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frogstomper New user Gold Coast, Australia 59 Posts |
I've recently started doing balloon sculptures, but despite my greatest efforts, I am still yet to blow up a single balloon using my mouth, rather than the pump. I've almost feinted, had bulged frog eyes, and popped out several veins in my neck in my feeble attempts. Nowhere on the packaging does it say you need a set of iron lungs, so surely it must be humanly possible to perform this mighty feat, but I'm blowed if I can do it (no pun intended)
It's probably not good for a grown man to be seen holding a small piece of pink latex in his left hand, whilst cursing at it with a clenched right fist, so any help would be appreciated. Josh. |
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Scott O. Inner circle Midwest 1143 Posts |
Others will no doubt chime in and enlighten you as to the secret. However, I've been doing balloon modeling for about three years now. The closest I ever came to blowing one up filled the balloon about 2/3 of the way. I use a pump. And I carry a spare pump in case the first one ever breaks in the middle of a gig.
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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Amazing Magic Co Inner circle 1711 Posts |
Try http://www.tmyers.com/. He's got a great selection of pumps.
Dan. |
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frogstomper New user Gold Coast, Australia 59 Posts |
Really, that surprises me. I just assumed that all balloon guys must use their mouth. Maybe not eh?
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Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
I'm guessing it's about half and half. I inflate by mouth, usually. My wife uses the Balloon Master (it's a floor model) pump. I can inflate 260s and even 160s by mouth. After about 500, I'll tend to start getting a headache. It's just muscles you don't normally use.
There's a lot of discussion about the hazards of mouth inflation versus pumping. Some say it's a germ problem, others just prefer a pump. Really, it's up to you (your lungs/muscles) and your situation. Steve |
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Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
Hi Frogstomper:
It can be done, but it takes time to develop your diaphram muscle. I'm not anywhere close to being the best twister, but I can now blow up about 75 to 100 at a time - I started out like you, dizzy and frustrated after blowing up maybe one balloon. I went to http://www.balloonhq.com and read a lot of advice from people. There are many articles on blowing up 260 balloons, and they're helpful. Here is the link to the articles: http://www.balloonhq.com/faq/inflating.html Ron |
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Andrew Mann New user Australia 22 Posts |
I used to blow them up by mouth but nowadays use a floor pump after a friend got a Hernia from it. I must say that he used to blow up 500+ a day by mouth. I also can't imagine having the powdered chalk from balloons in your lungs would be the best thing for your health. Although I have heard stories of entertainers getting over asthma through the blowing them up!
To me a floor pump is the fastest, most hygienic method, but then you do have to put up with occasional "Oh he's a cheater" The Filbert pump has been a life saver for me, in 5 years and with the blowing up of tens of thousands of balloons it hasn't missed a beat http://www.filbertpump.com John Holmes (the balloon twister not the other guy!) is a world class twister and he was the one that first recommended it to me. I have found that audiences don't care how the balloon is blown up they just want to see what you can make with it. If you still want to blow them up by mouth then I would recommend getting The Balloon video by Brain Flora http://www.floraco.com/brian1.htm it's a bit expensive at $55.00 but has some solid advice that got me started. Otherwise try http://www.tmyers.com he's the balloon twisting supply king and will have a DVD that will teach you the basics. |
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flourish dude Inner circle from ? But I know where I am going! 1195 Posts |
Blow it up with a pump, let the air out then blow it by mouth. Do this and over time you will build up your diaphram
Nothing of the same will bring any change, take action today!
Just taking a step, is a step in the right direction because when you stop working, your dream dies. www.magicalmemories.us |
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rossmacrae Inner circle Arlington, Virginia 2475 Posts |
After a stroke, I found I no longer had the fine muscle coordination in my face that made it possible. A simple pump works just fine.
HOWEVER... when I was healthier, I was certainly aware that the "trick" is not lung power - the lungs blow it up after the much more difficult task of STARTING it (getting that first teensy bit of actual expansion). What you must use to get that first "bubble" is the muscles iun the mouth, coordinated by a fine balance of "just enough but not too much" grip with the lips. Important points: Hold the balloon nozzle with the fingers as close to the lips as you can. Grip the opening (with the rolled flange inside the lips) as tightly as you can without completely constricting the opening. Get a mouthful of air, close the (what? glottis? whatever you have to close - more in a moment) and "spit" the air into the balloon. The motion should be like "distance-spittng" a mouthful of water ... NO lungs (you'd get a pitifully poor distance), ALL cheeks and jaw (quick, your little brother squirted you and he's running away, GIT 'IM!) What internal "thingie" do you close off to avoid trying to "lung-power" the balloon (ultimately much too weak to do that way?) You could call that rascally boy Finn: "HUCK!" - Whatever's closed on the "K" is a good start, and when you've got the concept, you'll find a more relaxed way to move the closure down into your throat. Once you've got that first bubble, it's easy to blow the rest of the way. But there's no shame using a pump (it's just one more thing for kids to grab.) |
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frogstomper New user Gold Coast, Australia 59 Posts |
Thanks for the responses guys. I think I'll start blowing them up...with dynamite! That'll save me a lot of problems.
I didn't realise there were a few health concerns. I'll have a look at http://www.balloonhq.com as Ron suggested, but maybe a decent balloon pump will be an easier and quicker method to utilise. Or maybe I should just use a normal round balloon (which I CAN blow up) and just draw a picture of a dog or rabbit on it!!!! I wonder if the kids would feel ripped off...? |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Balloon modelling is great fun, I'd also suggest using a pump. That way, you can inflate many more balloons very quickly, and so be able to offer much bigger, better balloons. One way to build up the neccessary muscles is to train with 350s. These are fairly easy to inflate. Blow up about a dozen a day, and in a month or so, you should be able to inflate a 260.
Benefits of inflating my mouth: lots more gags you can play with the balloons; it looks more fascinating, as you're creating a wonderful sculpture with nothing but a few bits of latex. Benefits of a pump: much faster, more balloons, no problems with hygiene, no health problems (can cause hernias, eye problems and more). I use a "Balloon Genie" pump which slings around my neck. |
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frogstomper New user Gold Coast, Australia 59 Posts |
I just tried your method Ross. I did a few push-ups, arranged myself in my best Schwarzenegger pose, sadly realised I need to work out more often as I look more like Daffy Duck, took that balloon by the throat, and did as you suggested. It was all looking promising until my lips almost split from the pressure. Hmm...can anybody say "Balloon Pump!!!!"
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Matthew W Inner circle New York 2456 Posts |
Make sure to use a dual action pump. I got one from party city and its great.
I don't use qualatex brand balloons. I like the Unique brand balloons you can get at any party store. a package of 144 for about $8. They are really easy to inflate by mouth.
-Matt
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
I looked at this issue from a parent's perspective once. I'm not a germophobe by any means, but regularly working restaurants, fairs and for prominent families I had to ask myself...Would I as a parent want someone's spit all up inside my child's balloon? I know this isn't really the case...but perceptions are reality to many parents. I use the electric Balloon Buoy and T. Myers' Pump One for all of my balloon work. I miss the gags and the "oohs" as I blow the balloon up orally, but in my honest opinion, the pumps simply leave a better visual image.
It's all a question of personal preference...as usual. Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
I use mymouth in the show, and when I'm doings lots of baloons a handpump. I've never had anyone moan about the spit thing that Skip mentions.
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
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esther_scheffer Veteran user the netherlands 316 Posts |
"Make sure to use a dual action pump. I got one from party city and its great."
I tink this is a personal choice. Personally I do not like the dual action pumps so much. I prefer the simpel small flat pumps. |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Clive...same here. No one's ever mentioned it "to my face." I have, however, seen "that look" from mothers. It's just a personal feeling and preference.
I have the greatest respect for those who blow hundreds of these things up each day. I am, in fact, in awe of youse guys. I simply choose not to. Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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rossmacrae Inner circle Arlington, Virginia 2475 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-02-27 04:21, frogstomper wrote: [in Arnold's voice:} "Feel da buuuuurn, girlie-man!" I gotta tell you, I was very upset with myself when I found that I suddenly couldn't do it anymore. So I guess I was being (uncharacteristically) macho - these are about a dozen good reasons posted above to use a pump. Plus, I always have a sneaking thought that blowing by mouth may increase the blood-pressure drastically, if only momentarily ... may that have contributed to my "blew out a vein in my brain" stroke? Use a pump. |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
While doing balloons in California I had quite a few mothers and a couple fathers not want balloons blown by mouth. I always use a pump.
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Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
Also, contrary to what Matthew said, you should ALWAYS use quality balloons, and about the best made is Qualatex. If you're paying $8/gross for balloons, you're getting ripped off. You can buy Qualatex for around $5 for an equivalent amount. Most Qualatex balloons are now sold in bags of a hundred these days. If you mouth inflate, you'll find different textures to different brands. Some are easier to inflate (hence, easier to pop) some are harder. Some taste bad, some taste worse. Some squeak some squeak A LOT! Find your preference. Your best bet for purchasing balloons is T. Myers. They've worked with me on the phone for 30 minutes trying to find just the right color. You know how difficult it is to find a MAROON 260?
Steve |
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