I wanted to put something somewhere, as I found out about this today. As most of you either know or will do when you read this, I am on sort of a self imposed internet withdrawal type thing. I would also rather post on here than on Facebook, because to me this site is more important. This isn't a post about Ori's product which I know the initial post was about, but about the backlash that Graham has received around this.

I have great respect for Graham and believe that in the time that I've been involved within the industry, that no-one has done more for  us as learners (let's face it we all learn new things) either helping us with ideas, providing us with a site that's easy to use with a wealth of information, organising days and events, which I know first hand isn't easy and many many other things. I am very pleased, honoured and humbled to be part of the list that was published of instructors and look forward to being a part of the Guild again as soon as circumstances allow.

Must be thinking along the same sort of lines here as I managed to get myself a little present over the weekend to have a play with when I get the time. It wasn't that expensive either which was nice  

Happy Birthday to you ♪
Happy Birthday to you ♪
Happy Birthday Balloon Chat ♪
Happy birthday to you ♫
 

Gutted to have missed these two days. Work always getting in the way . Looks like you've had a good time up there with the pictures Graham has posted already and I'm looking forward to seeing much more. Rhian has always been so helpful during the days we've spent chatting it's just a shame her part wasn't laid down on film too.

Quote from: "Graham Lee"

Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"I love the balloon twisters club!  

We have had a blast with the club, some fantastic days and some wonderful memories, thanks to those that re-joined.

I will be among those that have already done so as it really is the best club I've ever been a part of  

I had a request for a a sculpture for an event I was hosting tonight. so I took along a little singing leprechaun (Well why not??)  

Nicely done this week as with all so far before it. I did wonder if the late Leonard Nimoy would make an appearance this week. He will be sadly missed I'm sure. I remember you showing the baby design last year I believe and it's helped me out of a couple of times since then. Great stuff but have to ask what's with THAT shirt?

I like the pattern on the hat Stuart, is that a pattern on the balloon or some serious Sharpie?

I like the look of this one Andy. I may even try and have a go, as I don't do anything like this at the moment but can see how effective it would be  

Congratulations Stuart. It may well only be your first win, but it's very much deserved :-)

Hi Stuart, I don't know for sure but when I first looked at it I thought it was a deep hook twist that ran from one end of the balloon to the other, then shaped into the spiral you see.

Look there is a stick in the background!! Well done Stuart    
The birds not bad either  

Here goes with a couple from me too

Wow reading down I have to say I agree with almost everything that's been put so far. I have two pet hate's however that aren't up above

1 (and probably my biggest) Pet hair! In my case cat hair, I have to build most things in my kitchen as it's the one place in my house where I know the balloons won't be attacked by this disease. for those of you who may not share this problem, cats have fur...fur falls out...static from balloon...fur on balloon. You would think wouldn't you, it's not that bad just a bit of fur just wipe it off. Arrrrgggh the amount of times I have wanted to shave all the animals in my house is unreal I'm sure that the fur they shed has superglue impregnated on it !!

2 Personally I dislike YouTube. I have only ever watched 2 videos/instructional thingys. One was Dylan's crossbow that I saw many many moons ago. The other was someone who had through a middle party obtained & deconstructed one of my figures and then put it one YouTube as her creation. I have no problem with YouTube as a whole but my problem is that it could stifle creativity. At a care & share day / lecture day, variations are made of the original design, but having met a lot of people who YouTube regularly they all make exactly the same models. Where is your spin? Your take on it? Please if you have to follow instructions to make something, then follow them once and then make the model work for you. Small variations make all the difference they set you apart from the rest

Anyway rant over Happy Valentines Day everyone. Hope you all feeling the love  

I couldn't speak for all but the cups we use are called smoothie cups and they come in 3 different sizes. I am fairly sure that we use 12oz ones but as I can't lay my hands on one at the moment couldn't swear to it. We get ours from ebay and though this isn't the link to where we get ours (my better half does all that bit) hope this helps. :-)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smoothie-Cups ... 3f260ce6df

Was really hoping to be able to come along this afternoon but afraid not this time . Kids...who'd have 'em?  Hopefully will be able to make it one of these days, I hope all goes well this afternoon