This is Tonya's second volume of adjustable hats. Given my enthusiasm for the first volume I expected this collection to disappoint me. I have to say it didn't and with five of the designs being fantastic, it is really worth the investment.  Tonya clearly spends a lot of time creating her PDF instructions. Plenty of photos, balloon measurements and supporting text. I really  love Tonya's work and encourage you all to support her so she can continue to create some more brilliant designs.

Visit http://www.balloonjam.com/tonya/ to order your copy

SMILEY MAN

I have always disliked the printed character heads that are available and have struggled to find any real use for them. This model provides an opportunity to use one of my many surplus smiley balloons. Not an overly interesting model but is quick to make and could be used for line work.

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DUCK

This duck has a lovely bold face and is easy and fairly quick to make. Besides having a large head, this balloon sits upright without any assistance.

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BABY

This balloon is an excellent original design and could easily be adapted as a delivery piece. As an added bonus the 'dummy' can be removed from the baby's mouth adding an extra dimension. I struggled with the pinch twist series of bubbles for the feet but they eventually sat together to give a pleasing result.

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ROOSTER

I liked this Rooster for its plump body design and red 'comb' on top of his head. It also has a nice tail which cannot be seen clearly in this photo.

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FROG

I am a little sick of frogs. Every balloon artist seems to create one BUT I absolutely adore this one. The expression and the body pose gives the impression that the frog is about to leap (it does to me anyway) and was a major hit at a recent event. A really impressive model.

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BIRD

I am not sure whether I like this one. Perhaps it is the choice of colours or the way I made it. The problem with Tonya's work is that what would be a good competent design as part of another collection is compared against her more impressive designs and as such you are left thinking it is substandard. Sorry Tonya, that's your fault for being so bloody good!

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OWL

Probably one of the weakest balloon from this collection. My trial audience didn't recognise it as an owl and struggled to think what it was. I don't think my head design exactly matches Tonya's so maybe that's the problem.

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DRACULA

Another use for a printed character head. This time something for Halloween. Nothing new here but a useful and quick balloon to make for line work where the pressure isn't too great.

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SKELETON

This design went completely wrong for me. Firstly it is those awful and frustrating pinch twist toes which due to my lack of technique made me crazy and the balloon lengths between each set of ribs were too big. I won't be critical of the balloon... just the person who made it didn't do a good job!

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LEPRECHAUN

An absolute star of this collection. I came across  this leprechaun in time for St Patrick's day and gave it to an Irish lady at work. She was so excited and impressed with it she still has it at home today and cannot bring herself to throw it away. This one takes a while to make but I love the head and hair. Looks more intricate than it is to make and a nice use of gold balloons. First class and worth the price of the PDF collection on its own.

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SANTA

A perfect Santa for Christmas events. It felt a little strange making it in April for this review but the end results were pleasing. I will be making this one again in December... a lot...

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CLOWN

This is an amazing balloon. The photo doesn't do it justice. I love the big red nose, the cute hat and the pointy clown shoes. The design is very sturdy and could be used as a centrepiece. There are many possibilities for variation her in terms of colours and facial expression. Simply brilliant.

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Thanks for your AWESOME reviews Nippy!

I just ordered Adjustable Hats Vol. 1 and 2. I really look forward to receiving it, and ordering MANY more of the great DVD's that you have been reviewing.

Keep up the brilliant work!