Preparation

Step 1. Tie a clear monofilament line (10-15 lb.) to helium-filled, knotted balloon (11"). Allow a two foot tail. Determine length of longer line by measuring desired finished height, and then add one-foot of line for securing. Temporarily secure bottom of line at your work area.

Step 2. Tie two helium-filled balloons together at necks with one knot (all balloons should be inflated to same size for balance). Repeat this step to make a second pair.

Step 3. Twist the balloon pairs together at the necks to create a cluster of four balloons.

Step 4. Attach the single balloon in the center of the cluster by pulling the line and tail down through the intersection of the four balloons. Wrap both the long line and shorter tail together tightly around two opposite balloons in an alternating figure 8 pattern.

Step 5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to make a second cluster of four balloons. Pack second cluster of four balloons tightly under first group, and attach using only the longer line (not the tall) by again wrapping it around the balloon necks in alternating figure 8’s. Step 6. Using the line and tail, tightly tie off line and tail by making a knot under the bottom cluster. Trim tail to the knot.

Decorating Suggestions and Tips

To attach ribbon, tulle or other decorative swags, slide ribbon into lower balloon cluster. Pull ribbon through and cut to desired length.

To create a canopy, first make the desired number of Cloud 9 clusters and position them where appropiate. For canopy groupings with a central cluster, use clear 16" for the middle of the arrangement.

Pre-measure the amount of ribbon or netting (or both) needed between clusters to create the desired swag effect. Feed ribbon through the lower balloons in each cluster, leaving about 1½ feet of ribbon tail to hang below each cluster. Then feed all ribons to center cluster and let the ends drape through the middle. This completes the canopy arrangement.

Securing Cloud 9 Clusters can be done in several easy ways. The photo on top demonstrates how helium-filled balloons are secured with monofilament lines anchored to the floor or table. Another way is to suspend air-filled Cloud 9 Clusters from the ceiling with a clear filament tightly attached to the knot of the top center balloon in each Cloud 9 Cluster. Also, you can knot the filament around the bottom cluster to suspend the Cloud 9 Cluster upside-down.

Be creative! Experiment with different quantities of Cloud 9 Clusters, colors and swags. Clusters are best created with a single color balloon, but can be grouped with clusters of other colors. Also, for added texture in large groupings, try using colored 11" balloons. Let your imagination go to work!