them with Thelma's.    I'm pleased with them, and I know you will be pleased with your efforts too. I included the rabbit hat (not on the CD – just my improvisation) just to show that all is not lost when you make a boo-boo and run out of balloon!

My two favourite things about the models on this CD is that they are very colourful, and they are full of character.

In conclusion, I thoroughly recommend this CD for all levels of twisters.

Cheers,
Kath 8-) [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ] bunny1.JPG[/attachment:2tgpt3g6] [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ] bunny_hat1.JPG[/attachment:2tgpt3g6] [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ] cat1.JPG[/attachment:2tgpt3g6]

I came upon this site from a search when looking for ideas for drawing the faces on balloons. Check it out - there are lots of great examples of eyes, ears, noses, mouths, etc. One link is the main page, the other one is the page with a lot of features.

http://everyonecandraw.net/default.html

http://everyonecandraw.net/animal%20car ... 0eyes.html

Cheers,
Kath 8-)

I do, and it's very hard with the current recession. Our fuel cost to run our van has more than doubled in the last two years, and I need to pass it on to the customers - but, with food and fuel prices skyrocketing lately, though people can understand the logic of increased fees, they're in "belt tightening" mode.

We live out in the country 50 k from the big city (Auckland) - we're 11 and 15 k from the nearest small towns. Lately I've been concentrating on trying to increase our bookings from the nearer areas, but the population base is so small compared to what's available in Auckland. I definitely have to charge travel to go to the Auckland areas.

Do you charge travel, and if so, how do you make it OK with the customers?

Cheers,
Kath 8-)

Hi! I don't know if this is just a British forum, but I've joined anyway! :mrgreen:

I was born and bred in Canada, but have spent the second half of my life (so far) in New Zealand, so I'm a bit of a hybrid.

I first learned to twist from books in the 80s, then didn't do much for almost 20 years, then starting adding twisting to my birthday party shows and we've added it to our school shows now, and outdoor festivals and fairs. I'm primarily a musician/singer and puppeteer.

Hope to learn lots from all you experts.

Cheers,
Kath 8-)