And here is a turkey to celebrate!!

Much has happened since my last entry....which was almost a year ago.... Yes, I know.  Dear blog, it has been a while.  Let me update you on what has been going on these past couple of months.

October was insane!!  Went to probably the closest thing to the major balloon convention that occurs at the beginning of each year.  It was a balloon workshop that was held here in Northern California.  4 days of non-stop balloon fun and learning from some of the industry's leaders!

I learned a ton of stuff and met some great people and shared a lot of ideas!  I have already started to implement some of the techniques and ideas into my current gigs and practice sessions!

This blog is basically about creativity and inspiration.  And there was a lot at the balloon workshop.  To me, it is always interesting to get ideas, tips and thoughts on other artists; their approach to balloons.  The energy in the room was incredible and it made me push myself more as a balloon artist.  I can't wait until next year!!!

But, prior to that, we have the upcoming Lunar New Year on February 10th.  This year will be the year of the snake.  Surprisingly not much requests for Lunar new year animals.  I believe I can make most of them, but I haven't tried.  :\  Of course, now that I write this, I probably should give it a go.

Anyw
Valentine's Day on the other hand....that's a whole new different beast!!  The amount of thought and energy that people devote to a loved one is amazing....and the ideas they come up with.  It's almost better than a scripted movie.

So, I came up with a few designs for Valentine's Day.  The picture above is my favourite one thus far.  I put something "extra special" inside this sculpture.  When you squeeze the bear's arms, it squeaks.  It is SUPER COOL!!!  (Can you tell, I'm pretty proud of myself right now). :D

Did a corporate event a couple of weeks ago.  It required me to actually "dress up" in full costume rather than my usual "gig attire."  Some companies really go all out for their employees, which is really quite impressive and nice to participate in.  It is really nice to see a company really contribute to a more positive moral for their employees; especially in this economy.  In my previous work experience events such as Christmas parties were hardly present.  But I digress.

Anyways, I had to dress up in some serious Christmas attire.  Despite my initial hesitation, I mustered enough courage to put together the outfit and do the 6 hour event.  6 hours of making reindeer, candy canes and snowmen.  And I was NOT disappointed.  Met some AMAZING balloon twisters and face painters this month.  Their talents, tips and advice never cease to amaze me.  December is definitely the gift of giving!

So I ordered some new balloons last week, and they finally came in late afternoon on Friday (I guess UPS delivers in my neighbourhood late in the afternoon).  As always, I totally geek out when packages come for me; it's like getting gifts on your birthday.  With these new balloons, I made the following friend you see on the picture - the creepy looking zombie.  

As I was making it, it was getting creepier by the minute, like super creepy.  Maybe it was a mix of playing "Eyes of the Night" by Starlight Mints in the background (theme song to "Demons" - a very short lived show on BBC).  The tongue, decaying teeth and the eyes really put this mask in the creepy category.  Not sure if this would be a mask to wear around young children, as they might get scared.  But this would be AWESOME for a teenager/young adult crowd - especially putting some lights in the eyes and getting some Victorian type clothing and distressing it!!  Oooooh, that would look so cool.

Anyways, more wearable costumes coming soon!

To see a larger image, please go to the portfolio page and scroll down to "Masks/Wearables".

Yes, I know.  I have been away from the blog for a while..a very LONG while.  Anyways, I was very surprised that I had some visitors, even though I took the blog off publication for a time. 

Anyways, it is October, which means it's my favourite holiday this month.  That's right: Halloween!!  I think that is the best time to really get creative by creating all these creepy monsters.  Not just creepy, but cute monsters as well (for those who don't like creepy). 

I'm so excited because I decided to deck out the front garden with a bunch of Halloween balloons (both creepy and cute).  Purchased a fog machine and a disco light.  All I have to do is go to the lighting store to pick up some coloured gels for the porch lamp for some added effect (so glad that I majored in theatre).

All I have to do is start building the zombies and goblins and ghosts (oh my)!  Oh and of course, purchase candy.  

Ooooohhh, this is going to be so exciting!!!