CLUSTERS &
ARCHES|
Watch the on-line demonstration using Quick Time. If you need to download a Free Quick Time Player, click here. |
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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 "solids".
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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. |
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.
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. For more ideas, click on gallery.