Tulip Twist

Tulip twists are also called apple twists - mostly because they are easy ways to make both tulips and apples.  They also make great suction cups (seriously, you can stick balloons onto flat things with them) and are the basis for a number of other sculptures.  They do take a bit of practice - and are very very hard with long nails - or unkempt nails that will snag the balloon.

Pop Twist

Pop twists are not as hard as they seem at first.  They are very usefull when you want to use one balloon to make two arms or handlebars as part of a sculpture. I don't tend to use them with small children because they will untwist them.

Bird Body - Roll Through

The bird body, or roll through, is an easy to learn, but a bit scary at first.  Even 15 years in it can be a bit scary if I make the bubbles too hard and I have to push that 3rd one through!  Managing the bubbles is very important to this one.

Directions after the break

Pinch Twist

A pinch twist is just a small bubble turned on itself.  Be careful not to make it too large.  I have noticed that many people are uncomfortable with the little bubbles and they make what is essentially a funky loop twist.  By making smaller pinch twists you give yourself access to shaping and stable turns in all sorts of directions.  They also make great ears.  :-)

Spiral

We use spirals for all sorts of things.  They make great snakes, look good on the end of a hat, jet streams out of rocket ships...this list is only limited by your imagination.

Using a hand pump can be difficult, but I know plenty of people who do it.  If you're by yourself, feel free to hold the pump between your knees leaving both hands free.  Otherwise - get an assistant.  Make a mental picture of what it looks like and you'll see why I say that.

Easy Spiral

This spiral is great for wands, sword handles, stems and just all manner of things.  Make it from red & white and you have a peppermint.  Give that a bend and you have a candy cane.

Poodle Tail

Poodle Tails have more uses than on the end of a fancy dog.  They're great on hats or in ray guns.  Also when you learn to do it fast, there is a bit of magic to the poof appearing from nowhere.



Pinch the uninflated portion of the balloon about 1 inch from the end.  With your hand pinch the tip of the balloon.  Pull sharply and release.  The stretching weakens the tip of the balloon.  This allows air to fill the tip, but not the rest of the uninflated part, forming your poodle.

Wrap one hand around the remaining inflated portion of your balloon.  Then put your other hand around the uninflated portion of the balloon, leaving the tip free.  Squeeze the inflated balloon forcing air into the tip.

Bending

Balloons can be bent simply by folding them, however a stronger, more permanent bend is usually better.

To make a bend in you balloon, fold it on the spot where you want the bend to be.

Hold this point with your hand(s) pushing most of the air out of the balloon just above the actual bend.  Be sure to leave a small amount of air in the midpoint of the bend.  Open your hand(s) Slowly allowing air to return to the bend, but not all at once.  If you let the air return too quickly you will lose the shape of the bend.

The Loop Twist

Another basic twist.

The Lock Twist

This is the basic twist for most creations.  Friction between the bubbles is what holds or locks it into place.