How to hold a #3 balloon sculpture together?

by Courtney
(Springfield Mo)

I want to make a number 3 balloon sculpture for my daughter's 3rd birthday. I've looked for hours on how to do this and have come up with nothing! I know how to make the balloon quads and all that. But what do I put on the inside of the 3 to shape it?


ANSWER

Hi Courtney,

I am not quite sure I understand what you mean with "what do I put on the inside of the 3 to shape it," but I'll try to answer as best as I can.

Your first step would be to create the frame for your number 3 balloon, using 1/4" or 1/2" aluminum rod, depending on how big and sturdy you want your sculpture to be.

To create the number 3 shape, you could make to half circles, and then tape them together in the middle with duct tape.

After that you'd add your 4 balloon clusters to the frame.

I found this video which shows the principle quite nicely, only that it is about making a letter (E) out of balloons. And the letter E is basically the number 3, flipped by 180 degrees.



Alternatively, you could go for a design that's easier to make and doesn't require helium either.

Build a small column with four quads of 11 inch balloons, adorn them with pairs or triplets of 5 inch balloons, then place a giant, 40 inch number 3 foil balloon on top of the column base.

You'll also need 160Q modelling balloons to tie the balloons together, and a sand or water weight to give it some stability.

For step-by-step instructions, follow this tutorial by Pretty Little Party Shop.


Hope this helps!

Margit