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Balloon HQ Archive of Past Columns

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BHQ Ramblings

2008
January February March April May
2007
January February March April May June July August September October November
2006
January February March April May June July August September October November November
2005
January February March April May June July
August September October November December
2004
January February March April May June July
August September October December
2003
January February March April May June July
August September October November December
2002
January February March April May June July
August September October November December
2001
January February March April May June July
August September October November December
Answers to Questions
2000
January April December
Poll: Linking to Other Web Sites
Poll: Sharing or renting books and videos
1999
January February March May June August

BHQ Feature Photos

2007 2006 2005 2002 2001 2000 1999
Columns by Jay Akselrud

Jay Akselrud

2006
Balloon Twisting and a Chessed Chug
Columns by Rob Balchunas

Rob Balchunas

2006
Reindeer Hat
2005
How I got into College
Rob's BHQ Article
Wallace
Betallatex 360 Balloons
2004
Inside My Bag
Balloon Hat
Twist & Shout Review
Ode to the BHQ Artist Directory
Presentation is Everything
A Witch!
Balloon Manor
2003
The Importance of Twisting
Columns by Bill Beatty

Bill Beatty

2000
Twisting with Kids
Columns by Sheena Beaverson

Sheena Beaverson

2004
Love of Latex: Ashland Agate 260
Columns by Wynn Bell

Wynn Bell

2007
My Return to Balloon Manor
2003
Stuff In The Van
2002
Indoor Decor For The New Year
Alternatives and "Sellable"
IBAC Recap
Pictures Of Your Balloon Work
Ways To Beat The Price Shopper
2001
Proportion in balloon decor
A review of the sculptures at IBAC 17
Decorating outdoors
Getting started in the balloon business
2000
Scaling your decor
Columns by Linda Berman

Linda Berman

2004
Gazebo
2003
Curly Q's!
Miniature Baby!
Two Toem Butterfly!
New 160 Colors!
Alien and Nemo Parody
Twisting with 160 Opaques
Still loving 160s
Halloween 160s
160 Designs by Request
2002
SnowMom
Valentine's Day Ideas
Round Easter Bunny
Marvelous Miniatures
160 Twisting Goes Mainstream
Spiderman Parody
Balloon Accessories
Length, Color, and Stability
Halloween Goodies!
Minature Snow Man!
Dreamcatcher
2001
Twisting a cute 160 bunny
Directional Twisting - keeping your bubbles twisted
Returning from Belgium/Twisting at Weddings
Twisting a lobster
Making a mini dragon
A New Construction Technique
Swirls And Wands
Twisting a Cute 160 Turkey
Twisting 160 Holiday Designs

Luc Bertrand

2007
Balloons in Poland
Balloon Trees
My Business
Topmannqeuin Awards
2006
Valentines Themes
Inside Churches
3-foot Rainbow Superagates
Round Balloon Letters
2005
Wiggly Waggly
646 Arch
Working with Foil Balloons
Walk Through Hearts
Spheres from Stars
A Simple Bear
Simple Hearts
Halloween Ideas
Christmas Ideas
Christmas Greetings
2003
Hemispherical Balloon
Columns by Dave Bigelow

Dave Bigelow

2007
Balloon Bracelets
Anthony Brown, Jr.

Anthony Brown, Jr.

2004
Enhancing Your Balloon Business with Technology
PDAs
Balloons Around The World

Jeff Brown

2008
Balloons Around The World
Balloons Around The World
2007
Balloons Around The World
Balloons Around The World
Balloons Around The World
2006
Balloons Around The World
Balloons Around The World
2003
Balloons Around The World
Balloons Around The World
2002
Balloons Around The World
Patricks bears

Patrick Brown

2001
2001 a Balloon Odyssey
Combining Magic and Balloons
Tension
Size Matters
Twisting Decor
A Family Show
Performing With Balloons
2000
The Artist Corner
Making costumes
Adding hair to balloon faces
Marketing tips by Sharon Buck

Sharon Buck

2002
Setting The Stage
Holiday Marketing Tips
The Bridal Market
The Thank You Note
Summertime Balloons
Business Checkup
Summer Market
The Halloween Season
Corporate Dollars
Let's Get Political!
Holiday Fever!
New Year's Sales!
2001
Getting new business - the kind you really want to get
Effective Networking
Hunters, Farmers, Scalpers, and Fishermen
The Spy Glass
Plan Your Success, Make It Happen!

Patricia Bunnell

2008
Creativity Test
2007
Where does my inspiration come from?
Dolphin
Cute Little Jet
Twister Bags
Halloween Pirate Hat
2006
My Favorite Horse Hat
Flamingo Hat
Giraffe Hat
Here Comes Peter Cottontail
Amazing 646 Pig Hat
My "Aha" Moment...
Scary Spider Hat
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
2005
Bog on a Hat
Punxsatawney Phil
Dog on a Hat
April Showers
Beautiful Swan Hat
Using Raisins
Whimsical Clown
Dragonfly
Dracula
Christmas Ornaments and Lights
2004
EXTRAORDINARY BALLOONS
Singing Christmas Angel
Columns by Don Caldwell

Don Caldwell

2007
Magic Moments
The Greasy Spoon vs. Fine Dining
Summer Movie Preview
2006
The Legend of Cafe TuTu Tango
How to Make Really Quick Cartoon Characters
2005
No...
What Is It?
The Power of Play
Return of the Jedi
A Little Bit of History Repeating...
Come On-A My House
Bride of the Mummy!
Balloon Preservation
Balloon Puppets
2004
Blue Sky
Things That I Learned From the Mouse
Don't Read This Article
The Starting Point
Disney Undercover
The Best Balloon Pump Ever
The Big Book of Monsters
Things that Fell out Of my Head
A Christmas Story
2003
In The Bag!
The Photo Album
Breaking The Mold
The Art Of Being Remarkable
Meeting the Challenge
Alien Invasion!
The Adventures of Balloon Lassie
Birthday Cake
2002
Restaurant Work
Columns by John Christianson

John Christianson

2006
Betallatex 360 Pumpkin
Witch Hat
Twisted Halloween Face Print Makeover
Columns by Bonnie Davis

Bonnie Davis

2005
Dots, Ovals and Teardrops
Figures by Ralph Dewey

Ralph Dewey

2008
Rat Hat
Rose Under Glass
Daniel McCullough's Killer Whale Hat
Ride-Inside Mule (Donkey)
Themla Levitt's Dog
2007
Facial Expressions with Balloons
Simple Penguins
Balloon Flowers
Bomb And Balloon Photographing
Easy Sedan Car
Telephones
Water Balloon Trick & Japanese Twisters
Pig Hat
Dizzy Doc's Skull
Turkey Hat
Margreet's Clown Fish
2006
Sitting Dog
Gayla Industries
Easter Bunny Basket
Margreet's Dolphin
Quick Race Car
Moose
Rainy Day Ducks
Chain Link Technique & Balloon History
Tumbling Clown
260 Spider
Fabrizio's Vulture Hat
Christmas Candle Holder
2005
Rooster
Key to My Heart
Balloon Shows (Part 1)
Balloon Shows (Part 2)
Balloon Puppet
Mermaid
Walrus Hat
Helicopter
Creative Twisting and Candied Apple
Ghostly Ghoul
Balloon Magic Ideas
Playable Banjo
2004
Monkey and Palm Tree
Cow Hat
Quick Easter Basket
Spring Bonnet
Funny Faces With Heart Balloons
Rocket Hat
Flat Weave Car
Corny Balloon Sight Gags
Balloon Idea Sharing
Pumpkin Face
Ferris Wheel
Santa Hat &s; Snow Man
2003
Top Twister
Balloon Kite
Don Nelson's Diamond Ring
Detailed Modeling Techniques
SpideyMan!
Bird Nest
Snake
Purple Elephant
Screamer Balloons, Angry Bee, and UFOs!
Ghost Hats
Scarecrow Hats!
Simple Holiday Hats
2002
Diamond Ring
Ice Cream Cone
Balloons That Sizzle
Balloon Corsage
Bottle & Lariat
Bulldog
Dove
Balloon Trombone
Balloon Toucan
Balloon Torch
Balloon Snare Drum
Balloon Hands
2001
Twisting a Hammer
Easter Egg and Bunny
Dolphin
5 heart Flower
Creations from the Heart [Balloons]
Comedy Bits For Your Balloon Show
Balloon Saxophone
Baby Bird In An Egg
Balloon Tidbits
Columns by John Doyle

John Doyle

2007
Alternatives to Helium... Update
 Balloons At Work by Don Dixon

Don Dixon - Balloons At Work

2002
January February March April May June
2001
January February March April May June
July August September November December
2000
September October November December
Columns by The Ferrells

Lorna Ferrell, CBA and Lorinda Ferrell, CBA

2007
Handling the Helium Shortage
2006
Luau Cool Guy
2005
New Year's Explosions
Halloween Residential Party
2003
Reindeer
Columns by Shonna Flanigan

Shonna Flanigan

2007
Restaurant Business
Super Size and Variations
Simple Bear Heads
The Healing Power of Balloons
The Diabolical Baby
A Niche for All of Us
2006
Tips for Having a Great Experience at a Balloon Convention
Columns by Michael Floyd

Michael Floyd

2006
Balloon Car
Layered Eyes
2005
How to Inflate a Balloon by Mouth
Columns by Bob Follmer

Bob Follmer

2002
The 6 Day 2 Day Conference
Review - "Cram & Jam" by Lauren Suprenaut
Columns by Michael Gjerek

Michael Gjerek

2008
Basic Vase
2007
Nautilus
Balloon Hat
Columns by Carrie Heater

Carrie Heater

2008
A Fresh Start
The Tale of a Ten Foot Goose
Columns by Chris Horne

Chris Horne

2002
Fantasy Flowers Are Easier Than You Think!
Columns 
by Jan Iiams

Jan Iiams

2008
Balloon Merchandising
2007
HI-FLOAT, Hi-Style, Hi-Profit!
Let Balloons Inspire Your Creativity
The Art of Inspired Color
2006
Centerpieces That Sell
Recipe Design
The Budget Bride
Balloon Merchandising
2005
Low-cost, High-perceived-value Arrangements!
Oh-la-la! Lomey
Professional, Practical and Profitable Decor
2004
April - Color
2003
January - Helium Inflation Basics
June - Low-cost, High-perceived-value Arrangements!
November - Special Effect with Hi Float
2001
April - Constructing a "magical" table centerpiece
August - Adhesives for balloon creations
November - Balloon Art For Walls

Steve Jones

2007
I Want My Life Back!
Corn on the Cob
BalloonTown USA
2006
The Brides are Coming!
A Stacker's Guide to Twist & Shout
An Open Letter to Competition Promoters
It's All Relative
Handling Burn Out
Dealing with Problem People: Part Four
BalloonTown USA 2006
Tipping the Scale
2005
Are We Done?
A Month of Money-Free Marketing
The Dance Floor "Crown"
Dealing with Problem People - Part One
Dealing with Problem People - Part Two
Dealing with Problem People - Part Three
Ballooniversity 2005 - Viva Las Vegas!
BalloonTown USA 2005: The Next Generation
BalloonTown USA 2005: A Literary Tour
BalloonTown USA 2005: Psst... Pass it on
BalloonTown USA 2005: By The Letters
2004
To Free or Not to Free... THAT is the Question
The Balloon Professional and the Convention
A Really Bad Day
Safety in Numbers: Start Your Own Marketing Group
Safety in Numbers Part 2: A Short Term Solution
Crossing Over: Part 1
Crossing Over: Part 2
Websites and What They Represent
The Birth of BalloonTown USA
BalloonTown USA: The Saga Continues...
The Best Things I Ever Did for My Business
BalloonTown USA: The Aftermath
2003
Meeting and Event Planners
Excuses For Not Competing
Dying Art of Customer Service
Research and Development
The Up-Sell
Chicken Soup for the Latex Soul
Review of the Balloon Room Annual Seminar
Why Be Yellow?
Columns by Just Marie

Just Marie

2008
Balloon Fashion Design
2007
Making The Most Of Your Membership
Columns by Mike Kenyon

Mike Kenyon

2007
Finding a ZigZag Path in West Virginia - Final
2006
Finding a ZigZag Path in West Virginia
Finding a ZigZag Path in West Virginia - Part 2
Finding a ZigZag Path in West Virginia - Part 3
Finding a ZigZag Path in West Virginia - Part 4
2005
Finding The Path - When things Go Wrong
Finding the Path to Goals & Service
Finding the Path - Going To The Mountain
Finding the Path - Two Short Essays
2004
Finding The Path To Art - Pt. 1
Finding The Path To Art - Pt. 2
Finding The Path To The Worse Party
Finding The Path To The Best Excuse Ever
Finding The Path To A Local Legend - Pt. 1
Finding The Path To A Local Legend - Pt. 2
Stopping on the Path To Say Thank You
Finding The Path To A Local Legend - Pt. 3
Finding The Path To A Local Legend - Pt. 4
Finding The Path To A Local Legend - Pt. 5
Finding The Path To New Territory - Are we near the end of the path?
Finding the Path To Defining What We Do
2003
New Years Resolutions 2003
The Big Question, The Big Answer - Part 1
The Big Question, The Big Answer - Part 2
The Big Question, The Big Answer - Part 3
Adding Interaction to Performances
Overseas In Another Country Pt. 1
Overseas In Another Country Pt. 2
Finding the Path Pt. 1
Finding the Path Pt. 2
Finding the Path Pt. 3
Finding the Path Pt. 4
2002
Finding The Path
Recommended Emergency Kit
Using Comical Music
The Wide Scope Of Entertainemnt
Raising Fees
Balloon Jam Sponsors
Pretending To Be Someone
Columns by Ryan Lavallee

Ryan Lavallee

2008
Iron Man
Columns by Jimmy Leo

Jimmy Leo

2006
The Great Peanut Controversy
Those Golden Yeared Children
Just Doing My Job
2004
Times they are a' changin'
The Director's "CUT!!"
The Cell Phone
2003
Minimizing Prep Time Part 2
Six Foot Rounds
2002
Attacking New Markets Part 1
Attacking New Markets Part 2
The Long Road
A Break In The Routine
Giving Something Extra
Minimizing Prep Time
2001
Setting the Stage
Setting the Stage, part 2
The balloon chain stitch aka the box chain
Comedy with balloons
The A.R.T. Principle
Columns by Ian Lowe

Ian Lowe

2008
Sound Systems for Balloon Entertainers
2006
A Balloon Story
Columns by Sandi Masori

Sandi Masori

2006
Shmoozing the Jewish Market - Part 1
Shmoozing the Jewish Market - Part 2
Shmoozing the Jewish Market - Part 3
Shmoozing the Jewish Market - Part 4
Columns by Sue Marston-Weston

Sue Marston-Weston

2008
Love Bug
2007
Incredible Insiders
Easter Bunny!
The Qualatex Event Romania
Design for Halloween
2006
How to design and create Precision Balloon Walls
Balloon Display and Merchandising For Beginners
Columns by Tim McConeghy

Tim McConeghy

2001
Chihuahua
Frog
Columns by Tonya McNeill

Tonya McNeill

2008
Old Time Telephone
Columns by Larry Moss

Larry Moss

2007
Choosing Audience Volunteers
Finding the Right Costume For Your Act
Learning from Bad Shows
Creating the Right Auditory Experience (part 1)
2004
Balloon Manor In Review
Unknown
The Power of Inflation
Columns by Crystal Narramore

Crystal Narramore

2001
July - Finding inspiration
February - 10 Steps to a Successful Bridal Show
Columns by Todd Neufeld

Todd Neufeld

2005
Reality TV Blues
2003
Santa Stick
2002
Copyright Laws and Balloon Parody
Magic Wand
2001
Millennium Jam Review
Columns by Mark Nilsen

Mark Nilsen

2002
February - Welcome Guest or Irritating Intruder?
2001
December - Balloons At Restaurants

Michael Philo

2008
New Year, New Balloons, New You
2007
Fun with Sprays
Tools of the Trade
Tommy the Tank Engine
Tip of the Day
Railroad Track Hat
Bowling Hat
Adding to Your Balloons
2006
Hats for the New Year
Hats and Wands
The Many Faces of March
April Angels
More Bodies
Monkey Business
Christmas in July
School of Fish
Under the Sea
Pirate Attack
Turkey and Stuff...ing
Christmas Time for Giving
2005
Balloon Babies
Cupid's Arrow
Leprechaun Mask
Build a Bob
Cartoon Style Donkey
Odds and Ends
It's A Round World We're Living In
All Mixed Up
Mask Hats
Talk Turkey
Santa Hat
Columns by Jack Porcello

Jack Porcello

2002
January - The Balloon StoryGram
February - The Bubble Up Effect
March - The Pre-K Connection
April - The Pre-K Connection Part 2, Community Helpers
May - The Pre-K Connection Part 3 - Getting In
June - Betallatex Ballerina
2001
January - Storytelling with Balloons
February - Selecting Text
March - Point of View
April - Virtual Stage
May - Making it Work
June - Perceived Value
September - Philanthropic Protocol
October - Opening The Show
2000
Twisting Under the Sea
November - (Mari-)Time Management
December - All the Restaurant's a Stage, Portable Entertainment
Columns by Dustin Queary

Dustin Queary

2007
Thomas the Tank Engine
Simple Triceratops
Aviator Snoopy

Gayle Rood

2004
The Story of Partyopolis...
The Story of Partyopolis...
Columns by Graham and Mary Queen Rouse

Graham and Mary Queen Rouse

2005
July - Show & Sell Balloon Graphics
August - Three Patterns For Graphics
October - Balloon Graphics Jobs
Stacey Schmude Columns

Stacey Schmude

2003
Further Adventures of Billy The Blue Balloon Dog
Valentines Day Goodies
TJam 03 Review
Bubbleology
2002
January - Can't Keep A Good Kid Down
December - The Bunny Hat
2001
January - More Balloons Across America & a new lion design
February - Tips for the troubled twister
March - Twisting a light saber
April - Twisting with others
May - Twisting for free
July - What to give away when things get busy
September - Storytime With Stacey
October - Billy and the Boo Boo
2000
April July August September October November
Columns by Hans Siemons

Hans Siemons

2001
January - Dog's face
February - Clown face
March - Multi-colored parrot
April - Rabbit
May - Wearable figures
June - Monkey in a palm tree
August - More wearable figures
2000
November - Faces from rubber gloves
December - Twisting with Link-O-Loons
Columns by Mark Small

Mark Small

2003
December - Rose
Columns by Lauren Surprenant

Lauren Surprenant

2002
Now You're A Salesperson
Columns by Gene Tamashiro

Gene Tamashiro

2008
Pirate/Arabian Sword
2007
Hammer Time
Columns by Scott Tripp

Scott Tripp

2008
Bumble-Bee Bracelet
2007
Balloon Potpourri
Gone Fishin'
Balloon Twisting News
Toss-Up Balloons!
2006
The Balloons of Summer
Casino Balloon Magic
My First Big Deco Job
The Jar o' Balloons Guessing Game!
Magic 8-ball
Columns by Jason Vaughn

Jason Vaughn

2008
It's all about Perspective
Balloon Business
Reboot Your Balloon Business
Stop Playing It Safe
Columns by Daren Williams

Darin Williams

2004
The Prince(ss) And The Puppy

Jeanine Von Essen

2006
Reindeer Wand
Columns by Peggy Williams

Peggy Williams

2005
Spring- A Perfect Time to Put Our Best Foot Forward
2004
Being a Professional Balloon Decorator is "The perfect Job!"
Let's "Sell the Summer Away
Dottie and Judy
Columns by Mark Zettler, reprinted from Balloons and Parties Magazine

Mark Zettler

2006
What a Difference a Year Makes
2005
Shooting (Or De-Flating!) The Messenger
2004
What To Say On Repeated, Follow-up Calls
IT PAYS TO BE A GOOD NEGOTIATOR
Decorate Without Latex??
No Hesitation for No Education
Terrorists Among Us
2003
Dottie and Judy
Out with the Old...
2002
A Business E-commerce Primer
Hiring Summer Help
SELL! SELL! SELL! Marketing is good stuff
The Art Of Plagiarism
10 Strategies for Creativity
Simple Sales
Resolve - Not Resolution
A Business E-Commerce Primer
Phone appointments to attract new business
Understanding Gas Cylinders
Eight Great Ways To Make Your Retail Store Memorable
Remembering Neil Tillotson and Rocky Oliveto


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