INFLATION

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Click each of the movies.	The Basics (Inserting, Inflating, and Tying) a "Double"	Inserting Several Balloons "Insider"	Making Duplets "Solids"	Inflating a Star

You can inflate a Sparklet as a "Double", an "Insider" or a "Solid". Please read below to see descriptions of each. The advanced user will also be able to create longer lasting arches and garlands using Sparklets.

The BASICS

STORAGE: Sparklets are provided to you in a Moist-Pak Zip Lock bag. This bag should always be kept sealed to keep the moisture in. If the Moist-Pak has dried out, you can add moisture back to it by cutting a slit on the corner of the Moist-Pak Towelette and adding water to it. Put it back into the Zip-Lock bag along with the balloons and seal the bag tightly. Depending upon how dry your Sparklets had become, it may take up to 2 weeks for them to soften up enabling you to inflate them without popping. Click here for an instant method.

INFLATION: Sparklets must be inflated 100% COMPLETELY wrinkle-free. This can only be done using the same equipment you use to inflate your latex balloons (such as a flexible tilt valve or a push valve.) There are other types of inflators you can use, but these are the most common. We also recommend an inflator that has a razor ribbon cutter attached to it when inflating "insiders" (several balloons in one Sparklet).

TYING: A larks head knot (see below) is the easiest way to seal off a Sparklet balloon and only requires curling ribbon. You do not need to tie ANY balloons! This knot allows you to untie the balloon if you need to deflate it or get back inside. Stay away from cable ties, they are expensive, time consuming and too much hassle. Do NOT tie the latex balloon around the Sparklet balloon. Instead, use some strong curling ribbon and tie a lark's heat knot AROUND both balloons.

STYLES: There are 3 styles in which you can inflate a Sparklet Balloon. The most common is a "double", but you can also create "insiders" using several latex balloons or "solids" generally used for long lasting arches and garlands. Scroll Down.

DOUBLES (when the latex balloon is secured to the bottom and stands inside the Sparket)

22" Sparklet = 11" latex insert

18" Sparklet = 11" latex insert

10" Sparklet = 5" latex insert


Step 1: Roll the latex balloon tightly around a thin stick (plastic coffee stir) and insert into the Sparklet.	Step 2: Inflate the Sparklet only for 5 seconds (or more if you can calculate size outcome).	Step 3: Inflate the latex balloon to correct size. Return to outer Sparklet and complete inflation until Sparklet is 100% wrinkle free.	Step 4: Tie strong curling ribbon around both balloons with a larks head knot.

Sometimes your latex balloon will not stand straight (the message may be off center). It is easy to twist the balloon AFTER it is tied. Simply push and twist. Click movie for a quick demonstration.

INSIDERS (when the latex balloon(s) are free to move around)

22" Sparklet = 5", 9", 11", heart shapes, 350's, etc (260's do not last long enough & 5" take too much time)

18" Sparklet = 5", 9", 11", heart shapes

10" Sparklet = 5" latex insert


Step 1: Roll the latex balloon tightly around a thin stick (plastic coffee stir) and insert into the Sparklet.	Step 2: Inflate the Sparklet only for 5 seconds. Then inflate the inner latex balloons.	Step 3: Knot the first latex balloon and use the ribbon cutter on located on your inflator so that the latex balloon easily snaps into the Sparklet.	Step 4:Add desired amount of latex balloons. to correct size. Return to outer Sparklet and complete inflation until Sparklet is 100% wrinkle free.
	Step 4: Tie strong curling ribbon around the Sparklet balloon with a larks head knot.

SOLIDS ( leaving no gap between the latex and Sparklet)

22" Sparklet = 18" latex insert

18" Sparklet = 16" latex insert

10" Sparklet = 9" or 11" latex insert


Step 1: Roll the latex balloon tightly around a thin stick (plastic coffee stir) and insert into the Sparklet.	Step 2: Inflate inner latex balloon only.	Step 3: Inflate until wrinkles on one side of the Sparklet have disappeared.	Step 4: Tie strong curling ribbon around both balloons with larks head knot.

LARKS HEAD KNOT

Watch the on-line demonstration using Quick Time.

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LARKS HEAD KNOT: This simple tying technique is fast and easy!

Illustrated Version

Photo Version

	STEP 1: Inflate balloon and hold in your left hand. With your right hand, hold the ribbon with the desired length of tail .
	STEP 2: Using your left hand, secure both tails of the ribbon. Right hand; Your thumb and finger 1 and 2 should be used to make a loop.
	STEP 3: Right hand: Use finger 3 and 4 to hold down the loop.
	STEP 4: Right Hand: Twist your wrist over so that you can grab the two tails and pull through the loop, to...
	STEP 5: Create a loop that can open and close.
	STEP 6: Pass the neck of the balloon through the loop and tighten by pulling both tails.
	STEP 7: Turn the balloon over, pull the two tails apart tightly. Wrap one tail around the neck, tie twice very tight.

CLUSTERS & ARCHES

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SIMPLY TIED LATEX BALLOONS

Inflate two 18" Sparklets with 16" latex balloon inserts. Inflate ONLY the latex balloon so that you create a "solid" (no gap between the latex and Sparklet). Tie the two LATEX balloons together to make a duplet. You do NOT need to tie the Sparklet balloons. Twist 2 duplets together to make a quad.

Once you have made a quad you can put together an arch or garland the same way you would with traditional latex balloons. Because the Sparklets are more firm (have less give) than a latex balloon, constructing arches may take some practice.

You can also create clusters with the 10" Sparklets using a 9" or 11" latex balloon insert. Due to the size of the balloons, these will not float with helium. You will need to use a hand pump, air compressor, or preferably a tank of nitrogen to inflate these smaller balloons completely wrinkle-free.

Depending upon the type of latex balloons you use, some of them may want to "bump" out when trying to tie the two together. If you are experiencing this problem, you can either under inflate them slightly OR tie individually before tying together. When you tie individually, push the knot TOWARDS the bulbous part of the balloon.

The above method is the fastest way to create clusters for decor purposes and this can ONLY be done with "solid".

22" Sparklet = 18" latex insert
18" Sparklet = 16" latex insert
10" Sparklet = 9" or 11" latex insert

HEAT SEAL & RUBBER BAND METHOD

Other methods would include heat sealing the "neck" of the Sparklet. You can tape down the heat sealed necks over large rubber balloons using long pieces of industrial strength clear tape. This method would allow you to make clusters out of "insiders" or create air filled decor that lasts for months and months.

3 - 6 month lasting Decor (non-floating decor only)

The heat seal & rubber band technique is also great for decor that must last for 3 - 6 months. This can be done with either "insiders" or "solids". If you do this method with "solids" you will need to cut off remaining neck of balloon so that the total of the latex balloon is inserted inside the Sparklet. This will allow you to heat seal the "neck" of the Sparklet. This type of decor would have to be air inflated (preferably with an air compressor OR Nitrogen) and thus it would not float. Because this method involves heat sealing, the Sparklet balloon would remain intact for months, and possibly years. The latex balloons inserted inside would slowly deflate over a period of months (indoors only). Although this method is VERY labor intensive, it is the only way to insure classy clean looking decor for such a long period of time. The amount of time it takes to conduct this method may be faster than having to replace decor every few weeks due to balloon deflation, oxidation, and dust. By creating a production line of people who can heat seal and attach pieces of tape will allow the job to be completed quickly.

COMBINING METHODS

The arch above shows both methods. The white duplets are 18" Sparklets with 16" white latex inserts. The white latex balloon "necks" are simply tied together (Sparklet not tied in anyway). The clear balloons on the other hand do not have "necks" long enough to tie and so the heat seal & rubber band method was used.

DESIGNS

Click on designs to open new window with enlarged view. Sparklets do not include the latex balloons inserted inside. You can choose your favorite latex balloons to create an array of messages and themes.