From: "Events by Misty" <events@paulbunyan.net>
To: <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Compilation of "letters" and THANK YOU!
Date: Sat, 18 Aug 2001 14:07:15 -0500

HELLO LIST!!!!
First, let me send you all a big thank you for all your help.  I have
compiled the responses I received for future reference on this email for in
the archives for someone needing help with letters.
As to how it went, the letters looked FABULOUS!!! That is, until the wind
picked up and we got very severe thunderstorms.  The arch entrance stayed
relatively intact, despite the HAIL, and the letters were held up by a
cancer survivor as the rest of the survivors walked.  Even tho the weather
was devastating to all the volunteers who worked so hard, it went on.  And
today, front page of the paper,
"Relay of Life event spells 'Hope' "  And actually, it looked still looked
presentable!  "Hope" can help cancer victims survive the "storm"!
Thanks again,
Misty
Events by Misty

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This might not be much help, but a tip that was shared with me a couple of
years ago that keeps the letters and number looking real is to use the
formula of 2.5 times the height to the width.  To give you an example
if the letter is 2 feet wide it needs to be 5 feet high
the width x 2.5 = height
I also always down size my balloons when going on the inside of a closed
letter such as O & P.
Hope this helps you a bit.
Bye for now
Brenda Roed, CBA
Highlight Balloons Inc.

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I make my frames out of Aluminum Rod.  Depending on the color of the
balloons I cover it with matching duct tape.  That is also what I use
to place the pieces together.  You should only blow your balloons to
3½".  3" I find is a little to small. Use QUADS except on the ends,
then use a 5 pack.  If I can help anymore just call or e-mail me at
631-738-7515 or ilene@creativeparties.net.  Good luck!
Sincerely,
Ilene Fuss, CBA

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Someone on the list recently suggested that if you are using an 8 foot
frame,
using balloons sized to 8", so in your instance with a 3 foot frame, perhaps
a
3" balloon?
My other suggestion would be to use aluminum rod/heavy gauge wire to form
your letters.  I've found that rod holds up better than PVC and often get a
lot of
bounce and shake with PVC.  Good luck with your event and kudos to you for
supporting a good cause!
Johnna Perry
Up, Up & Away!

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We determine the balloon size by the height of the frame
3ft =3in balloons
4ft= 4in etc.
The ABC of PVC by Debra Paulk is an excellent guide
for making PVC frames
I hope this helps
KIA
KIA Event Specialist
A Tasteful indulgence for All Senses

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would the megaloons have been easier?? i use them all the time!! Just a
thought..and good luck!! :) Nice donation too!!
Theresa
Blessed Beyond Baskets

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The frames can be any size as long as the balloons are sized in proportion
to them. Usually, the bigger the letters are, the easier they are to do.
Letters that are only a couple of feet tall require very small balloons. No
matter how big or small the letters are, to create them as a garland you'll
use exactly the same number of balloons - only the size of the balloons
changes.
To get everything in proportion, it's easiest to work backwards. Draw what
you want the finished letters to look like on some old newspaper (make them
the right size and remember to use a thick font). Draw a line through the
center of each section - this will show you how big each section of frame
should be. Then measure the distance from the frame to the outside of the
letter. This will tell you how LONG the balloons need to be in that section.
It's sometimes hard for new artists to understand but it's the LENGTH of the
balloons that is important for sculpture work - not the balloons diameter.
Since it's easiest to size balloons by their diameter you can then use a
Slide-N-Size or other template device to replicate that diameter.
If you make the frame size and balloon length to match your diagram, you'll
end up with perfect letters.
HOPE this helps!
Bruce Walden
Walden Productions Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
http://www.uplifter.com