Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2000 12:59:41 +1100
Subject: Re: 6 balloon clusters
From: THE DIXONS <balloons@magna.com.au>
To: Balloon Headquarters <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>

G'Day from Downunder,
(The Downunder Topiary Technique)
Try this technique ..... you'll love it! (easier than the paper clip)

Get a plastic cable tie and cut a sharp point on the "tail" end.

Inflate and knot six single balloons with the knot as near to the BODY of
the balloon as possible. ie; lots of latex neck material from knot to lip.

Thread each balloon onto the cable tie by piercing through the latex lip
with the sharp end of the cable tie.

Bend the cable tie around into a loop and zip it up around the pole or
framework. BINGO!

This technique is ideal when;
Making 5 or 6 balloon clusters for garland on a pole frame.
Making topiary/puff balls of 12 to 30 in 5" balloons.
Making topiary balls of 12 balloons using 16" or 2ft latex balloons.
(use long industrial cable tie)

The advantages:
By having the majority of stretch (stress) in the latex from the knot to the
lip, you will encounter fewer instances of slow leak stress tears in the
balloons. This means LESS MAINTENANCE.

The cable tie also becomes a fastening method. With small table topiaries,
there is NO WAY the ball of 12 balloons is EVER coming off the stem.

When a balloon pops, you do not have it's (duplet) partner fall out. To
replace a popped balloon ..... tie a ribbon on the replacement balloon and
tie it to the pole or simply insert the balloon snugly and wind the ribbon
throughout the balloonwork.

I discovered this method back in the early 90s and posted details of it on
this list about 3 years ago.  Search "Downunder Topiary Technique" in the
archives for step-by-step instructions.

Good Luck!
Don & Dolly Dixon  CBAs
Sydney - AUSTRALIA
Don's Web Site  www.bizballoons.com.au
Dolly's Web Site  www.celebrating.com.au
Members of the www.eballoons.com.au world wide online delivery network
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