A Fascinating time at the Katherine Races

So much balloon goodness, so little time! On the weekend just passed, I decided to go to Katherine to catch up with one of my fantastic friends before she goes on an indefinite time to the USA. I arrived late evening on the Friday, with my sister and two nephews. Early the next day, Mum and I went to the morning markets to facepaint and balloontwist respectively.

My mother, sister and I. We look like we love pink!

Anyway, to the good bit! I started using new design or two, one of those being a horse. I made it as my cool thing to wear, and I had a few requests for it that morning. No wonder because it was very cool but also it was the weekend of the Katherine Cup.

Adorable and cheeky to boot!

When it was time to head to the races, I created another one to wear; as well as  a horse costume for my biggest nephew. Doesn't he look adorable!? The design was inspired by one I saw the twister and Fred's Pass show twist up. Sadly one of his 'lips' popped, so there is only one. It happened whilst I was making the bridle :(

I got a lot of compliments for my fascinator, it was a lot of fun to wear. The top I am wearing is one that I designed and created, it was fun colours to wear!

Funny true story no 1: Well, not very funny but my boss had a horse running in the race, so I gave Brook and I the number of his horse on our wearables; Number 5. Guess which horse won the race? Yes, indeedy! Happy to say I won some money.

Funny true story no 2: When it came time to leave, we put the horse costume in the bin as Brook had given up on wearing it and some legs had popped. As we walked away, I looked back to the bin to find it horse-less. A quick glance around, and there was a tipsy woman wearing it on her head! It was too funny, I couldn't help but laugh :'D


And just before we left for the day, I had my photo taken by the newspaper photographer. It was cool to see myself in there today hehe.

Do the Teapot! (Safer than Planking!)

Was great to see Kate!

Sharing a fantastic hug with my Poppleophegus. I'm her Sonic <3

All in all a really fun but exhausting weekend was had! It was a blast catching up with my high school friends and everything was just fun. I can't believe it's been 10 years.... Can't wait for the November reunion!

Practice of new Designs

Ever since I met up with the twister at Freds Pass, I felt more inspired to create. I played around with some new designs, gaining inspiration from my inspirations folder. 

 With the exception of the Giraffe Hat, all the other balloons are fairly small in design. They use the 160 size modelling balloons. For those of you who are not on the up-and up of what these exotic creatures are... We have 2 giraffes (the 2nd one is worn on the wrist), then we have a little bird (who also looks great in dark pink and lime green!), a peacock and finally a seahorse.

Look out for my next post with my horse fascinator! haha... Coming soon!

Meeting a Twister and Fred's Pass Show

I visited Fred's Pass Rural Show recently, and to my delight discovered they had a talented balloon twister there! I was eager to gain a balloon from him, as I always lament there is no-one to make me a cool balloon gift! After some light stalkage and encouragement from my mum, I gots me my awesome balloon hat! The fabulous fellow was Brendan, of Balloons by Design (based in Melbourne)

He asked me what I might like, and I asked for something that was his favourite and whatever he wanted to make. I think the hat is pretty special and all kinds of great. He was great to have a chat with, and very helpful and encouraging! He and I made balloon ladybugs together, he showed me his design and we tandem twisted and made some young girls happy (okay, one of them was completely unsure but her mum loved it!). He offered to share with me some instructions that he has put together, which I look forward to receiving. 

The very next day I had fun re-creating his hat. I know it will be popular (no pun intended!) I got many stares and comments as I wore his, I hope to be able to share that joy with others hehe

Took a few photos that day... but hands down, this is my favourite! With my two Gorgeous Nephews Brook and Dallas. Thanks mum! I love the smiles :D

Happy Easter!

I hope that you had a fantastic Easter!

Here in Australia, we had a 5-day long weekend. There was Easter, but also ANZAC day on the Monday, and a public holiday for it was on the Tuesday. Not only that, this weekend is a three-day long weekend. Very cool.

Here is the special Easter balloon I made for the occasion:

I was quite happy with the outcome, it was the first time that I tried this original design for the rabbit. It also doubled as a gift to a birthday girl; more on that below!

Also, Tuesday (today) was my little nephew's 3rd birthday. We celebrated at the park, and of course I did the balloons! Not only that, my mother is a talented face painter (I'm sure I've bragged on that before!) and she pulled out her paints and delighted young and old.

My nephew, Brook! He turned 3.

Rawr! Tiger Princess Paris

Something different, no balloon photos of the event! However, balloons made include; a snake, ladybug on a flower, Pooh, Lightening McQueen hat and 1 2 3 skeletons! 

Not only that, but I worked with Hyper the Clown at a party recently, which was a fun outdoor event. The Easter balloon I made was the gift for the Saturday birthday. This coming weekend I also have another little one's birthday lined up... Yay! Bring it on, I say!

Tinkerbell and Parties

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to do a 60th birthday party... For twins! It was a fun evening, I enjoyed creating requests for the young children and those young-at-heart. Incidentally, I was not aware that the party was for a brother and sister, but luckily the balloon I'd made to take along was a parrot and a cockatoo on a perch haha Unfortunately I don't have any photos as I was rushing out the door!

Some of my favourite balloons of the night were a ballerina, and some lady bug bracelets. I had a bit of a challenge when I was asked for a platypus, might need to practice that one for next time!

Other interesting things that happened... I was asked for my phone number (sorry I'm taken!) and told I was fresh... like a minty. Don't ask! hehe

I'd brought some shiny new black patent shoes to wear that evening too, so my feet were a little sore. Not as bad as I thought they might get, thankfully. 

What was quite fabulous is that the bar manager at the party was very excited about the balloons, and ordered a special request for her sisters' birthday. (She was also very awesome by trading me food and drink for a balloon of her own after I finished at the 60th.) I thought it was quite clever as she brought numerous gifts for her that began with 'T'. After swapping some thoughts, we thought Tinkerbell would be a great idea.

I put a lot of effort into Tinkerbell for her, as I wanted to be as detailed as possible, amp up the 'wow' factor. I did make up the design as I went, as you can see my inspiration picture below. Thank you to the very talented Bonnie Davis whose head and neck instructions were the foundation for the head.

My reference picture

My client was very happy with the end result, and I really hope her sister will be too. It was a fun challenge, but now... I rest!

Until next time! (and one day soon I will finish my challenged balloons and put up some more!)

Katherine Markets and my Facepainting Attempt

Okay, so it's been a short while... hasn't it? I wanted to share with you some photos from my latest market that I attended. I feel there is far few pictures of me in action haha so I enlisted my mother to take some photos for me.

We didn't capture too many on the day, as mum is also a very talented Face Painter and took them between her little customers.

Thank you Mum! I think you did a great job ^___^

I had a great time at those markets. What was most fantastic is that there was a stall selling new books right next to us... and they had two balloon twisting kits! Two sweet young ladies (no relation) both told me that I had inspired them and so they brought the kits. I thought it was amazing and I wish them both the best of luck with their twisting!

Here is my recent attempt at painting my bestie's face... a little not a lot of stuff going on haha. I need more practice!

Got to practice more... that's for sure... hehe But it was great fun! I do want to learn to do better though..

A Gushing Review of Geniuses, and Supanova Plans

Getting ready for Supanova Brisbane 2011. A great excuse to dress up in costume, and make and wear a new balloon dress!

I wanted to share with you my inspiration of what I wish to create. Many of you in the ballooning world should have heard of Marie Dadow. What she does with her dresses is nothing short of amazing. If I can get to her level, I'd be so happy. Her amazing creations have been seen on the Victoria's Secret Runway, shows in Vegas, and my personal favourite; Disney's The Wizards of Waverly Place.

The dress that was made for an episode of Wizards:

Now, I'm not aware of any special event this may or not been created for, but the end result is absolutely stunning. From the colours, to the dress, to the makeup to the wig, to the model.... Everything!:

I hope to do something similar for myself. I have a talented friend who lives in Brissie who is a makeup artist who I will beg and plead for assistance (bribes I won't say no to!).

I am hoping to get a wig from the amazing Katie Bair. I don't know that I have sent a request for a quote with enough time with less than 3 months to go, but I can only hope. Due to the lead time she requires, it's not too likely for late March. I will wait to hear from her methinks (you never know!) then look at alternatives. Even if it's going to be too late for Supanova, I am determined to own one. A wig from Katie is an amazing thing and it will get a lot of wear regardless. The catch is if you order from her design services, you can't request what the wig will look like. The bonus of this is she is very creative and will come up with something amazing, most likely exceeding any expectations. Take a look at some of these examples from her website (there are hundreds there, a true master of her craft!):

(All above images (c) to Katie Bair)

Seriously, right!? They are a work of art, and the three above some of my favourites. But enough gushing.

I will keep you updated of any progress with my plans, or the outcome of my request to Katie. I am planning on putting a post on my other blog, She Said Whaaat?!, on my cosplay costume that I hope to make.

Worthwhile links to admire:

Balloon Art by Just Marie

Katie Bair's Petting Zoo