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Tips on Blowing Up Balloons for Animal Shapes

Balloon animals offer double delight. Onlookers to their creation are often transfixed by the twists and turns that go into forming the dog, dragon, tiger or hippo. Then, the end result is kept, easily transported, and the object of continued admiration. To easily form balloon animals and end up with results that last and are durable, put some time and effort into blowing up the balloons and in deciding which balloons to blow up for your tubular, air-filled zoo.

Choosing Balloons
- No matter if you are doing basic animals as a one-time party entertainment or planning on creating balloon animals as a long-term hobby or business, you'll have the greatest success with professional-type balloons. Mixed starter packs sold for novice balloon blowing are often of low quality and will yield disappointing results. Professional-quality balloons withstand more twisting and your animal will last longer after formation.
Animal Project Planning
- Blowing up balloons for animals take some planning. Figure out what shapes, colors and sizes of balloons you'll need. Follow a detailed guide, or sketch out a mockup of your plan. Do any of your balloons need insertions? If so, gather your inserts and make sure they'll fit easily in the deflated balloons.
Inflation Methods
- An amazing array of inflation methods is available for filling your balloons. For purists, those who want a high degree of control or are looking for the most inexpensive way, inflation by mouth is the way to go. Floor or hand pumps offer a good degree of control and are still reasonably priced. For quick filling of many balloons, a battery- or electric-powered pump, or an air compressor is just the thing. For balloon animals that you want to float, helium tanks are the answer.
Inflation
- Inflation, or the actual blowing up the balloons, is the last step on the animal balloon prep journey. Give your balloons a thorough stretch by pulling them in several directions before filling. This step helps the balloon fill evenly. It also loosens the latex for less resistance to inflation. Don't overfill the balloons. A balloon that is filled to near capacity is difficult to twist and form and is prone to popping. For parts of the animal that require many twists, fill the balloon less. Planning and experience over time make choosing the inflation level easier.

Childrens Toys