My first balloon modelling kit

Kit including 1 bag of 100 Sempertex Fashion 260 balloons, 1 Fantastic Balloons book, 1 pink double-action pump and 1 black Sharpie permanent marker.

My first balloon modelling:

Discover balloon modelling with a kit bringing together the balloons, instructions and accessories you need to get started. Inflate the Sempertex balloons using the double-action pump, follow the photographed steps in the Fantastic Balloons book, then add eyes, a smile or details with the black Sharpie.

This kit is aimed at beginners who want to learn twists and assemblies, as well as entertainers who want to discover a creative activity to offer at parties or birthdays.

The kit contains only 260-size modelling balloons, in an assortment of Fashion colours. This versatile size suits many classic sculptures: animals, flowers, swords and characters.

A kit to inflate, model and personalise:

• 100 Sempertex Fashion 260 balloons: balloons made of natural latex, in an assortment of colours, to practise twists and vary your creations.
• The Fantastic Balloons book: 44 models presented step by step through 1,000 colour photographs.
• A pink double-action pump: it pushes air when you push the handle down and when you pull it up.
• A black fine-tip Sharpie: to draw faces, outline shapes and personalise your sculptures.

Learning with the Fantastic Balloons book:

Written by Roberto Menafro and Paolo Michelotto, the Fantastic Balloons book, also titled Fantastici Palloncini, offers sculptures for beginners and more experienced practitioners. The photographic sequences let you observe hand positions, proportions and the construction steps.

Start with the simplest models to familiarise yourself with inflating, bubbles and twists. You can then move on to more elaborate assemblies as your movements become more consistent.

Edition included: English and Italian. The many photographs accompany the explanations and let you follow the making steps visually.

NetJuggler's opinion on this kit:

This kit brings together complementary items for discovering balloon modelling: a versatile 260 size, a pump that works in both directions and an illustrated guide to learn gradually. The black Sharpie lets you add an expression to an animal or a character with a few strokes.

The book has an old-fashioned layout, but its photographed steps remain useful for understanding the constructions. You should however bear its language in mind: this edition contains text in English and Italian. Some sculptures may also require additional balloon shapes or sizes; the bag of 260s is a starting base and does not guarantee that you can make every model in the book.

A double-action pump to make inflation easier:

The supplied pump inflates balloons during both movements of the handle. This means it inflates faster than a single-action pump, while avoiding mouth inflation.

Its ergonomic handle makes it easy to grip. It also has a device that limits rolling when it is set down or falls to the floor.

What type of practice is it for?

• For beginners who want to discover balloon modelling with an illustrated book.
• To learn at your own pace and repeat the basic movements at home.
• For entertainers, clowns or magicians who want to add sculptures to their performances.
• To prepare a creative activity for a birthday, a party or a supervised workshop.
• For practitioners who want to work on new models from a paper guide.

Optional complementary products:

To restock or explore other sizes, see our selection of modelling balloons. A balloon apron belt also keeps the balloons and marker within easy reach during a performance.

Warning: uninflated or burst balloons present a choking hazard, particularly for children under 8 years old. Adult supervision is required. Keep uninflated balloons out of the reach of children and dispose of burst balloon fragments immediately. Balloons contain natural latex, which may cause allergic reactions.

Permanent marker: protect clothing and the work surface while personalising the balloons. Close the Sharpie after use.