Scroll to the bottom of this page for Balloon Options - variations you can use for new design ideas!

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How to Make a Balloon Arch

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SAFETY FIRST!

• Place inflated balloons in a large plastic bag for transport.
• Chain helium tanks to a wall or place them on a cart or stand.
• Mark monofilament line with ribbons so passersby won't trip.

HANDLE WITH CARE

• Keep balloon displays out of direct sunlight.
• When using a heat sealer, the neck of the balloon must be perfectly flat.
• Use Styrofoam® rubber cubes, cut to size, to keep vases and centerpieces upright during delivery.
• Twisting or tying ribbon around neck of a self-sealing balloon will cause it to deflate quicker.

SELLING POINTERS

• Work on your portfolio: Photograph every balloon arrangement and decoration job you do. Just starting? Use magazine tearsheets to give customers ideas of creations you can provide for them.
• Increase sales by personalizing balloon ribbon with your hot-stamp machine.
• Attach your business card to all arrangements offering a discount on next purchase.

DEAR AUNT HELI-EM,

Q. What's the difference between cool and hot glue?

A. Cool glue shoots out warm, and won't burn the skin. It works well on both latex and foil, needs to be applied fast, and hates the cold weather. For plastic pedestal or Plexiglas work, use hot glue--it's stronger, but will pop latex, unless applied to balloon neck. Hot glue turns brittle in cold and may melt when temperatures rise.

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BALLOON OPTIONS:

Double Stuffed Latex Balloons

You can create an infinite variety of colors by double stuffing balloons:

1. Slip one balloon over a pencil (blunt end); floral wire (looped end), or a floral stick (flat end)
2. Insert this balloon into another balloon of the same size
3. Air or helium inflate inner balloon, tightly grasping both balloon necks
4. Knot inner balloon neck only and attach ribbon or other balloon accessory.

Double Bubble (Latex) Balloons

Double bubbles can save you time and work when an arrangement calls for several air inflated latex balloons. You only have to tie one knot with a double bubble, which eliminates the need for greening pins or pan glue:

1. Air inflate one latex balloon to desired size and pinch neck between thumb and index finger. Repeat with second balloon (hold one balloon in each hand). Do Not Knot Ends!
2. While pinching balloon necks, tie necks together.

For a different effect, inflate one balloon of the pair larger than the other, and use underinflated double bubbles to keep balloon sizes proportionate to the overall arrangement.

Underinflated Latex Balloons

Underinflated balloons give added dimension to a design and are very simple to make. Follow both steps 1 and 2 for a "transparent color" effect; for a more opaque color, skip step 2.

1. Air inflate balloon to desired size and pinch neck, but do not knot end
2. Hold balloon with other hand and squeeze, forcing air into top of balloon
3. Tie a knot at base of bubble and trim excess tail to approximately ½ inch.

(Instructions courtesy of Pioneer Balloons, Wichita KS, Expressions Design Guide)