How to Make a Swan in Balloon Modeling

For a girls' party, an idea that is sure to bring a smile to each child's face is to make balloon characters for each of the kids. And for something sedate and graceful, try making a swan. It's easier than you think, and the kids will love having a special souvenir to take home. Here's how to make a swan.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Long balloons
• Balloon pump

1. Buy a package of super-long, skinny balloons. Take one and inflate it, leaving one hand's width uninflated at the end. Tie a knot to prevent air from escaping.

2. Grab the balloon about 2 inches down from the knot and twist it about three times to form a small bubble. Then pull the knot down into the twist and twist again so the knot doesn't stick out. Twisting the balloon over itself is called a pinch twist.

3. Measure down six inches, twist, then another 6 inches and twist. Loop the last twist around to twist it together with the small bubble. You will now have two 6-inch pieces joined in a loop behind the small bubble.

4. Bend the remaining length back from the small bubble and twist it about 6 inches down. Force the 6-inch length between the other two 6-inch pieces, and push its twist between the twist of those two pieces. This creates the body of the swan.

5. Take the remaining length and make a small 2-inch bubble. Pull the two twists of the bubble together and twist to make a pinch twist like in Step 2.

6. Tuck the long length of the swan's neck back into the body, which gives it the proper angle. Roll the end of the balloon downward toward the body and hold it for a minute to give the proper curve to the neck.

Tips & Warnings

• It's not necessary to rent an expensive air tank to fill the balloons. A hand balloon pump will do the job.