Balloon Chat
Uncategorized Boards => Balloon Review => Topic started by: nippy99 on April 10, 2012, 08:32:27 PM
Balloon Review 033 - Balloon Art DVD 1 by Pieter Van Engen
Available from http://www.balloonartdvd.com/html/dvd_shop.html (http://www.balloonartdvd.com/html/dvd_shop.html) currently on special price at 32 euros including worldwide shipping. I ordered on Thursday, received on Tuesday which was very fast service considering we in the UK had a public holiday on Friday and Monday.
I always get excited when I see some new talent enter the balloon instruction market and in all honesty I had no prior knowledge of Pieter or his creations. A quick glance at his website and you can see all the models on his DVD (that makes a nice change) and I was pleased to see some original material on volume 1 that wasn't just an expansion on the models I already have learned.
The DVD is very well presented, the tuition very good. Balloon sizes are given in centimetres and easy to follow. I think I could be in for something special here... let's see....
BUNNY
This is a really cute bunny with a very expressive character. The design is very good and the little subtle touches such as tucking the chest into the space under the chin is what makes that little bit extra. Pieter explains how to make the bunny using 260s. He also shows an example of a 350Q version (without instructions) which I easily adapted and just when you think the chapter is over someone walks past with a 646Q version! It will be a while before I try that one. Really nice and an excellent start to the DVD.
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This bunny is the most cute I ever seen.
I have to say a very big thanks to Pieter for this design.
This bunny was the best selling figure on the last cat show where I twisted figures :o
Hello Everybody,
Thank you for the nice comments on the DVD, and great to hear you like the bunny! The sizes on the DVD are given in inches and amount of fingers 8-)
Hi Pieter,
Thanks for posting your massive Bunny, I love it. I gave both the rabbits I made to the children at the hospital today. They were very pleased.
Yes you are correct, measurements are in inches and given in finger lengths as well.
JETFIGHTER
This is a really fantastic design for a jetfighter. My effort is not the best as I messed up the sizing for the front cockpit bubbles. I think the key here is to be fairly precise on your bubble sizes and in particular the pinch twists. I will certainly be making this one again. Makes for a great display piece for a birthday boy and as Pieter demonstrates on his DVD, this model flies as well! The wing design and the tail structure is very clever and this technique can be adapted for other designs. I really like this one.
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Quote from: "Pieter"Hello Everybody,
Thank you for the nice comments on the DVD...
Hi Pieter,
Thanks for your DVD it is great and has some really nice balloon designs.
I also love the shirt you are wearing on the DVD. Can you tell me where I might get one?
Thanks,
Martin
CARROT
A very quick, easy and simple carrot using a 321Q. An ideal addition to the bunny which can be used upon which as a base or given to the bunny to hold.
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FLAMINGO
A brilliant design and lovely display piece. The body is really super and I really like the way the 321Q is used for the back. I have to confess I cheated slightly on the neck and used glue to hold it in place but you really don't need to if you get the curve just right. Pieter's technique for holding the legs in place is well thought out and it is the little touches that add all round stability to the balloon.
Unfortunately the only blue geo I had was in a bag around 7 years old. After I had filled it with some water I was a little scared to inflate it too much!
I think these flamingos look good in pairs.
Excellent design.
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SWEET T-REX
A simple and quick dinosaur. The head design is good particularly the mouth which adds a good expression. The legs are made from a single balloon which makes it quicker to make. Not the best design on the DVD but a handy for line or restaurant work.
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BIRD ON AN ORANGE TREE BRANCH
This model is the most challenging on the DVD. It is not overly difficult but care must be taken to make it look really good. Unfortunately I made this bird earlier in the week before making the orange branch so it isn't looking it's best. I think this is a lovely display piece and the orange tree is a fantastic way to present this bird. The wings can be positioned into various poses. The two white tulip twists to secure the neck and the tail may prove a little difficult to some people but the effort is well worth it. Even the wife said this was good and believe me that means a lot!
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ROSES IN A VASE
This is a fairly quick design to make. A simple tree with roses. I burst one of my flowers and couldn't be bothered to make it again but hopefully the photo will give you some idea of what it should look like. The clear balloon for a weighted vase is a good idea as the water is visible. I am unlikely to make this one again.
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SUMMARY
A great debut DVD from Pieter and I really enjoyed working my way through this DVD. This DVD is not for beginners and neither does it contain restaurant and 'line' workers. It has some excellent display pieces and I really love the rabbit, bird and flamingos which I will use regularly.
This DVD is more about quality of design over quantity. I am very much looking forward to volume 2!
Highly recommended.