|
|
The Guide |
Photos |
Videos |
Columns |
Calendar
|
|
When I get that confused or hopeless look, I say "Oh, you don't speak French? Let's go to plan B. You have to ask for it with a French accent, and I'm going to help you. 'May I have zee pooodle puleeeeze?!'" I over emote, and use my arms and hands very expressively. I whisper to her "Don't forget the hands," stand back, and laugh.
Don't forget to look stunned at the excellent performance. "You have been on the stage or screen! I'm sure of it!!"
I believe I first saw this hat in Caption Visual's Big Book of Balloons. I learned more from this book than from any other source when I was starting out. I heartily recommend any book by Captain Visual.
For some reason this routine works especially well with young girls, and with older men. Make a standard hat base. Twist 1 or 2 balloons into the peak of the hat. Ask a girl (because girls are more color conscious) to suggest one more color 'that doesn't match,' and twist that last balloon the same way. Give them a little definition with a few slight bends. There is a very good example of this in the photos by Mr. Don Magical Balloonman, Photo ID# 36093. Yes, I know this is about the easiest hat to make, but it’s powerful. Volume impresses.
Here's my patter that makes it even better. Note that it sounds like I'm building myself up rather pompously, but at the end, I make myself look silly.
"I'm going to make you a hat that I'm world famous for making. No one makes this as well as I do. Now I know that sounds like bragging, and your mother told you not to brag. But if you're telling the truth, it's not bragging, it's just telling the truth. Does anyone know what this hat is called? (The name was actually given to me by someone who said "That looks like a bad hair day." Often, people will guess the Medusa hat. I'm sure there's a routine in this name too.)
"This hat is called the Bad Hair Day Hat, and the reason I make it so well is that for me, every day is a bad hair day." And as I’m delivering the punch line, I sweep my hat off my head, making sure to mess up my hair (which is usually unnecessary)! As I'm adjusting the hat on the head, I'll say "And I would like to offer you the balloon twister's blessing. May your worst day in life be a bad hair day!"
Do not put this hat on a bald man - it might be a sensitive point for him.
