If you are like many of the children’s entertainers out there you probably have a nice selection of balloon animals you make as part of your show. Have you ever wished you could do more creations but held off because of some of the advanced twits looked too difficult? It’s true that pinch twits and pop twists can frustrate some folks but the key to most successful twisting is making sure the balloon is softened for the extra pressure they undergo when being manipulated. So before you get your 260’s in a knot, let us help you with some twisting tips.
How to soften the balloon:
*Inflate the 260 or 160 (whichever your sculpture calls for) slightly longer than you need, hold the air in the balloon for a moment then release a small amount of air before tying. This is also called “burping” the balloon.
*Another softening method is to fill the balloon to the desired length, tie and then run your hand down the balloon toward the tail end thus forcing some of the air to the un-inflated portion of the balloon.
Either of these methods will make the balloon less likely to pop while you master a new twist.
Pinch Twist: Also know as the ear twist.
This twist can be used for a variety of applications, one of the most popular is for the small ears like on a monkey. We will show you what it loos like between two bubbles.
Step 1. Inflate, tie and soften your balloon.
Step 2. Make a 1″ bubble followed by a 1/2″ bubble.
Step 3. Pinch the 1/2″ bubble and twist it 3 or 4 times and release. You now have your ear or pinch twist.
The pop twist: This is great for making hands and arms that separate for a balloon character.
Step 1. Inflate, tie and soften your balloon.
Step 2. Twist this series of bubbles. A 2″-1″-1/2″- 1″ and one more 2″
Step 3. Do a pinch twist on both of the 1″ bubbles.
Step 4. With a pin pop the center 1/2″ bubble, thus causing the two pinch twists to separate.
The Tulip twist:
Step 1. Inflate and tie off the balloon.
Step 2. With your index finger push the knot of the balloon inside of itself to about the second knuckle of your finger.
Step 3. From the outside of the balloon pinch the knot off of the index finger, remove your finger and twist the balloon a few times around the knot. You now have your tulip bubble.
We hope this helps you in expanding your balloon animal repertoire.