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R2D2 Veteran user 304 Posts |
There are a couple of balloon animals I've tried where, in order to make the eyes, you take a white 5 inch round, inflate it partially, and then twist it in half in order to get two equally sized spheres.
Has anyone done this before? I never seem to get them to be close to the same size. It seems like this should be a pretty basic thing to do... After several attempts, I can get them somewhat close, but it's still apparent to me that one "eye" is significantly bigger than the other. Any advice? |
Karen Climer Veteran user Orlando, Florida 324 Posts |
I wish I could tell you there is a secret, but you really just get better at it with practice.
If you have two unequal size, you can loosen the twist just enough so air can pass through (but not so much that the twist come undone) and squeeze the larger one until they are the same. As an alternative, you could use two separate 5" rounds, one for each eye. But I would recommend that you keep practicing and learn it. This is something you will use all the time. Also, if you are makng a monster or something like that, sometimes two different sizes is fun. |
Amazing Magic Co Inner circle 1712 Posts |
I usually hold the softly inflated balloon with the tail up in the 12:00 position. I use my fingers in a "C" shape and grab the balloon splitting it into 2 halves while pressing the tail through the middle. From there, just give them a twist and adjust the air balance if needed before locking with a few more twists. I hope that helps.
Dan. |
R2D2 Veteran user 304 Posts |
Thanks. So your fingers are in a C shape around the equator (the tail is the North Pole)?
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Amazing Magic Co Inner circle 1712 Posts |
No .... My finger press from the north pole to south pole pushing the tail into the middle of the twist.
Dan. |
Karen Climer Veteran user Orlando, Florida 324 Posts |
I hold my hands in a C shape also (fingers at north pole, thumbs at south pole), but I have the nozzle at the south pole. I think a lot of it (like whether the nozzle is north or south) is whatever you get used to. I don't know if one way is any easier than another, it's just what you get used too. Good luck.
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The Mighty Fool Inner circle I feel like a big-top tent having 2140 Posts |
It's just one of those things you have to keep working at & eventually you'll get a knack for it. And even if the eyes do come out a bit uneven, this can give the creation a hilarious cartoonish look.
Everybody wants to beleive.....we just help them along.
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R2D2 Veteran user 304 Posts |
Ok I understand what both of you are saying now. I'll give it a try later on.
I really appreciate all the help you guys give out! |
Amazing Magic Co Inner circle 1712 Posts |
Anytime. Sounds more complicated then it really is. You'll have it in no time. Just be sure to soften the balloon before trying and then just be fearless!
Dan. |
R2D2 Veteran user 304 Posts |
To soften it, I should just squeeze/massage it a few times?
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Amazing Magic Co Inner circle 1712 Posts |
Over inflate just a hair and then let a little air out to the desired size. Sometimes just burping the balloon is enough.
Dan. |
R2D2 Veteran user 304 Posts |
Thanks to all of you. I'm having much better luck now.
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Amazing Magic Co Inner circle 1712 Posts |
Great to hear. Never doubted you for a minute!
Dan. |
R2D2 Veteran user 304 Posts |
Ok, just in case some future balloonist reads this, here are the tips I found most helpful:
1. Overinflate the balloon and then let some air out. 2. Don't worry about getting it exactly in half at first. Give it a twist or two and then readjust. 3. The C-shape holding technique. (I think I was twisting the "other way" before.) |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Ballooning 101 » » Twisting a 5" round in "half" (0 Likes) |
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