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RideorDie99 New user 80 Posts |
What do you magicians do with balloons that you pre-made to bring to a show? Do you carry the premade balloons in a plastic bag? Do you have a special bag made? Any suggestions? Or is it best to just blow up the balloons in front of the children?
Advice
STOP DROP SHUT THEM DOWN AND OPEN UP SHOP
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Joseph_Then Special user 747 Posts |
I don't know about your weather, here if I were to pre-made and carry, the balloons will get discolorized and brittle. And it will burst easily.
I would rather do them on the spot. What I would do is that I will try to reach the venue early, setup the show and lastly create the balloons there. It will create some attention from the arriving kids but I can control them. I put my balloons in a cloth basket. The one that I can fold flat and open up. |
Jonty the Magician New user West Yorkshire UK 73 Posts |
Russell Brown, one of the UK's top kids entertainers did a lecture at the Blackpool Convention last weekend. This subject was brought up and Russell showed a prop he'd had made which allowed him to magically 'blow up' balloons that were already blown up. Obviously I can't say much about it here because it's his idea but maybe you could contact him through his website for more info. Believe me, it was a great prop!
http://www.russellbrown-magician.co.uk Jon
Jon Harris
www.jontysmagic.co.uk |
Scott O. Inner circle Midwest 1143 Posts |
I blow up about a dozen balloons ahead of time for each show -- just to get a jump on the crowd. This works nice during the show when I make balloons for the birthday child. It keeps the flow moving.
However, I did have a problem last summer at a party where I planned on doing a mini balloon clinic following the birthday show. The show was outside on the patio in the hot sun. By the time I got to teaching some basic balloon sculptures the "fun" began. Boom. Boom. Boom. One after the other the pre-blown balloons burst (say that three times fast). I ended up inflating new balloons. So, pre-inflating works, but as Joseph said, be careful of the whether. Scott .
Do not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest, if you do not give up. Galatians 6:9
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Rudolph McGuinness New user Isle of Man 23 Posts |
Jonty The Magician said "Russell Brown, one of the UK's top kids entertainers".
Jonty, I've never heard of him. Had a quick look at his website. We turned away the Blackpool Tower job in 1980 because the money and working conditions were lousy! I don't know how long you've been in this business Jonty, but you'll find 80% of entertainers call themselves "the north west's most popular" or "London's Finest" etc., etc. I've even had one in my location who for a while called himself "the world's greatest children's entertainer"!! Now, on to the thread! Ride or Die, it all depends on your climate and the type of vehicle you use. If you live in a tropical or desert climate you've obviously got to inflate your balloons as late as possible and get them given away as soon as possible. If you live in a 'balanced' North American or European climate why not blow them up electronically, do the completed models at home, AND the balloons you intend to use to make things with. Bag them in plastic bags and carry them with you. They last better in a van or vehicle with smoked windows, otherwise you find yourself going into a party and leaving a bag of balloons for a later party in the car. You come back, the day has moved on, the sun is now on them, and they are starting to degrade. Rudy. |
Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
Hi,
I've always pre-blown up my balloons and like the fact that it avoids long lineups for the kids at the end of the show. Other posters brought up good points like the weather and if possible have a vehicle with tinted windows for transport. Not a "must have" obviously but after a couple of years of performing shows you try to make your life a little easier. For me, definately the "must have" was to get a van with tinted windows. During festivals it's also a nice to use for quick R and R from the crowds if nothing is set up for the entertainers break time. I'm speaking of festivals where an entertainer is hired for a few hours. However, I'm going a bit off topic here..back to balloons. Most gift shops carry balloon bags or those large almost garbage bag types with bright bold colors - Mine has balloon designs on the bag. It has pull type thingie on the top as you have to be careful that a sudden wind can send all the balloons flying out. I always hand the bag to the parents at the beginning of the show and ask for them at the end. Having the balloons in front of the children is too much of a distraction and sometimes if a tot is present they will constantly disrupt the show trying to get a balloon. I preblow the balloons and when I bring them out at the end, I make a choice of three animals. The drawback or good thing depending how you view it, is preblowing limits the animals you can make. I still see it as a good thing as when making the three I give the children a visual and they are able to make up their minds quickly. I always have a large balloon sculpture for the birthday child in the bag which I present to them as a gift. This works well for the time factor and the children still get a chance to see the entertainer make up the animal balloons. Lastly, as a extra service to the customer I always make 3-5 balloons extra to leave with the parent in case of breakage after I've left the show. I found over the years people have thanked me as you know one or two of the kids will pop theirs after you leave and the parent has to deal with a tearful child. A word of advice, still carry your balloons or pump in your bag regardless of having a bunch of preblown ones. You'll never know if the family cat decides your balloons were play things while the balloons were being stored. :O) Chrystal |
Jonty the Magician New user West Yorkshire UK 73 Posts |
Rudolph, I stand corrected. But he seemed pretty good to me...
Jon
Jon Harris
www.jontysmagic.co.uk |
Rupert Bair Inner circle ? 2179 Posts |
<<Russell Brown, one of the UK's top kids entertainers did a lecture at the Blackpool Convention last weekend. This subject was brought up and Russell showed a prop he'd had made which allowed him to magically 'blow up' balloons that were already blown up. Obviously I can't say much about it here because it's his idea but maybe you could contact him through his website for more info. Believe me, it was a great prop!>>
It WAS brilliant, I think I’m going to build version to produce my self? I thought Russels show was similar to mine and lots of the newer approach to children’s magic, less of the old hat stuff and in with the new dynamic fast approach. The word game was fantastic. What did you think of Blackpool all together? Matt |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
I carry pre-made balloons to some of my shows.
I purchased large clear plastic bags from a janitorial supply store (on a roll, in a box). I got that lead, because I had been buying them from a laundromat that used them for putting clean clothes into. They hold about 20-25 pre-made balloon animals. I just bunch and twist the top together, release a little air, and tape closed with masking tape. Most times, I make balloons on the spot, but for daycares, I bring in bags of pre-made balloon animals for the teachers to give out later on. I also pre-make my balloon braids (for hats) for deluxe birthday party shows. I stuff the bag full, and tie off an edge of the top to hold the balloons securely, so they don't fall out. I can't close the bag when its full of braids, that is why I use the method of tying off one side of the open top. When full, the bags are very light and will blow away, so you do need to hang on when taking them inside from your vehicle. Put them to the side within the room (behind the performing area), or ask a parent / adult to put them in another room, to bring to you later. When I am working outside, but have made pre-made balloons, I ask them to keep the bag(s) in an inside room. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Frank Tougas Inner circle Minneapolis, MN 1712 Posts |
For birthday shows I have always pre-made balloon doggies and carry them in a clear plastic trash bag. They are given to the parent when I arrive with instructions to distribute as the children leave. That way there is no problem with broken balloons or hearts (at least for the host).
Making a balloon animal is part of my premium show and it is don specifically for the birthday child. The others are promised one as they leave. It is always a dog, it is always the same so I do not get inundated with special requests or disappointed little ones. Frank Tougas
Frank Tougas The Twin Cities Most "Kid Experienced" Children's Performer :"Creating Positive Memories...One Smile at a Time"
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Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Wow! Frank gets clear trash bags. Rusty and I used black ones. We'll just have to get classy, I see!
Bob Magic By Sander |
Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
Hello:
Here's another alternative I learned from Terry Parrett on his Balloon Workshop video: Take the balloons and run your hand down each one to create static electricity. Then, stick them to the wall (vertically) behind you, creating a very colorful backdrop. I've done this with 50 to 100 balloons and it really looks good. You'll hear lots of oohs and aahs when the kids enter the room. Obviously, you can't always do this because you need a flat wall behind you, but it sure looks good when you can. All you have to do is take the balloons off the wall when you use them; the static electricity will keep them up there for at least an hour or two. Ron |
Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
I bring my creations pre-made to the birthday parties for the mom (or whomever's in charge) to give out as favors as the children leave. I'm lucky enough to work for a company that uses BIG, VERY heavy clear plastic bags. These are more than any 3 mil bag, and extremely durable. There's even a vent hole (tiny) in each side of the bag. BIG and CLEAR is the way to go. Let 'em see how colorful the bag of balloons is!
Steve Thomas |
stu-di-doo Regular user Cumbria, UK 160 Posts |
Hi Guys, yes I saw Russell Browns lecture as well. I enjoyed it. The balloon prop was a good idea but only created 3 balloons, not very practical for me anyway. I liked the letters game, have seen this before a long time ago, but it was still very good.
Main thing I took away from it was the music. Used a good track to keep the plate spinning contest upbeat and modern. He used the instrumental version of "Weapon of Choice" by Fatboy Slim. My first Blackpool and I enjoyed myself. Only went for the saturday but made a full day of it! Stu |
JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
Stu,
Can you tell me where I can learn more about the plate spinning contest? Are there lecture notes or is is availble somewhere else? Thanks. Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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michaelwriting New user Kenosha, WI 55 Posts |
I tend to make more complicated balloons that take 2-6 minutes each, so I make a dozen or so balloons ahead of time and put them in a blue recycle garbage bag. This helps to keep kids from going nuts while they wait. I've also seen large net/mesh bags and nylon cubes being used by other people as well.
It is well noted that balloons don't react well with sunlight though. I store mine in a closet in the basement. They may weaken and pop under prolonged sunlight. |
Vibono Magic Special user Växjö,Sweden 647 Posts |
I eather bring them in a clear plastic bag but most often I put them on a balloonstick and tie tho whole lot together with a rubberband and a balloonbow so it looks like a giant bouqet of balloons. I give it to the mother (or who ever is in charge) to give to the kids after I'm gone. I also put my advertising stickers on the balloonsticks so the kids will go home with my information. And yes I do make a couple of extra ballons.
Vibono Mirage
Magic entertainer and Balloon artist |
Rickfcm Veteran user lower Michigan 382 Posts |
I put the balloons in a cheap black garbage bag. It is large enought to carry quite a few, keeps sun off them and since the children don't see what's in it, they don't ask questions. Keep the bag out of the sun and it won't get that hot.
Rick |
Hobie the Magical Hobo Clown New user Niagara, Ontario 68 Posts |
I find that making the animals after the magic extends the entertainment. I make at least 8 different animals and use sharpies to draw eyes, whiskers etc. I too use black garbage bags with one over top and taped closed. I give numbers to the kids so they don't ask all at once and therefore take turns.
It works for me. :magicrabbit:
One Mustn't study a magician to closely,
Never look up his sleeve, Never look under his hat, Just sit back and let him do his act. |
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