How to Make a Balloon Flower

Balloon modeling is a fun hobby that may be just as fun for the sculptor as it is for his audience. Twisting and transforming ordinary balloons into fun shapes and characters is a great way to exercise your creative side. Whether you are just beginning to hone your skills in balloon modeling, or are trying to expand your balloon modeler's repertoire, you will love this balloon flower.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Long balloon (any color)

1. Inflate a long balloon so that there is just 1 to 2 inches of uninflated balloon at the end.
2. Make a tulip twist in the end of the balloon by pressing your index finger into the knot and pushing into the balloon so that your finger is inserted about 1 1/2 inches. Press the knot towards the outside of the balloon and pinch the knot through the outside with your other hand. Release your finger and twist a bubble just above the knot.
3. Pinch the balloon about 4 inches from the tulip twist and fold the balloon over to the tulip twist. Twist the balloon near the base of the tulip twist to create a secure loop. Repeat this process 2 more times so that you have 3 secure loops, creating the petals of your flower.
4. Squeeze the excess balloon, pushing the air all the way to the end. Fold the balloon in thirds up towards the base of the flower, creating an "S" shape. Squeeze and twist in the center of the tri-fold. Release to reveal the flower petals and the base of the stem.
5. Use your balloon flower to create simple flowers, flower characters with drawn on faces or add them onto other balloon creations, like hats.