Thanksgiving Balloon Decorations with BIG FUN BALLOONS

 

This year I was privileged to take part in helping to create balloon decor for the Salvation Army's Annual Thanksgiving Dinner here in Phoenix.  Sponsored by Big Fun Balloons and Qualatex Balloons (Pioneer Balloon Company), volunteers come together each November to decorate for the event!  We made giant balloon sunflowers, several huge balloon turkeys, beautiful balloon trees with fall-colored "leaves" (designed by Anthony Pearce) filled with critters, barbershop columns, and scads of balloon pumpkin and balloon cornucopia centerpieces!

 

 

Overcoming Fears - CLOWNS!

Taulbee, Marta, Brenda

Are you afraid of clowns? For some inexplicable reason I have been...ever since I can remember. Not just clowns...anyone in a costume where I can't see their face...even Santa! In the balloon business, I've met many kind, wonderful people who do clowning and, as a result, made a decision to seek to overcome that fear.





In November 2012 I attended the Western Region Clown Association Convention in Laughlin, Nevada with two of my close friends and fellow balloon artists (Marta Hoburg & Taulbee McJunkin.) The classes were fun and instructive and the people were welcoming!

1st Place Group Balloon Competition Winners!

While there, and at the encouragement of my friends, I decided to face another fear and gathered up enough courage to enter some of balloon competitions. As luck would have it, my friends and I took first place in the "Group Balloon Competion" (I got to make the roadrunner - most of which is double-stuffed) and, to my surprise, I also took first place in the "Single Balloon Competition" and the "Multiple Balloon Competition".

 



Do you recognize these two?

With "Santa Hugo"

Although I will probably never be a "clown", I can now be in an entire room FULL of clowns and not get nervous!

We had SO much fun! A warm thanks to all my new friends and to everyone there for being so kind and patient with me!

 

Luau

A close friend of our has been battling cancer for several years.  Each year he and his wife celebrate life by hosting a LUAU.  This year, I was priveleged to provide some balloon decor for this worthwhile event - A colorful tropical flower balloon arch with balloon tiki columns.

 

Warm wishes to this family and may there be many luau's to come!