Balloon Review 147 - Shopthings by Corrine Sparkles Smith Video Download

Available from http://thetwisterscookbook.com/product- ... os/page/2/ priced $15

A new artist to Balloon Reviews – Corrine has an extensive collection of videos available on a subscription basis through FABA.TV but has recently launched tutorials available to download on Twisters Cookbook. This is a positive step as I can now access just the balloon modelling content on a download and keep basis.

Corrine's Shopthings collection is based on the children's collectible toys called Shopkins – personally I have never heard of them but a quick bit of market research on my facebook page would indicate they are very popular in the UK. From the outset they look simple and quick to make so could be perfect for line work.

Each model is downloaded individually as a video file – let's talk about the videos first. The videos are clear and visually easy to follow. The audio commentary is dubbed onto the video and not recorded live which isn't a major deal but just seems a little unusual. Bubble sizes are given in fingers and there are plenty of close ups to show the detail. On some occasions it isn't clear how much of the balloon to leave uninflated which can be confusing for inexperienced twisters.

If you can manage to pinch twist, tulip twist and use a raisin then you won't have too much trouble.

Lets see what we have here....

CHEEKY CHERRIES

This design is made easier with the use of Q-links for the main body of the cherries. It can be made with regular round balloons and a raisin twist but this complicates things and extends the time to make it. The feet base holds the cherries together. Very quick to make - perfect for line work and walkabout.

 If you struggle with artwork, Corrine's instruction are top notch – very easy to follow, good close ups. If you want to be really lazy just leave the cherries with their eyes closed! Overall a nice design and very usable in the real world.

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SWEET PEA

This design was more of a struggle than it should be! Corrine uses a 260Q for the body and no matter how much I tried I couldn't get the sizing right with just a single balloon. After three attempts I made my life easier and used two 260s instead.  Sorted.

The peas are made from a 350Q so it is important that the pea 'pod' is sized correctly so the peas fit snugly and held tightly in place. The artwork is very quick and simple.  A quick balloon to make, artwork is simple. Make three feet at the bottom so it stands freely.

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WILD CARROT

The use of a 321Q for a carrot is pretty much standard but I do like the top of the design. The green 260Q sits nice and tight on top and stays in position. Make the top in pink and turn it upside down and you have a nice bonus butterfly!

The 160Q feet base is optional - so should you have a need for a carrot this one is incredibly fast. As before Corrine shows how to add some simple and effective artwork. A good accessory for any bunny design.

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HANDBAG HARRIET

A two-balloon weave is used to make this cute handbag. If you are new to weaving, this is a brilliant tutorial to learn the basics. Corrine explains the handbag weave very clearly and using a three bubble base means the hand bag sits flat. My only worry with using twisted bubbles for the handle is in the hands of a child they rapidly untwist. Just something to be mindful about.

Artwork is simple - the bow adds character. This handbag is tight so doesn't really allow for anything to be placed inside the bag (unless maybe a leaflet or business case)

Very usable in the real world.

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MANDY CANDY

This sweetie design uses a Yellow Q-link. I didn't have any so used a standard round with a raisin. The end result is similar but the face isn't as rounded as it should be. It also took a little longer to make the design because of this.

If using a Q-Link this design is very quick to make. The artwork is simple - could be made in under 2mins so perfect for link work.

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STRAWBERRY KISS

This strawberry design uses a raisin to secure the top section. As the raisin has to be central between the lobes some people may struggle with this. Just remember not to over inflate the heart. It takes slightly longer to make this design compared to the rest of the collection.

Corrine offers different artwork designs - i chose the simplest and easiest. You can use the more fancy design if you have the time.

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SUMMARY

$15 for six instructional videos represents good value for money. The instructions are clear, the end result is a collection of quick and effective designs perfect for real-world entertaining. I would prefer 'live' audio commentary (but that's me being fussy) and for the un-inflated lengths of each balloon included in the descriptions.

The artwork tutorials are wonderful for a non-art person like me.

These models look nice when grouped together and are perfect additions if making a display piece or perhaps a basket of fruit with a 'cartoonie' feel.

Worth a look if you are feeling fruity!

p.s. i won't leave it 11 months until my next review!

Awesome to see you back doing reviews they have been missed.

Yes it's definitely nice to have Darren back