Balloon Review 037 - NIFTY BALLOONS ONLINE VIDEOS BY DAVID & SHANA BRENION

Available from http://www.niftyballoons.com/videos - priced $5 each

Following my first review of David and Shana's online content (Super Suits) I have decided to create an on-going review for any future on-line releases of individual instructions and review each downloadable video separately.

1st June 2012 - three new videos have been released comprising of a ride inside pony, a shark hat and a butterfly hairband. Please note, these videos were provided free of charge for review purposes. As always my review will be unbiased, honest and open.

SHARK HAT - RATING A+

KIT LIST : 646Q GREY / 350Q WHITE / 350Q GREY

This shark hat is one of the best designs I have ever seen that really gets the proportions and the shark characteristics correct. The head design really does remind me of a Great White Shark primarily through the use of our old friend the 'side wall bubble' in the 646Q. As with David's masks, this is really the only tricky part but when you have made as many masks as I have it really does get easy with practice.

The design itself is very simplistic and I think I could make this in under 5 minutes if working at speed. For those who struggle with artwork, Shana shows how to draw step by step using a black and white paint marker. The styling of the eyes really complete the model. This shark can also be used as a standalone model and doesn't have to be worn as a hat.

I can see myself making this one many many times in the future. Well worth the $5 price and as usual the video instruction and quality is excellent.

[attachment=0:1ff8lmbl][/attachment]shark.jpg[/attachment:1ff8lmbl]

BUTTERFLY -  RATING A-

I've sat staring at this design for sometime and I still cannot decide whether I actually like it or not. Something isn't right about it and I think it is my inability to shape the 160Q wings as well as David has. I think perfection of the original design is key here and it is important to get it just right. The video and the publicity photo looks so much better than my effort. The end result is stylish and I can see this being popular at cocktail parties where the ladies are wearing fancy dresses and this hair band giving the finishing touch.

Regardless of my shortcomings, the design is very simple. If you have made David's wrist wearables before, the flower base won't be a problem and the wings and the body are really easy.

I'm not so sure this will be right for everyone (which is one of the bonuses of being able to purchase individual items) but overall it is a nice design. So if you like the look of it on the website, are able to shape 160Q's properly, this video offers excellent instructions and value for money at $5.

[attachment=0:m1cgz5ec][/attachment]butterfly.jpg[/attachment:m1cgz5ec]

UPDATE - just goes to show what I know. I took the butterfly headband to a corporate event yesterday and it was an instant hit with the adult females. I could have made lots of them. So you never really know how good a design is until you try it out in the real world!

RIDE INSIDE PONY

I have just spent the last frustrating 20mins wasting my last five Qualatex 15" hearts to make this fantastic pony. For some reason, no matter how soft I make my hearts, once the head is constructed I can hear air leaking out of the heart either from the twisted lobe on top or around the neck. I've run out of hearts now! Perhaps it is just the batch I had but the latex just didn't like being twisted.

This review will follow as soon as I get some more hearts!  :twisted:

Protip: you can turn a Geo Doughnut inside out and it makes a heart.


Dylan

Hi Dylan,

That is a top tip - i will give it a try!

Hi Dylan. I gave it a try and you do indeed get a heart. It is just twisting lobes for the horses head where it all goes wrong. I just can't get the right shape. Useful advice though. Thanks

First i want to say thank you very much for the time you are spending with your "balloon review" it´s a nice place to get some new fresh ideas. I also try an butterfly hair-band.

Three new designs have been posted on-line.... Ride Inside Motorcycle - Whale Bracelet/Headband-  Dolphin Bracelet/Headband....

Hopefully I will review soon.

Awesomeness !!!!! Thanks for the update

Yep exciting stuff - i will be working on these tonight.

WHALE BRACELET / HEADBAND - RATING A

KIT LIST : 260Q SAPPHIRE BLUE / 5" PALE BLUE ROUND / 160Q PALE BLUE

Following on from David's ever popular Hearts & Rounds DVDs, this Whale is a very quick and cute design. The whale sits on the usual 7 bubble flower base so it can be worn as a bracelet, mounted on a headband or just left as it is. I would say this design may be a little tricky for some people and will require some practice... why?  Our old friend the side wall bubble is back. The location of this bubble is key to the look and shape of the whale's body and I tried a few times until i was happy with it. The round balloon also needs to be inflated correctly otherwise you will find air escapes from the tail section back into the body or the whale looks too flat. You will need to play around with this.

The addition of the 160Q tail piece is great and finishes off the model nicely. The artwork is simple with just two black dots for eyes. The those more artistic you could add a cartoon face.

Another great design, so simple I am left thinking why didn't I think of it first. If you are tempted to make this balloon just by looking at the photo, please support David's work. It is extremely good value for $5 and is something you will use in the real world.

The downloadable video is fast to receive and is produced to the usual high quality expected.

PLEASE NOTE, THIS VIDEO WAS PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

[attachment=0:jd2pkxne][/attachment]whale.jpg[/attachment:jd2pkxne]

DOLPHIN BRACELET / HEADBAND - RATING A+

KIT LIST : 260Q SAPPHIRE BLUE / 260Q GREY / 160Q CLEAR / 160Q BLACK

This Dolphin is stunning. You need to make this one to understand it's full potential. The dolphin body is made of just one balloon and is fast to make. As the Dolphin's tail is hidden this speeds up the process. The 160Q clear bubbles look fantastic and really gives the balloon some sort of animation.

No round balloons or side wall bubbles required making it accessible to all twisters regardless of experience and competency level. If you only have $5 to spare for David's latest three creations, spend it on this one. You can use it in the real world and it is a worker.

PLEASE NOTE, THIS VIDEO WAS PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

[attachment=0:3mnpmin1][/attachment]dolphin.jpg[/attachment:3mnpmin1]

All that's left is the motorcycle
I got an email questions about the motorcycle today, and I thought I would share it before you post your review.

The question was about threading a 350 through the hole in a geo donut. And it was a good question because it reminded me that sometimes there are things that we as twisters do almost without thinking that are very important steps. I heard once that beginners make the best teachers because every small detail is new to them and they focus on each step more intently. The more experienced you become, the easier it is to forget the little steps
 
So, this person asked how in the world I managed to get a 350 through the donut hole. And in the video I failed to explain that I stretch the hole open first. In fact, I have seen some twisters (who shall remain nameless) stretch the hole enough to get their head through it (I do NOT recommend that!!!!)

Needless to say, the hole in a geo donut is far more flexible that you might think. I've put a 646 through as well.