From: LLDiva@aol.com
Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2000 00:27:13 EDT
Subject: Re: Twisted - ME?!
To: balloon@balloonhq.com

One thing I do to keep fresh is change my list of things that I make.  If I 
think I might puke if I make another cat, I just don't mention this, and that 
way I only have to make it if the kid really wants that instead of what I 
suggest.  

One thing I find this works really well for is the new stuff I want to 
practice.  Sometimes when they ask me what I make, I'll say, "I just learned 
a really cool ________________ the other day, and also a _______________ and 
a ____________.  I also make the regular stuff like ...."  It's wonderful, 
and sometimes I get to make the thing I need to practice 4 or 5 times in a 
row, and by that point I've got it down and got a fast way to do it, as well. 
 I'm trying to add at least one or two new things a week.  

BTW, a great alternative to a cat:  A cat chasing a mouse.  It's a hat.  Very 
simple.

Make a standard cat and mouse.  Then make a hat base - the indian feather 
base - balloon around head to measure, twist that, then a pinch twist, and 
then leave the rest sticking up (this part is worn on the front of the head). 
 Good to have about an inch or so of balloon left over at the top.  Take the 
balloon knot and wrap it around the mouse's front legs, and take the end of 
the ballon sticking up and wrap it around the cat's front legs.  Position 
them like the mouse is being chased.  Show the kid that to make them run thay 
can nod their head up and down.  Also, on the faces, I make the cat mean and 
the mouse scared.  Lots of times I'll see them still playing with it the next 
time I pass their table.  It's a hoot.  

Hope you like it and hope you get the break you need!