Instructions for Making Reindeer Balloon Animals

Balloon twisting is an art form.

Making balloon animals is fun and entertaining for all ages. At parties and gatherings, both adults and children enjoy watching as seemingly ordinary balloons magically transform before their eyes into familiar shapes, characters and animals. Both a fun family activity at a Christmas party and a creative holiday party favor, it only takes a little practice and a few basic techniques to start creating a reindeer balloon animal like a pro.

Things You'll Need

• Light brown 260 size balloons
• Dark brown 160 size balloons
• Red balloons
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Inflate a light brown 260 balloon. A 260 size balloon is so named because when fully inflated, it is 2 inches in diameter by about 60 inches long. It is a standard balloon most professionals use.

   Make a 4-inch lock twist at the start of the balloon for the reindeer's snout, and use the balloon knot to secure the lock twist. A lock twist, or twist-lock is simply a pair of bubbles twisted together so they are side by side. To make a lock twist, grip a section of the balloon, pinch off the air to create a bubble and twist. Move down the length of the balloon and repeat. Fold the balloon so the two bubbles are adjacent, hold them in one hand and twist to lock them into a pair.

2. Move up the length of the balloon and twist a 3-inch bubble, followed by a pinch twist. The pinch twist is a smaller bubble that should be about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Simply move about an inch from the previous bubble and pinch the balloon lightly as you twist it, forcing the air into a bubble. Make another pinch twist immediately following and fold the balloon in half so the pinch twists are side by side for the reindeer's ears. Hold the two pinch twists together in one hand and twist to lock them together. Create another 3-inch bubble directly next to the first to form the reindeer's face.

3. 

   Make colorful animals out of balloons.

   Twist a bubble about 2 to 3 inches for the neck. It should be directly beneath the joint of the first lock twist pair and 3-inch bubble pair. Repeat the 4-inch lock twist for the two front legs. Create a 3-inch bubble for the body and repeat the 4-inch lock twist for the hind legs. Finish with a 2- to 3-inch bubble for the tail.

4. 

   Add a red balloon on the snout to make Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

   Blow up a 160 balloon in dark brown for the reindeer's antlers. A 160 balloon has a 1-inch diameter and a total length of 60 inches when fully inflated. It is thinner and easier to maneuver than the 260 balloon.

   Create two twists about 3 inches long at one end of the balloon. Leave a space of about 6 inches and then form a 1- to 2-inch bubble followed by another 3-inch bubble twist. Repeat the pattern at the other end of the balloon, leaving the center section smooth.

5. Grip the second 3-inch bubble and fold it so it is adjacent with the rest of the balloon. Hold these two sections in one hand and twist into a lock twist, leaving the first bubble free. These sections form the top points of the reindeer's rack. Fold the smaller bubble toward the last 3-inch bubble so they are adjacent. Hold them in one hand and twist them together so they resemble reindeer antlers with one short point and one longer point. Repeat for the other side. It's alright if they are not perfect. They should look somewhat random.

6. Join the antlers to the reindeer's head at the center of the balloon and twist to secure the two independent balloons. The antler balloon will be divided in half, and the antlers should stick up on either side.

7. Use a marker to draw on eyes, whiskers, a nose and a mouth. Add a small red balloon bubble to the snout if you wish to make a Rudolph reindeer.

Tips & Warnings

• Always leave a few inches deflated at the end to allow room for the twists in the balloon.

• An air pump is an important accessory particularly when working with 160 balloons, which are nearly impossible to inflate manually.

References

• Balloon HG: Twisting Balloons 101
• Balloon Models: Balloon Reindeer Rudolf for Christmas
• Custom Balloon Designs: The Twists