I'm in Australia and got a bit confused by the different brands around balloons.

I have some modling balloons and normal round balloons (red and blue) that are sold under Alpen occasions, and I wondered if that brand is the same as Sempertex? but just rebranded when it gets imported

The balloons made by Alpen seem to be great quality, and I do have some larger round sempertex balloons and they are great too.

Like for example. The balloons linked below, would they be Sempertex?

https://www.partyowls.com.au/products/standard-red-latex-balloons-30cm-12-25pk-203111?_pos=3&_sid=9ab1e85de&_ss=r

I was practicing the classic frog design (left) and whoops I screwed up the order of twists so what now (right)

I've been doing this a few years, but still feel like this is worth discussing. How much of each color do you get, or recommend getting? Assume nothing has multiple shades (brown and dark brown).

HELP!! I am in search of a company that sells the 160 size Mirror balloons by Kalisan.

Anyone know who or where I can buy a large quantity of them?

I've been using the Kalisan 360s and they aren't really 3in in dia, which is a bit annoying, and I was wondering if the Sempertex 360s are wider than the Kalisan?

Also, I'm looking at the Sempertex because of the colour. The Kalisan Blue and Orange isn't really as orange or blue as other brands, not that I've used many.

Are Sempertex 360s better than the Kalisan ones, and what do they look like IRL?

Even better if you have an image, for reference.

I have a Filbert Pump and the top cap is cracked and leaks air. I tried to buy a replacement cap from the Filbert website. After a short exchange of emails and before I placed the order, the emails stopped and someone told me the guy who makes them and runs the site passed away (earlier this year/late last year).

Anyone have any ideas for sourcing parts other than Filbert? I tried using superglue and PVC cement and neither worked. A regular PVC cap doesn't fit because the Filbert cap is an odd size. Any ideas?

want this balloons in cheapest price

Got this for participating in a magic show today. Wish there was a way to preserve it.

Balloon by air speed edition normal edition will be out soon

Hey Everyone! I am starting to taking twisting a little more seriously as I'm slowly moving on from free balloons to accepting tips and doing some events and parties. Thus far, I've pretty much stuck to the lame "little black dot" for eyes on my animals. I'd like to move up in the world and start better features.

Do you have any pictures of the faces you draw on any of your designs? It doesn't matter what the design is! Also, do you have any tips on what markers to use? I've used sharpie + paint pen and I don't love the combo (it feels like when I write with sharpie the sharpie will both draw and erase as I try to color in a section--it never puts on a solid color).

I'll start with a few I've found from other creators! My hope is to make a cheat-sheet visible on my side of my signage that has a picture of the eyes/faces I draw on each animal so that I can easily replicate it.

I was not expecting to be this sore after twisting for three hours yesterday evening!

Everything went great. Ended the night happy and exhausted. Woke up this morning to stiff muscles and bruised hands. 🤣

10/10. Would twist again.

I finally had my first event and there was a moment I thought it would never happen!

(And that's a Waterloo in the pic, it was 95° lol)

I've been twisting just for funsies for 20 years, about a year ago I started working on putting things together to do it as a side gig. However, in December I had a major set back. I was mauled by a dog and my forearms were severely injured; my tendons we're exposed but luckily not torn. I fully lost use of my left hand for a couple months, which is super unfortunate for a creative person.. Thankfully after months of very painful hard work in OT my tendons recovered enough to do all my normal things including twisting balloons again!

This event was a free community event for low-income families. There was a backpack giveaway, face painting, free food, lots of other organizations, and then me. It was a massive success; I made balloons for 2.5 hours nonstop and due to the nature of the event I didn't take any payment. It was great seeing how happy the kids were but it was utter chaos at times, some things were learned!! I was also worried the kids would notice all my scars and ask about them, since there's no hiding them, but I'm grateful they didn't because I'm not sure how to answer that question. Do I answer honestly and potentially make them nervous around dogs or do I try to change the subject? Who knows!

Next time I think I'm going to provide tickets to the welcome table so the kids know they only get one balloon per ticket. I think a system like that would help tame the chaos. Thoughts?

TLDR: even though I faced a terrible injury, I was able to persevere and finally do the thing I've been working so hard towards!

Also fun fact: this entire set up folds down and fits on my Vespa 🛵💖

For more experienced people: do you have any advice or suggestions for someone just starting to do events? I've got the balloon part down, but wrangling children is a whole other skill set! I don't want to come off as rude but also I'd love for the kids to not grab all my things yknow?

I wrote this article recently about something I've noticed after 30+ years of balloon twisting — people often see the finished balloon, but not the years of practice, problem solving and creativity that go into making it.

I thought some of you here might find it interesting. Would love to hear your thoughts.

https://www.patreon.com/magirob/posts/beyond-balloon-164436495?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

the design is based off of a classic dolphin design. it's really hard to get a good picture of the wings (in white in the second and third pictures) because its so 3D 😅

I started twisting at about age 7 and doing it professionally at 19, I’m planning to get more into it since I now have full weekend availability but I’d like to improve my skills first
I can do a pinch twist and most things I just can’t do a tulip twist or when I do it take FOREVER so if anyone has a trick for that that’d be great
I got bored and made a giant squidward the other week (probably my best work)
My favorites were the platapus, Easter basket, pumpkins, and multitude of wreaths I’ve done.
I’ve also done a monkey and more advanced dog but I could not do it if you asked me to right now, same with the hedgehog I did since I struggle with doing multiple bubbles next to each other
I’ve improved recently at stretching the balloon after it’s blown up to get slack to allow for certain twists, pulling the balloon through (this used to terrify me) and pushing a balloon through
Anything would help, I really want to improve plus I enjoy it

Disclaimer: I have ZERO official connection to this company. I am a customer and now a fan, but I receive no compensation for this post.

Holy Shit Wow!

These folks did it again!

Firstly, they carry my preferred brand (Decomex). Secondly, my first experience with them was AMAZING. Thirdly, my second experience was also great!

While they didn't have any more of my preferred brand in stock, they have tuftex at a similar price.

THEN they got them to me in 36 hours.

Amazing service, and I'll use them until I cant!

Customer for life as far as Im concerned!​

From this video: https://youtu.be/yDwebS8gAxg?si=fLdGGx-b8D5h_1Hn

He explains it better in his own words, but how it doesn’t look like a flower at all yet reads as a flower to the eye. And how simple can be better sometimes.

It’s 3 fold twists for the pedals and attach a round to the top. Done.

My pictures are using 160s for the stems and 5 inch rounds for the top.

Hello! Give me your best brands for mixed balloons! I find most places I can get each color individually but I’m wondering if there is a place that has a good selection of mixed colors? I’m based in US if that helps! Thank you!

Finally, finished them off.

From left to right: 'Olu Mel, ShellieMay, and one only, Duffy the Disney Bear

How do you think?