The Guide to Balloons and Ballooning

Table of Contents

• Search the guide for particular terms

• What is Balloon HQ?
  • General info about Balloon HQ and the email mailing lists
  • Mailing list rules
  • Advice on posting to the lists
  • About this guide

• Balloon Evolution
  • Definition of "balloon"
  • History of balloons
  • How balloons are made
  • Balloon terms
  • The allure of balloons
  • Balloons in "pop" culture
  • Balloon games
  • Other uses for balloons
  • Balloon books, magazines, videos, and CD-ROM's
  • Balloonware - software, fonts, 'net resources, ...

• Getting Started In Balloon Twisting:
  • Blowing up a balloon
  • Twisting balloons 101
  • Twisting balloons 102
  • Using color to your advantage
  • Decorating 260 balloon sculptures
  • ASCII notation for sculptures
  • Sculpture instructions
    • by name
    • by category
    • download all in .pdf format(1.6MB)

• Decorator's Corner
  • The tools of the trade
  • Balloon deliveries
  • Classic balloon decor 101
  • Classic balloon decor 102
  • Large balloon sculptures
  • Making balloons last
  • Using balloons outdoors
  • Outdoor balloon releases
  • Balloon special effects
  • Balloons on holidays and special events

• Turning Pro
  • Business considerations for balloon twisters
    • Twister fashions
    • Balloon care
    • The business of balloon twisting
    • How to market yourself
    • Places to work
    • Working With an Agent
    • Twisting Balloons For Tips
    • Balloon Busking
    • Restaurants 101
    • Restaurants 102
    • Determining what to charge
    • Crowd control
    • Twisting for children
    • Twisting for other audiences
    • Your balloon act
    • Entertainer issues
    • Balloons at parties
    • Balloon jokes and one-liners
    • Balloons and teaching
    • Facing the competition

  • Business considerations for balloon decorators
    • The business of balloon decor
    • Rules to live by
    • How to market your business
    • Your valued customers
    • Determining what to charge
    • Facing the competition

  • Business considerations for all pros
    • Vending Balloons
    • Volunteering and Donating to Charity
    • Balloon Certifications, Organizations and Conventions
    • Contracts for Balloon Professionals
    • How balloons impact health

• The How's and Why's of Balloons
  • Balloon science 101
  • How helium-filled balloons float
  • How balloons pop

• Where To Go From Here
  • Congratulations!

• Whodunit ?
  • BHQ Editors
  • BHQ Contributors
  • BHQ Sponsors