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Topics - Neil

#1
Balloon Chit Chat / Worrying news
October 18, 2012, 05:40:24 PM
This is the first I've seen happen in our area - let's hope it's the last...

http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-n ... -1-2586625

--Neil
#2
Balloon Decor / Balloon Decor Accessories for sale
August 23, 2012, 11:04:24 PM
Hi all

After a few years part-time, semi-professional in the décor world, I've decided to hang up my hi-float and concentrate more on spending time on my young family, balloon modelling and my 'real' job (in that order!)

Consequently, I am in the process of selling off many of my 'décor' accessories, the remains of which are available for sale at very reasonable prices – check out the Qualatex catalog for 'price new'.


Walk-through Heart Frame (Saunders Displays – boxed/unused) - £75
Heat sealer - £50 (used once)
Mag pole* - £40
Multi Mag mover* - £20
Bag of ring magnets for mag mover* - £15
Large weighted base plates (threaded) - £20 each (4 available)
6' base poles (threaded one end) - £10 each (4 available)
3' base poles (threaded one end) - £5 each (2 available)
Rod adapter for base plates- £15 each (2 available)
Cool melt glue gun - £10
Glue sticks (for glue gun) - £5 (3/4 bag)
10' helium coiled extension hose - £40
Trigger valve - £10
Auto-fill foil outlet - £10
Tilt valve outlet - £5

Note
------
All prices exclude shipping
Items marked * are unused, but are unboxed or opened
All other items have been used lightly/infrequently
All helium attachments are BOC

These items will be listed on ebay soon, so grab yourself a bargain while you can!

Please feel free to pm me with any questions or offers.

Thanks
--Neil
#3
Balloon Chit Chat / Balloons on the BBC - be quick!
June 21, 2012, 10:08:23 PM
Hi folks

I spotted this when I was eating my lunch at my desk today - nearly fell off my chair!!  :D

(I think the link will only be valid til around midday (BST) tomorrow (Fri)  as the competition closes soon after...)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/magazinemoni ... _240.shtml

Nice one Natalie! Why were you escorted out????

--Neil
#4
Picture Gallery / Mr Brenion's Monkey
March 24, 2012, 11:25:47 PM
In Nippy's review thread for Masks, I mentioned that I've tried this monkey many times and it's always turned out, well, rubbish.  It's a great design, just I've stuggled with it.  So I tried again this evening after a couple of advice pointers/tips from Darren and here it is.  I'm not entirely happy with it, it will do, basically, but it's much better than it was thanks wholly to Darren's help.  Thank you, sir!  :D

--Neil
#5
Events. Balloon, Magic, Etc / Scottish Balloon Jam
January 18, 2012, 09:51:39 PM
Hi all

Just a quick note to advise any members or lurkers in Scotland that the inaugural Scottish Balloon Jam will take place in Edinburgh on Monday 13th Feb.  We're hoping to make this a twice monthly event, alternating between Edinburgh and the Glasgow area, and it is, of course, open to anyone interested and at any skill level.

If you're interested, please PM or email me infoatstylecelebrations.com (substituting the 'at' for the @ symbol) for more details.

--Neil
#6
Balloon Chit Chat / Big thanks to Darren (Nippy99)
September 27, 2011, 10:18:43 PM
With so many great reviews on this forum, covering many different artists and styles I find it almost difficult to keep up with the great, balanced and honest reviews Darren keeps giving us.

These must take a huge amount of time to watch, build the model, photograph, resize, comment and post, and I don't feel I do it anywhere near justice simply by saying 'great review, nippy99' or something along those lines.

So, I just wanted to start a new topic to thank Darren for all his reviews, for all the ones so far and ones we've yet to read, rather than trying to respond to each of the many threads he's currently running for the benefit of all of us.

I'm sure I can't be alone in wanting to say thanks and showing appreciation!

--Neil
#7
Marketing........plus Advertising Work / Bespoke clothing
September 05, 2011, 07:04:13 PM
Hi gang

Apologies if this has been asked before (I did do a search on the forum, but couldn't see anything)

Has anyone had a bespoke or 'one-off' outfit made for them?  I currently don't have anything as such - I usually turn up for gigs in a polo shirt with my company logo on it, a pair of black trousers and shoes but I'm thinking about getting a 'look'.  

In a nutshell, I guess I'm thinking about a tailor or someone who can source fabric and make a suit, or perhaps a shirt, pair of trousers or a jacket.  Can anyone recommend anyone (UK based, preferably) or give me any pointers/advice where to start looking?

Many thanks as always

--Neil
#8
Balloon Tutorial & Help / Inflating 'regular' 321's
August 12, 2011, 11:39:57 PM
Peeps,

Apologies for what may be a dumb question, but I'm fairly dumb so I'll ask it anyway!  :?

I've tried many times to fully inflate a 'regular' 321Q (the full colour ones, not the double dipped, black tipped ones) and I always find that:

 a) despite squeezing the air into the tail, some retreats back to the body and I still have a small portion at the end of the tail that is uninflated

b) I can sometimes get the full balloon (body and tail) inflated but because of the squeezing required from the body to do this, I get ridges in the body and some in the tail of the 321 or

c) if I do manage to get the tail inflated with one squeeze and then top the air up in the body, the neck area of the balloon is super bulbous and distorted.

Sorry if this isn't too coherent what I'm asking - but if anyone has a good tip/technique for fully inflating these chaps properly (full tail, no ridges, no stretched neck end) please can you let me know how you do it?!?!  :oops:

I'll try to post a pic or two over the weekend of my problem if this doesn't make sense.

Many thanks as always

--Neil
#9
Balloon Chit Chat / Balloons and TV programmes
August 07, 2011, 10:45:14 PM
Hi gang

Not quite sure how to word this question, so apologies if it's a bit garbled!  

Does anyone know what the form is where balloons are used on TV programmes?  Are the bouquets /decor generally made by some in-house area of the production crew (set dressers?) or do they engage the services of, well, people like us?

I've noticed a lot of balloon decor recently on programmes like Coronation Street and EastEnders (it's Mrs D that watches them, honest  :oops: ) as well as other dramas made by independent production companies, and it just got me thinking what the deal was - that's all...  (I'm not chasing any business, honest - there's not that many big TV production companies in this part of the world!  :(   As I say, I'm just curious)

Thanks

--Neil
#10
Balloon Chit Chat / David Brenion Backpacks
May 16, 2011, 07:57:26 PM
Hi gang

I've spent the last week or so watching and working my way through David Brenion's / Nifty Balloon's Backpacks DVD.  It is brilliant, and I sense a bit of a pivotal moment in my repertoire!  

Their appeal is obvious, the visual impact is huge and the children (or adults) don't have to hold their balloon creation or have it sit passively on a table - they're wearing it and interacting with it!  Everything from simple butterfly wings to a 'Space Ranger' backpack, with other very usable, very wearable pieces in between (including a fantastic 'Ghost Exterminator' one).

I'm definitely going to try to start to move away from passive pieces like rabbits, monkeys and aliens (although these can be worn as hats I personally don't find them too comfortable) and into the brave new world of backpacks.

They are, for me, an 'Argh! Why didn't I think of that?' creation, but I'm really grateful David did!

If you don't have the DVD, I'd completely, thoroughly, totally recommend it.  :D  :D

--Neil
#11
Balloon Chit Chat / To price... or not to price?
March 30, 2011, 06:53:10 PM
Hi all

I'm having a bit of a dilemma at the moment about whether to put prices for decor on my website.  Although in my circumstances it's primarily decor and some twisting, I think it's still a relevant question to  children's entertainers, magicians, face painters etc etc.  

Currently, I don't have prices shown anywhere on my website.  The one simple reason for this is that every piece of decor (or every 'job', I suppose) is different, and it would be impossible to show a price for, say, this arrangement with 3 plain 11" latex is xx, but for 3 printed 11" latex is yy, and for delivery add on zz, but for 16" latex... etc etc - you get the picture!  I also offer discount on some pieces or accessories depending on the value of the order - thus making each quote unique.  However, the one compelling reason I CAN see for putting prices on is that it at least gives the customer an idea of cost before they get in touch, saving both them and me time and effort.

A compromise would perhaps be to show something like "Prices from £x.99" type thing.  But personally I think that is slightly misleading or unethical in that you can only get it at this base price if very specific circumstances are met -- think low cost /budget airline adverts and how 'misleading' they are!  :roll:

I've had a couple of good enquiries go cold lately, and I can only assume it is down to the price.  Not that I am charging a lot (I think I'm very reasonable and definitely competitive) but more that I think that generally the public have no realistic idea how much balloon decor costs and can (on occasion) be unpleasantly surprised.  Maybe showing them a ball park figure will separate the buyers from the browsers before any phone calls or emails are exchanged?

I've viewed numerous balloon decor / twister / magicians and magic shows websites nationally and internationally, and have seen examples where prices are shown and just as many others where there are no prices.  To be honest I can see the sense and benefit in both approaches.

Does anyone have a compelling reason for one way over the other that I am missing?  What made you decide to show (or not show) a price?

All opinions / advice appreciated as always! Thanks for reading this far!  ;)

Thanks

--Neil
#12
Picture Gallery / I mean... really!?!?
March 08, 2011, 09:10:12 PM
There's some big names in the balloon world, and I've had the luck, and indeed the pleasure to chat and spend time with some of the legends -- but I tell you what, trying to get near that Graham Lee bloke is a nightmare, he even has bouncers to stop the paparazzi!!!  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

--Neil
#13
Off Topic.......... plus Hidden Talents / How cold...?
December 02, 2010, 11:37:32 PM
My trusty thermometer is telling me it is currently -12c in central Edinburgh right now...

I could believe it - I've just had to snap a dog off a lamppost!  :D

--Neil
#14
Balloon Chit Chat / Danny The Idiot - on TV...
December 02, 2010, 11:11:08 PM
I read it on the front page, so I've got the Sky+ all set up to record Danny's appearance on BBC TV's 'The Slammer' tomorrow afternoon...  It's at 1630 on CBBC (Sky channel 613)

Many congratulations Danny on getting TV exposure - excellent stuff!

--Neil
#15
Balloon Chit Chat / An uncomfortable position
October 05, 2010, 08:45:14 PM
A week or so ago I was making balloon animals at a fund raiser for a friend who runs a charity for disadvantaged children - unfortunately it wasn't greatly attended, but I'd been churning out many of Mr Fudge's 3 balloon rabbits for some of the girls, when a little boy came up with his father.  The boy must have only been about 4 or 5 years old (my boys are 2 and 5, so I'm kind of in tune with the lad), and he asked me if I would make him a rabbit.  'Of course!' I replied. 'Now, what colour would you like?' and gestured towards my bag.

As polite as anything he says, 'Please could I have a pink one, please' (yes, 'please' twice!)

'You most definitely can', I replied, reaching over to my bag.  'Err, no.  I don't think a pink one would be good' chips in the Dad.  'Pick another colour', he barks at his son.  At this point the father looks at me 'Maybe make him a blue one, pal...', he continues.

'But I'd really like a pink one...' says the boy looking at me.

I tried to diffuse it by saying 'Well, your dad's put the money in the bucket, so I guess maybe he can choose this time', and proceeded to make the little boy a blue rabbit.
 
I felt awful and furious in equal measure.  Awful because part of me thought 'The rabbit is for the boy - if he wants a pink one, then he gets a pink one, especially after being so polite'.  And furious, not only with the father for his ridiculous stereotyping and stepping in when there was no need, but furious at myself for pandering to this.... oaf.  :evil:
 
In hindsight, perhaps I should have made a pink one first and handed it to the dad before making the boy a blue one.  ;)
 
I'm still really annoyed with the man, and with myself, even now.  Have you ever been in a situation like this, and how did you handle it?
 
Was I right to make the blue one, or should I have stuck to the pink?
 
 --Neil
#16
Hi all

At the Qualatex Conference in Cambridge last year, someone at the question and answer forum asked if Qualatex had plans to offer training courses on making larger scale pieces and 'deco-twisting' work.  The panel (if I recall correctly) said it was something they were considering, but a year and a half later there doesn't seem to be much sign of anything...  :cry:

I guess what I'm looking for is some resource (but really hands on training) on how to make large sculpture pieces.  I've seen pictures of some fabulous large pieces created for Jams and competitions on websites and Balloon Images magazine, but basically I have no idea how to even start framing and creating something like this, nor the logistics of putting it all together.  I think I know what people use (aluminium, conduit, chicken wire, SDS, Rouse, etc) but it's how to use it (and how NOT to use it) that I'm looking for.

Does anyone know if anywhere offers hands on training for this - or are there any trainers reading this who might be willing to offer a course?  Failing that, is anyone considering making anything big for the Millennium Jam who needs an extra pair of hands  :?

If not, would anyone else be interested in this training, and if so maybe I can start lobbying Qualatex...?

Cheers

--Neil
#17
Balloon Chit Chat / mouth inflating in public?
June 09, 2010, 10:15:56 PM
Hi all

I've been discussing this with friends, and thought I'd throw it out there for opinions / views / experiences etc...

Is it acceptable or 'right' to mouth inflate 260s (or 160s if you can!) when twisting publicly?

Some comments I've heard are:

No:
It's disgusting
It's unhygenic
It's hypocritical if you're telling kids never to put balloons in their mouths.

Yes:
It's a skill not many (non balloon artists) can do - show it off
People might/could/should expect it, as 'part of the act'
Anyone can inflate a balloon with a pump

Personally, it's not something I tend to do in public as I'm not sure that it's morally or socially ok (I always mouth inflate when practising models at home, however), but have been known to 'suck' a reverse inflate on occasion...

I'd just be interested to hear other views or 'for's/'against's reasons.

Cheers!

--Neil
#18
Balloon Chit Chat / Britain's Got Talent..?
April 26, 2010, 07:33:06 PM
Hi all

While watching the tail end of Britain's Got Talent at the weekend - err, well, my wife and children were watching, I just happened to be passing the TV - honest!  :oops: I noticed during the trailer for this coming Saturday's show two very quick, almost 'blipvert' type cuts of someone making balloon hats, and then what appeared to be 2 guys running around in a David Grist style wearable car.

It was all over very quickly, and I don't know if it's just stock footage rather then definitely what is going to be on this Saturday, but just wondered if anyone 'knows anything'.....  :D

--Neil
#19
Ok - I need to speak quietly....  Don Caldwell's 'Mad Hatz and Wild Wearables Vol.4'.  

Search as I may, this title seems to be as elusive as an MP with morals.  There are whispers that perhaps it may not even exist - err, like an MP with morals!

I know that Danny has claimed to have it, but is contractually bound to keep schtum about what is on it, apparently.  ;)

There is evidence that some websites seem to stock it for a very limited time, very occasionally and at a price about three times that of the other DVDs in the series.  

Virtually no-one seems to have it, and fewer still are brave enough to talk about it.  Those who claim to be in possession of it, or even glimpsed it, say nothing.  A website selling it doesn't have an image of it, and appears to be constantly sold out.  

Very fishy.  :?

The conspiracy theorist in me thinks this may all be an elaborate hoax, a Caldwellian joke if you will, at our expense and only a few 'in the know' are aware of the truth about its existence.  

This could be a case for Mulder and Scully...

I fear I may need to be looking over my shoulder now, just for mentioning it, and be aware of footsteps following me down shadowy alleyways...  

Sorry for bringing your name in to this Danny -- I hope you're not now going to be whisked off in the middle of the night - to be found gagged by a pinchtwist in the middle of a 260 wrapped round your head, in a pit of discarded, broken, rotting link-o-loons......  Gulp!  :shock:

Perhaps Don could bury a copy somewhere in the UK and set clues to follow to its location in a Kit Williams 'Masquerade' book style? Or failing that, maybe I'll just buy a copy of it if anyone knows where I can get one.  (yes, even without knowing what is on it).

So, does anyone know where I might (if at all) get my hands on this rarest of artifacts?  Oh, and I'd like to buy a copy legitimately of course - so no thanks to offers of a copy of it from 12 year-olds with a mean 'mom' and an anonymous email address, please  :evil:

Anyone any thoughts or theories to assist my quest - (but not bluffs to throw me off the scent, you understand......)

Sssshhhh!  You haven't seen me, right?  ;)

--Neil
#20
With apologies to the site sponsors...    :oops:

I've just been watching my David Grist DVDs again, and it got me wondering why David always seemed to use the jewel tone balloons?  Were these Qualatex's 'de-facto' finish when David was making his videos, or were these his personal preference?  Personally, I try to avoid them wherever possible, and use the less 'sticky' standard finish.  Does anyone know why onyx black is a jewel tone rather than standard?  Is it a pigmentation / colour issue?

--Neil