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Perry D Winkle Regular user 173 Posts |
All,
I'm going to twist in a couple of fairs this year, and in one of them I'm going to walk about. I'm curious about twisting in the sun and heat. I already know that I have to keep my balloons in a cooler with an icepack, but do I need shade to actually twist in? Will the sun and heat in July pop the balloons when I'm working with them? Thanks D |
Kevinr Inner circle 1854 Posts |
Why not just work under one of those white portable covers you buy at walmart and stay in one place?
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Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
Perry,
Not sure where you are or how the temps range at your location. I do the same at fairs and festivals. I'm in Mississippi, and it's really hot here in the summer. Been doing this for years and can give you all the hints and help you need. Shade is always better. The quality and specific colors of the balloons will matter, as well. So does your choice of pump or mouth inflation. Obviously the darker colors of balloons won't handle direct sunlight as well as lighter colors. I've found that the Qualatex jeweltone colors are more sensitive to light than the opaque colors. While the cooler and icepack are a good idea for storage, about the worst balloons to twist with are fresh cold balloons in a high-temp environment. Ever bring out a hot balloon in a cold environment to twist? Same thing goes vice versa. I use an EZ-UP 10' by 10' tent with 2 full walls and a half wall..sometimes 2 half walls and 1 full. Makes for better ventilation. Also, when you set up, take the day's sunlight into account and where the sun will be in 5 hours. Keep cool, take breaks (to avoid the urge to kill someone!), and for goodness sake, don't work for free or just for tips! Steve |
Smarty Pants World Loyal user 231 Posts |
I would discourage the idea of "walking around" balloon twisting. A crowd will form wherever you happen to be and you'll get stuck, most likely in an awkward or uncomfortable spot. I would recommend setting up a stationary tent area and letting people come to you. You won't be hard to find!
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Kevinr Inner circle 1854 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-04-28 23:11, Smarty Pants World wrote: Argeed and then you coul have some funny aspects like the shrinking and growing head illusion going.. or the LEAN while making balloons.. or use Mark (AKA Bad To The Balloon) "Pick A Number" device so you have no line... Heck or just do all 3 things I suggested! |
MiketheMagicDude Loyal user CT 270 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-04-28 23:11, Smarty Pants World wrote: I only agree with this statement in part. I often book myself as doing "walk around" balloon twisting because the "bookers" don't realize the impact it will have on a crowd and I want to make clear to them that I will mix and mingle and a bunch of people will get a balloon and be entertained by me. However...I learned after my FIRST "walk around balloon gig," to pick my first spot wisely. You will not move the rest of the gig! Most importantly have fun! Bring water and a towel and don't be ashamed to take a break or cut your line. |
Steve Yarosko Loyal user 285 Posts |
I know at least one top notch balloon twister who refuses to work outdoors at all. I refuse to work in the direct sun. I have an Easy-Up that I keep in my minivan if I am going to be working outdoors and there is not enough shade. I've only had to use it a couple times.
Steve Thomas beat me to it on the balloon color issue in the heat. The only thing I can think to add on top of what he said would be to make your figures extra soft, and really soften the balloons while you are making the figures by squeezing the balloon A LOT while you are working. By making the figures extra soft, it will allow the latex to expand a bit when the air in the segments expand from the heat. Also, know that the balloons are going to oxidize really quickly and they are not going to look good for long. |
Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
The other Steve hit it on the head. 30 minutes outdoors and that nice balloon will oxidize badly and not look nearly as good!
Steve |
Perry D Winkle Regular user 173 Posts |
Thanks for the information everyone, you guys are great.
After reading your responses I'm going to go on and get a booth and set up a shelter of some sort. I do not know how large a crowd I'll gather because I intend to charge for the balloons, but we will see. I'm hoping to use this opportunity for publicity more than anything else. Thanks Again, D |
Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
If you get electric ... bring a fan.
If you get electric and water bring a cool mist fan. http://www.hammacher.com/publish/75222.asp?source=FROOGLE http://www.bigfogg.com/winchill-outdoor-misting-fan.html
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
I sold the past Saturday, and my line was never less than 20 people. This year (I've done this particular festival for 13 years) I cut back on the designs to just wearables. It kept the moms/grandmothers with the 2 year olds from strolling up and wanting a "lil daWg" for the baby. Upped my prices, too, so I wouldn't be just a balloon making machine for 8 hours. Fewer customers, more money, AND, I got to spend some quality time with each child/adult.
Steve |
Kevinr Inner circle 1854 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-04-29 12:44, Bad to the Balloon wrote: Hey Mark ould you give a link to your: "ballon number" that seems like a great idea! |
nums Veteran user I have a life, or I would have more than 366 Posts |
How do you handle the "i missed my turn because I did not hear/see my number come up" people?
NUMS |
Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-05-03 22:33, nums wrote: I point and laugh at them.... Okay not all the time, If they just missed it, like within 5 or so, I'll ask the crowd.... Shall we?? Usually they say yes. If not or longer I tell them to grab a new ticket. You do want to make sure nobody is picking up old tickes on the ground too.
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
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