043 - TWISTICOLOGY VOL 6 - DECO TWISTED CROSSOVERS BY ROBBIE FURMAN DVD

Robbie Furman is probably best known for his 'Lootles' DVDs. This DVD is an interesting one as it appears to be aimed at decorators who wish to add some twisted balloons to their portfolio so it will be reviewed on this basis. The DVD has only five designs and is priced $45 and is available from tmyers.com - I was lucky enough to purchase this DVD as a pre-order direct from Robbie which made it much cheaper.

To start with, Robbie is an excellent teacher. He is very thorough in his explanations and anyone new to twisting would find his instructional DVDs invaluable. The video quality on this DVD seems a little less than perfect but this doesn't hamper the instructions.

Robbie sizes all of his models based on a number of pumps using a red qualatex balloon pump. This can be somewhat frustrating if you work in inches/centimetres but this DVD has been designed for simplicity. Those of us with a bit of twisting experience will find this DVD a little frustrating as it takes ages to make just a little bit of the model. I found myself speeding forward to the next part but if you have limited experience this DVD is perfect for you.

So let's see what we have....

PIG

KIT LIST : 11" PINK ROUND / 6" PINK HEART / 350Q PINK / 260Q PINK / 5" PINK ROUND / 6" LIME GREEN GEO

This pig is really cute and makes a lovely display piece. It is probably what I call a regular twister's nightmare in so much as it uses rubber cement to hold all the pieces in place. The nose, eyes, ears and tail are all glued together. I particularly like the ear shapes which are made from under inflated hearts and are excellent. As previously mentioned the instructions are a little tedious but for a beginner is an excellent way to learn twisting. This is not a criticism but I did find myself whizzing the video forward on occasions. This is clearly not suitable for line work and I will only use this for pre-made deliveries (as I think it is intended to be).

I added my own 260Q around the base of the geo and a small flower for extra effect.

[attachment=0:2yrmnmgj][/attachment]piggy.jpg[/attachment:2yrmnmgj]

A RED MONSTER

KIT LIST : 260Q RED / 5" ORANGE ROUND / 5" WHITE ROUND / 5" BLACK ROUND / LIME GREEN GEO

Clearly a parody of the character Elmo, this model is really nice. Instantly recognisable and loved by everyone I showed it to. One particular good design point is how Robbie uses the ends and tails of balloons to tightly secure everything together. This is shown in detail throughout the DVD. The end result is a robust and professional looking design. You will use this one.

[attachment=0:2zub8p6i][/attachment]elmo.jpg[/attachment:2zub8p6i]

FROG

KIT LIST : 260Q LIME GREEN / 160Q RED / 5" ROUND WHITE

This is a cute chunky frog and the method of making it is aimed at beginners. I can think of a faster way to make the same model. Again not a negative point as clearly the DVD is aimed at the crossover market. The instruction is very detailed but like all the other balloons I would prefer bubble sizes to be given in inches/fingers as it drives me mad inflating everything by the number of pumps when I do not have the same pump!

There are better decor frogs around but this one is not too bad.

[attachment=0:14feownc][/attachment]frog.jpg[/attachment:14feownc]

ELEPHANT

KIT LIST : 260Q GREY / 160Q WHITE / 260Q WHITE / 6" GEO

A reasonable elephant but I can't help thinking this can be made in a more efficient and faster way with a number of less 260Q balloons. The method shown involves making lots of different sections and then tying them together at the end. The time to explain this model is lengthy and so I was a little frustrated but again, if you are a decorator then this will be appreciated and an excellent place to start. The bubble sizes are given and use both the purple and red qualatex pumps so if you haven't got either or one of them, then you need to guess a little.

Still not sure whether this elephant model will be useful to decorators or whether they really would do better to learn balloon twisting techniques from the beginning.

This is not one I will be making in the future.

[attachment=0:1p1nie58][/attachment]elephant.jpg[/attachment:1p1nie58]

That looks a nice cartoony Elephant.

FRUIT BASKET

KIT LIST : 260Q MOCHA / 5" ROUND GOLD / 321Q RED / 5" ROUND ORANGE / 260Q YELLOW / 260Q PURPLE / 260Q LIME GREEN

A really nice and effective fruit basket. Very simple to make and some nice tips on making balloon grapes. Easily put together and looks wonderful. I really like this one.

[attachment=0:1r49939a][/attachment]fruit.jpg[/attachment:1r49939a]

SUMMARY

I need to review this DVD for the audience it is intended for and that really has to be decorators who want to explore the world of twisting. With this in mind, Robbie explains all the basics and the instructions are first class in terms of detail. This DVD only contains five designs and I can't help thinking that simplicity has taken over from latex efficiency but clearly the DVD satisfies expectations.

I would have preferred Robbie to use bubble sizes rather than the number of pumps but I guess as a beginner this may be more useful. It's like the first time I learned to play the piano and wrote the note letters on each key... big mistake... I had to learn piano all over again!

I am in two minds on this one, but given the intended audience I will give it an A rating - at least this review allows you to work out if it is right for you, then there are no surprises.

Another fab fab review Darren

Have a question though.  I love the way you use the Geos as a base for your designs but how do you attach the model to the Geo.  I've been trying to do one all morning and believe me its just not happening!! LOL

I should be making one later tonight and so will take some photos for you.

Darren - you are such a star!!! Much appreciated!

Sonia x

Hi Sonia,

See here...

post44246.html#p44246