This has most likely been in a thread.
Where are the very best books and Videos
on making Balloon Animals? Do you have any secrets that might help me? I just bought
200 balloons, a Hand pump and a video.
What else do I need?

An account with http://www.tmyers.com and a stroll through http://www.balloonhq.com


Here's a couple of threads to help you out

Balloon Hats

Childrens parties and balloon skills

Ballooning

It depends on what you are getting into the balloons for. If you are going to make it a big part of your show you may want to re-think using a hand pump. They are real slow. T Myers sells a couple of floor models or battery powered pumps. Also on T Myers site there are books after books. Just look through them to find the ones that look good to you. Also a marker can bring a plain old balloon to life. I like to use a good old Sharpie for that. I hope this helps out.

The subject of which book or video is a reappearing topic on the balloon list at http://www.balloonhq.com
it is my personal feelings that you will get a lot of use out of reading anything by Bruce Kaliver he has 3 really good portfolio books, well worth your time to get.

TK

I love Marvin Hardy's books. Both Balloon Magic 260Q's. But this is my personal opinion.

Regards,

Excellent advice guys... you have to love this forum.
Dave Bartlett has some good fast but impressive sculptures on his tapes. I just got Lorna Paris's new tape and have not finished watching it yet. It sounds like your pretty new go to your library and see what they have or can get too. Captian Visual's books are great.
Magic George who is a member here has a great site. He is one of the most creative twisters I know. Check both of his sites out!!!
http://www.magicgeorge.co.uk/
http://www.balloondesigns.net/

My very good friend and gentle giant Bruce Kalver and his lovely wife have some great videos on the subject of truly memorable balloon art..

http://www.tophatprod.com/magic

P.O. Box 10421, Cranston, RI. 02910
(401) 467-8749

Hi Keven:

Lots of good advice has been given already, but I'll add my bit:

Joe Lefler has three very good videos that are excellent for the beginner, but good for experienced twisters too. You can get his videos from most magic dealers, and they're cheap—about $10.00 each. I'd start with volume one which is called something like Balloon Twisting with Tricky the Clown.

Jewls also mentioned the Captain Visual books—they're great, especially the first one.

There are a ton of books and videos, but so many of them assume you have a working knowledge of certain twists and techniques, and will really leave you in the dust if you're not experienced.

I really like Dave Bartlett, which Jewls mentioned. But my favorite of all is Don Caldwell, who has about four videos and they are the best, IMHO.

Ron Reid

The first place I would check is the library. Yes, the pickings may be slim but hey they might have some. Your local book store. Is there a clown alley in your area? They would teach you. Or a magicains club? They could show you also. If you have high speed internet access I could send you some of my stuff that I have made. It may be of some help.

May I also add all the Ralph Dewey books on balloon animals. That's where I started and they are still a great investment—very inexpensive.

Doug

I will second the Joe Lefler videos. I have all three and love them. They are not super elaborate but more than the 57 varieties of dog.