How to Inflate a Balloon to Create Animal Shapes

If you have ever seen an expert balloon modeler at work, you have probably wondered how they make that look so easy. And if you have ever tried to inflate a long modeling balloon, you have probably wondered again, how it is that they can blow up all of those balloons without hurting themselves. Well, the answer is, there are a few tricks to inflating balloons to create animal shapes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small hand pump

1. Hold your modeling balloon at both ends and gently stretch it out a few times to prepare it for inflating. Don't stretch the balloon too much or you might create weak points and the balloon will easily burst while modeling.

2. Place the end of your modeling balloon over the nozzle of your pump and begin inflating the balloon. Hold the end of the balloon tightly over the nozzle so that it can't escape. How much you blow up the balloon will depend on what type of balloon sculpture you will make or balloon trick you will perform, as some require more empty space at the end than others.

3. Slide the end of the balloon off of the nozzle when you have finished inflating the balloon. Hold the end firmly with your thumb and two fingers and wrap the excess around your two fingers. Stick the end of the balloon under the wrapped portion and through your two fingers, release your fingers, and pull the knot tight.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't try to inflate a modeling balloon with your mouth, as they are very tight and difficult to blow up and you can end up hurting yourself.