Balloon Review 029 - Backpacks by DAVID BRENION

This is the first DVD of David's I ever purchased which just happened to be around the time of the first TBAG day when David was lecturing. This DVD comprises of a collection of backpacks which make for great wearables. Some of these designs are perfect for line work, others are a little more time consuming. This is the first time 646s have played a part in my home balloon collection and I am finding more uses for them.

I know many backpacks have already been posted on line but I add this review just for completeness.

This DVD is available from http://www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk priced £25.

BUTTERFLY WINGS

These wings are simply perfect for line work. Very fast to make and can be made with any combination of colours. This backpack does requiring the shaping of the balloons which some people may find a little tricky if not done before. Keep the balloon nice and soft for the best results. Really good and this is one you will use often.

[attachment=0:1ujdgm5x][/attachment]061-butterfly.jpg[/attachment:1ujdgm5x]

BAT WINGS

An alternative to the butterfly wings and suitable for the boys. Again the design is simple and fast but shaping these proved a bit of a nightmare for me. The version in this photo isn't perfect and could do with some more work. Probably not a design I will use in the future as I prefer a little more colour.

[attachment=0:14t2ew4c][/attachment]063-bat.jpg[/attachment:14t2ew4c]

JET PACK

The first design to use a 646Q. This design is very simplistic and can easy be used for line work. The only struggle here is to make the spirals for the flames. Mouth inflation is the best solution whilst wrapped around your fingers but clearly this won't be possible for everyone. The flames could be left off or a simple two balloon braid twist would suffice. This is very popular but you will need to stock up on plenty of 646Qs to handle the demand from those lines!

[attachment=0:2gdszr9d][/attachment]064-jetpack.jpg[/attachment:2gdszr9d]

I love this DVD. some simple but very effective pieces! A must have!

DELUXE JET PACK

A slightly more advanced jet pack if you have more time to spend on this model. This time there are control handles and a red button. This does add another dimension and the kids really enjoy running around pretending to control their jet pack.

[attachment=0:1wcet7x2][/attachment]069-deluxejetpack.jpg[/attachment:1wcet7x2]

SCUBA TANK

Disconnect the flames and add a snorkel and some air tubes and you have a brilliant scuba tank. This creation is excellent and makes for one compact self contained design. Probably too complicated for line work and restaurants but is useful for pre-made events.

[attachment=0:1xnjqmcs][/attachment]065-scubatank.jpg[/attachment:1xnjqmcs]

LADYBUG

This lady bug (or bird) is a good girly substitute for the jetpack and is very much liked. It is very fast to make and the optional antennae on top add another dimension. Equally these can be mounted on a hairband if desired. The white spots I have drawn using a white paint marker but it is probably better and much faster to draw with a black market and just hash in the circles.

This is very usable.

[attachment=0:3743crll][/attachment]066-ladybug.jpg[/attachment:3743crll]

TURTLE

This ninja turtle outfit is even enjoyed by the grown ups (see photo!). This backpack is a turtle shell. This one takes quite some time to make but is really good. The colours can be changed to match the various ninja turtles for which you can make the correct matching weapon (which I haven't so I've been told). This shell would go well with a matching balloon mask.

[attachment=0:2840058o][/attachment]067-turtle.jpg[/attachment:2840058o]

BUMBLE BEE

The bumble bee is a nice variation on the backpack design as it uses a tapered weave instead with a 321Q for a pointy tail. The wings I have made a probably a bit too large. A great backpack.

[attachment=0:29cxe911][/attachment]068-bumblebee.jpg[/attachment:29cxe911]

DRAGON WINGS

The dragon wings requires some careful measuring and a little shaping to get the best result. I haven't made a very good job. The wings themselves are fairly stable and the 321Q claws are an effective extra touch. The colours can be easily changed to make different winged beasts.

[attachment=0:25oh1v1k][/attachment]070-dragon.jpg[/attachment:25oh1v1k]

SPACE RANGER WING PACK

Without doubt, this is the best and most popular backpack in this collection. I have made more money from this design than any of the others. At one wedding I made eight of these for each of the boys and they didn't stop running around outside to the delight of all the parents. I can make this balloon in less than 10mins. Even quicker if you leave off the helmet section. Please do not underestimate the power of this balloon. It is simply stunning.

At birthday parties I get the birthday boy to stand in front the audience, raise both his hands in the air and I surprise him by putting this backpack on him. It literally gets cheers from the all the parents and the birthday boy feels so special.

BUY THIS DVD NOW!

[attachment=1:16t5c2hj][/attachment]071-spaceranger.jpg[/attachment:16t5c2hj]

GHOSTBUSTERS BACK PACK

Thanks to Snurb for reminding me I left out one design. This backpack is easy to make and is very popular with grownups.

[attachment=0:16t5c2hj][/attachment]281-ghostbusters.JPG[/attachment:16t5c2hj]

SUMMARY

This DVD is something special and comes highly recommended. If you want a collection of usable and workable designs that children can play with then this is the one for you. I am been surprised by how well my customers have reacted to these creations and how they encourage imagination play. These backpacks will last a long time, will not get popped or broken and will keep children amused.

Simply stunning.

Fantastic and honest reviews-thank you Darren! Please can you tell me where I can purchase this and other DVD'S, I have a bookcase that neeeds filling promptly!

Hi Jo,

The first place to try is www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk for a UK based supplier. Failing that try www.tmyers.com but be careful about shipping costs to the UK (assuming you are in the UK of course!)

Graham at www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk currently has all of David Brenion's DVDs and stocks the balloons at very good prices.

Cheers