How to Make a Dog Balloon Animal

Samuel KimHow to Make a Dog Balloon Animal

Introduction:

Making balloon animals is a fun and simple talent that people of all ages can learn to do. Whether you are practicing to be a childrens entertainer or just want to pick up a cool talent, making balloon animals is fun for everyone! The act of shaping balloons into desired forms is referred to as balloon modeling or balloon twisting. The origins of balloon modeling are unknown due to various entertainers crediting one another, but what we do know is that it originated in the late 1930s-early 1940s.The actual art of balloon modeling entails the twisting and folding of a balloon to take the form of your desired object. There are two primary design styles when making balloon objects; single balloon modeling and multiple balloon modeling. Single balloon modeling restricts itself to the use of one balloon per model while the latter uses more than one balloon. Balloon modeling requires very few materials and is a hobby that does not require a lot of money. Balloon modeling can be done anywhere and is a very safe activity for all age groups to learn. The time needed varies with the complexity of the balloon model, but simpler models can be completed within five minutes,This instruction set will vividly describe the steps necessary to create a dog balloon animal. It will begin by listing the materials needed to make the dog and then break down each step, with a picture to accompany, to ensure the steps are being followed correctly.

Attention:

Read the entire instruction set through once before performing the task. Practice before performing for others. Stretch the entire length of the balloon for 5-7 seconds before inflating to give the balloon more elasticity. Use caution when inflating the balloon to ensure it does not become over inflated. The balloons and broken balloon pieces are a choking hazard foryoung children. Be gentle while twisting and folding the balloon to ensure it does not pop. If you are making balloon animals for many people, it is unsanitary to use your mouth to inflate the balloons.

Materials:When purchasing balloons for modeling, it is imperative to purchase the right type of balloon. Long, skinny tube-like balloons are required for modeling. Balloon sizes are usually defined by a number, the most common for twisting being a 260. The name is derived from the width, 2 inches, and the length, 60 inches. Thus, a 260 balloon is 2x60 inches. Although this is the most common size used, there are dozens of other sizes available as well to accommodate all needs. 1 260 balloon

1 inflation device (optional)

Figure 1: Inflating the balloonStep 1:

Inflate the balloon so the last 2-3 inches is left deflated.

That is roughly the width of your hand. This part of the balloon is also referred to as the tip.

Step 2:

Tie a knot at the end of the inflated balloon.

Step 3:

Figure 3: Beginning the headTwist three balloon twists on the end opposite of the tip. The first will be about 2 inches long, which will form the snout of the dog. The second and third twists will be about half the length of the first, 1-inch, to form the dogs ears.

Each balloon twist requires approximately6 twists. The direction of the twists doesnot matter.

Figure 4: Continuing the headStep 4:

Fold the network of knots so segment A is against the main body of the balloon. Then twist segments B and C in a lock twist, while continuing to hold segment A against the body of the balloon.

This will complete the head of the dog (Figure 3.1).

Figure 4.1: Complete dog headLock twist- The twisting of two bubbles, usually about the same size. Bring the opposite ends together so that the two bubbles are parallel and touching each other. Twist them together to lock in place.

The direction of the twists does not matter.

Step 5:

Figure 5: Beginning the neck and front legsTwist another three balloon twists below the head of the dog, each approximately 3 inches in length. Fold the balloon at the twists between segment B and C, so the upper half of the dog is against the main body of the balloon. Twist segments B and C in a lock twist, similar to step 3.

When performing the remainder of the balloon twists, position the head of the dog Figure 5.1: Complete neck and front legsunder your arm to keep a sturdy grasp on the balloon to ensure the twists do not come undone.

Segment A will form the dogs neck. Segment B and C will form the dogs front legs.

Figure 6: Beginning the body and back legsStep 6:

Twist three more balloon twists at approximately 3 inches long. This should use up the rest of the balloon. Similar to how the front legs were formed; twist segments B and C, while holding the rest of the balloon.

Segment A will form the dogs body. Segments B and C will make up the dogs back legs. Segment D will form the dogs tail.

Step 7:

Figure 7: Final dog balloon animalMake any minor adjustments to assure the dog is in your desired position and enjoy!

Once you get comfortable working with balloons and understand their fragility, you can enhance your skills by creating more complex objects and eventually moving on to multiple balloon modeling. With some practice, you will be the center of attention at your next party and even save some money on hiring a professional entertainer.

Images courtesy of: about.com/Magic & Illusion and Google images