The Magic of Balloon Animals

Children of all ages have always loved balloon animals. They are always a hit at parties of any type. Despite their popularity, few people actually know the history behind this popular entertainment concept. Who came up with the idea of bending and twisting a balloon into the shape of an animal? Who invented the balloon for that matter?

Would it surprise you to learn that balloons have been around since the time of the Aztecs? They were the very first people in recorded history to make balloons, as well as balloon animals. They would clean the intestine of a deceased cat and sew it closed; they would then twist it and blow air into each twisted section, forming it into the desired shape. As you can see, it was a very complicated procedure. In addition, it was a rather gruesome sounding beginning for something that is now considered fun and cute. We do not have to endure that much toil and trouble for our balloon animals these days.

Throughout history around the world, there have been many experiments involving different types of balloons. The earliest examples are told of in China, Italy, France, and in America. Everywhere in the world, balloons have served science and even aided in industry. The first rubber balloons were invented in 1824, and today, forms of latex balloons are used in every aspect of life from mapping the weather to medical procedures and, of course, entertainment.

The art of twisting rubber balloons was first recorded in 1900. Balloon modeling, or balloon twisting, is the shaping of special modeling balloons into almost any given shape. These balloons are long and skinny, as it is virtually impossible to use the traditional round ones for sculpting. With just one balloon, the creation is most often a balloon animal. The more balloons, the more creative and extravagant the sculpture. These different types of design styles are known as single balloon modeling, which restricts itself to the use of one balloon per model, and multiple balloon modeling. That is when you attach more balloons, by twisting them on, or even with some sort of adhesive. People who create balloon animals and other twisted balloon sculptures are called Twisters. This is often times their chosen career, and they strive very hard to perfect their talent.

You do not have to be a professional Twister to master the skill of balloon art. All you need is the Balloon Magic Kit. It has everything you will need to learn how, and to make over 20 different balloon animals. The package includes a very easy to understand book, with beautiful pictures, 48 figure tying balloons, and even a hand held inflator to make the filling and tying easier for you. When you have learned the basics, you will have the opportunity to improve your ability. There are other books and videos and kits that will help you learn more complicated and exciting balloon magic tricks available from this site.

Source : Ezinearticles