From: Cheryl Rupple <CherylR@shortandassociates.com>
To: "'The Network'" <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Structural Columns for Decor...my search has ended! (long)
Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2001 13:30:15 -0400

Hi All,

For the past 5 years I have been in search of columns to use in my
decorating.  There have been discussions/requests on the list, but nothing
has really been presented that seemed to be the "perfect solution" for what
I wanted.  

Prom Magazines: - Cheap - but not practical for reusable décor, not a high
quality appearance
Rotocast: Nice Stuff - somewhat pricey - lightweight - won't scratch, never
need to paint BUT tip over easily, if you want to light something on top you
have the cord hanging down, too unstable to put much on top, the shorter
ones too short and the tall ones a little too tall.
Aluminum Building Columns: - pricey - unless you can find them in a throw
away pile like I did!  Hollow so you can run cords inside and set bushes on
top.  Have to come up with a way to install a base plate to stabilize them
and then the plate sticks out from under the column. They scratch easily, so
have to repaint often.

So, if it's not cardboard, or plastic, or aluminum, what is it????  It's
Styrofoam  (lightweight!)  coated with styrocrete, like concrete, (for
protection).  They are made for the construction industry - for outside so
are durable.  They have a core hole running the length of the column to
accommodate electrical cords.  The bases are a solid concrete piece that is
detachable from the column for easier carrying and storage.  It is totally
concealed within the base part of the column.  You can order to the length
you desire.  (Mine are 7.5 ft. with the caps)  You can get straight or
curved top pieces to sit on top of 2 columns.  The "overhang" of the
straight top is ˝ the distance between the 2 columns, so if you want to
build a wall of columns, the tops all touch end to end, with all the columns
equal distance apart.

No, there isn't a warehouse full of these to purchase anywhere.  They are
made-to-order.  I agreed to be a guinea pig for them because there are a few
differences between the construction industry needs and the decorating
industry needs that needed to be considered.  We had some trial and error
issues - ie the finish was too rough for latex balloons, the way the tops
secured to the columns....but, these guys stuck with it and worked with me
until we were successful.

Now, I've only used them once so far, but they got rave reviews.  I had them
decorated in a very simple look - the event was a Rotary Annual Valentine's
Day Dance.  I had a pair of the see-thru/rose Qualatex heart balloons on the
top connector pieces with some greenery.  I definitely will be getting
more/different greenery to use with them.  Pictures are on my website.

Cost????  Well, they aren't real cheap, but they are real doable.  You
should recoop your investment on your 4th use of them.  I got mine the
middle of February for an event and have booked them for two more events
since then.  (and I only work the business part time right now.)

Just FYI - I do NOT get any kind of "kick-back" on this.  I am just excited
about finally getting the kind of columns I've been looking for, for so
long, and wanted to share it with the rest of you.

My contact is Bill at bbankes@globalms.com <mailto:bbankes@globalms.com>
and they're out of the Dayton/Cincinnati area in Ohio.

Eventfully Yours,

      Cheryl A. Rupple, CBA
C-3 Decorating - - - Defiance, OH
         www.C3Decor.com <http://www.C3Decor.com>