Issuu

n o o Ball r o t a r o c De

The Big Boo k of

Lin go

Dianna Glandon, CBA a publication of Above the Rest Balloon and Event Designs www.sanitysaverforms.com (865)-719-8110

Introduction It's hard to believe how many different words and terms are used in the balloon industry! I was amazed when we started writing this book! While it's quite extensive, I'm sure there are some terms that have been omitted, though not on purpose. As new techniques and terminology are discovered, we will create a second edition or addendum. Stay in touch with us at www.sanitysaverforms.com to submit or get new terms. Feel free to send me your own names for things too. The "Big Book of Balloon Decorator Lingo" was written to help balloon professionals and staff members learn "balloon lingo" in order to become knowledgeable and efficient. As you and your staff read this, I suggest you show them the actual items and where they are located in your workspace. We left blank lines for you to write in the location of each item. On some pages there is space to write in more terms. There is a Table of Contents to guide you in locating terms. In each section, the terms are arranged in alphabetical order. Photo of all items assist you in learning, and an ABC index at the back for easy reference. Test your knowledge after reading. Don't worry, you aren't expected to know every term in this book right off the bat--it will take a while. There are many items used only occasionally, so this book will serve as a good reference guide whenever you forget or need a new skill. We are have an online test we use for our staff and are working on one for other professionals. If you have a term you'd like added to the next edition, or additional meaning of one already included, please send to me at dianna@abovetheresteventdesigns. We will do our best to include your submission. Happy Ballooning & Go Make Smiles & Give Joy! Dianna Glandon, CBA Sanity Savers & Above the Rest Balloon & Event Designs

ÂŠ2019 Above the Rest Balloon & Event Designs, Knoxville, TN. All Rights Reserved. This document or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any forms by any means--electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law. For permission requests, contact publisher at www.abovetheresteventdesigns.com

Table of Contents

Balloon Types & Descriptions.......................................................................................... 1 Hi-Float--Float Time Extender .........................................................................................4 Ribbon..............................................................................................................................5 Balloon Drop Nets............................................................................................................ 6 Air Inflation Equipment .................................................................................................... 7 Gas Inflation Equipment...................................................................................................12 Inflation Gases................................................................................................................. 14 General Equipment.......................................................................................................... 15 Base Plates...................................................................................................................... 21 Base Plate Covers........................................................................................................... 27 Floor Protectors...............................................................................................................

Deadweight......................................................................................................................

Poles................................................................................................................................

Balloon Types & Descriptions

Foil Balloons (aka Mylars, even though that's a copyrighted phrase) Use: Added as column toppers, centerpiece toppers, added to helium designs, and to create specialized large scale decor like columns, chandeliers, walls, tunnels, arches, bouquets and centerpieces. When making elaborate large designs, they are typically connected together by sticking/taping/stacking them together. Description: Made of foil and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns. (hearts, stars, rounds, curves, crescents, orbz, diamondz, cubez, spheroids etc. 18" and larger are self-sealing, 14" and under must be heat sealed Manufacturers: Qualatex, Betalletex, Anagram, etc. Located: ________________________________________ ________________________________________

Deco Bubbles, Bobo, Crystals, Aqua- Various Manufacturers Sizes: Some brands start at 9" and go up to 48" Use: Wide range of uses from centerpieces to bouquets to room and ceiling decor. They can be filled with air and tied together to build, added as a topper on a small column or centerpiece, filled with helium, or even be stuffed with small latex balloons. Description: Long-lasting plastic balloons. They come in clear, various colors, and even with themed designs inside of clear ones. Some have self-sealing valves and some must be sealed. Located: ________________________________________ ________________________________________

Balloon Types & Descriptions

Linking Balloons: (AKA Q-links & Link-o-loons:) (Qualatex, Betalatex, Gemar) Sizes: 6”, 12”, 13" Use: To tie balloons all together in a line. Usually used for garlands, or helium filled arches. Lines can be combined with rounds to build larger designs/structures. Also used to create walls, detailed sculptures, spheres, cubes, and a variety of other unique designs. Description: Sizes indicate diameter when fully inflated. Looks the same as a “round” except it has an extra tab on the top for tying on both ends. One end is the nozzle, the other end is called the "tail." Some call it a "stinger." Located: _____________________________________ ______________________________________ Themed Latex Balloons: (Qualatex, Betallatex) Hearts- (small heart shaped) come in 6", 15", 36" Geos- (like a donut) come in 16" Geo Flowers (like a flower-donut) come in 6" x 16" There are also snakes, bears, etc. Imprinted Rounds- agates (marble/swirled colors); globes (11” and 3”); holiday prints; wedding prints; floral prints; star prints; eyeballs, etc. Huge variety of prints available. Located: __________________________________

©2019 Above the Rest Balloon & Event Designs, Knoxville, TN. All Rights Reserved. This document or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any forms by any means--electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law. For permission requests, contact publisher at www.abovetheresteventdesigns.com

Air In lation Equipment Filbert Use: Air inflation of Entertainer latex or foil balloons. (Usually quick balloon fixes on site or at the shop). Description: Will stand alone on the floor, about 3 feet high. Blue/Green tube with black grips around the bottom and top to steady it. The top is a metal, vertical nozzle attached to an inner section that can be pulled up, then pushed down manually to pump air. Comes in other colors. Located: _______________________________________ _______________________________________

Foilflator Use: Air inflation of foil balloons. Description: Black air pump with cord, switch, and bendable tube attached with a small nozzle on the end. Tube can be connected in 2 places on the pump to inflate or deflate. When tube is on top, Foilflator is in deflate mode. Tape can be used to secure the skinny tip to the hose. Located: _______________________________________ _______________________________________

Air In lation Equipment Handpump Use: Air inflation of Entertainer latex, small latex or foil balloons. (Easy to take on site for quick fixes or for balloon twisting). Description: Approximately 12â€? or smaller, plastic, manual air pumps. The purple hand pump is for 160's. The others work best for 260's and 350's. Located: ___________________________________

Lagenda Use: Air inflation (1-2 latex balloons at a time) to specified sizes. Has timer and counter. Description: Black metal box with 2 inflation nozzles, green inflation button, and screen panel for settings/count. Electrical cord and pedal plug into the side. Information: Tap button. Balloons will inflate based on the machine's setting.The machine counts automatically, but count can be manually adjusted. Adaptors are used for inflating 5". Resetting of count is done by pressing center button and holding it down until count is cleared to zero. This machine can inflate two different sizes at once. The up button on left side controls both nozzles. The right up button controls the right size only. Located: _______________________________________ Stuffer Machine

Use: Stuffing gift items and balloons into 18" or 3' balloons. Description: Comes as table top or floor design, portable. Top is clear plastic. Air inflator needed for manual style. Electric model self inflates. Neck stretching tool-additional purchase. Located: ___________________________________ ÂŠ2019 Above the Rest Balloon & Event Designs, Knoxville, TN. All Rights Reserved. This document or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any forms by any means--electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law. For permission requests, contact publisher at www.abovetheresteventdesigns.com

In lation Gases Helium (NEVER INHALE HELIUM!) Use: Inflating balloons that need to float. IMPORTANT: When in van, must be placed with the top of tank toward front of van and stored securely on van floor. Always bring lid when transporting helium tanks to protect the tank's knob. Must use transport cart for transporting and standing at venues. Must use two people to lift tank into and out of van. Located: _______________________________________ _______________________________________

Nitrogen Use: Inflating mostly Entertainer balloons and occasionally foils. Nitrogen is a larger molecule than air making balloons stay inflated longer than air, Black steel tank to delineate it from helium tanks. Located: ______________________________ ______________________________

General Equipment Air Mover Use: Used to push balloons into a balloon drop net when adding balloons in the net from one end. Description: blue, floor fan with the outlet close to the floor. Located: _______________________________________ _______________________________________

Banana Kit (Clik-Clik) Use: To help drop items over/through ceiling places that are small and narrow such that a sand weight wouldn't go through or over it. Come with a yellow ball which can be dropped over a beam. Description: Yellow "banana" shaped device that screws onto mag pole tip. Has a scooped center for placing line. Located: __________________________________ __________________________________

Balloon Stuffer Machine Use: To stuff larger items inside 18" or 3' balloons like teddy bears, flowers, shoe, food, etc. Description: Different types, typically a clear plastic round top and bottom with a top and hose for inflating. Left photo is an electric machine. Right photo is a manual style, need inflator. Located: _______________________________________ _______________________________________

General Equipment Confetti Launcher (handheld) Use: Launching confetti and confetti streamers. Handheld so it makes little noise--great for private parties, NYE, graduation, weddings, etc. Description: 3" x 6" long clear plastic tube with a black or white grip on one end. Pull lever and string for launching confetti. Requires CO2 cartridge, cap and painter's tape to seal other end. Purchase confetti from Flutterfetti. Located: _______________________________________ _______________________________________

CO2 Cartridge, Compression Caps (Flutterfetti), Speed Load Streamer Tubes Use: Required to screw into handheld confetti launcher to launch confetti and streamers. Caps are used to create pressure in launcher. Speed Loading Tube for easy loading of streamers Description: Brass 12g cartridge about 3" long, with screw in end, round on other end. Compression caps are round cardboard designed to fit over tip of launcher, about 1.5" diameter. 18" speed load streamer tubes fit into launchers. Located: _______________________________________ _______________________________________

General Equipment Hand Ups Ceiling Clips Use: To twist into drop ceiling framing to more securely hold items on ceiling than magnets will hold. Description: White plastic with two grooves for attaching to drop ceiling framing and a closed loop that hangs down for attachment point. Need a pole with proper head to hold for attaching. Located: _________________________________ _________________________________

Heat Sealer Use: Seal air in foil balloons that do not self-seal at the inflation point. Foils smaller than 14". Description: Green metal about 12" long, with cord plug-in heating unit, stapler-like heating strips, and a setting knob. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Leaf Blower Use: Used to push balloons into a balloon drop net when adding balloons in the net from one end. Description: Electric leaf blower. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Base Plates Item 5 20%

Item 1 20%

Item 4 20%

Item 2 20%

16” black or with two 1/2" nuts welded in center, one at an angle.

Item 3 20%

Use: Mainly for columns and arches. Often used for sculptures. Can use outside on level ground if there is little wind, in areas protected from wind, or if extra weight is added. Weight: 25 pounds. Description: 16” square steel with 2 1/2" nuts welded in the center, one is at an angle to allow for angled decor, like stars. Painted black. Does NOT have a handle. Pole needed: 1/2" threaded rod. ½” EMT pole is inserted into the nipple/extender. The poles vary in height depending on the structure being created. EMT CANNOT be cut on the end that slips over the rod as it will not fit. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Item 5 20%

Item 1 20%

Item 4 20%

Item 2 20%

Item 3 20%

16” Black Steel with ½” Raised 1” Threaded Coupler in Center of Base Plate Use: Mainly for columns and arches. Often used for sculptures. Can use outside on level ground if there is little wind, in areas protected from wind or if extra weight is added.

No Photo Available

Description: 16” square steel with a 1/2" raised 1" coupler welded in the center, painted black. Requires a 1/2" threaded screw in steel pole. Does NOT have a handle. Weighs 25 pounds. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Base Plates

Item 5 20%

Item 1 20%

Item 4 20%

Item 2 20%

12” Cement Base Plate

Item 3 20%

Use: Primarily for columns, arches, or frames, predominately indoor. Sometimes outdoor. This is an old base style that we rarely use anymore. Description: 12” square cement block covered with black duct tape. A ½” threaded coupler in the middle. Weight: 30 pounds Pole needed: ½ inch steel screw-in steel pole in varying heights (1’, 2’, 4’, 6’). EMT/Conduit will NOT work. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Item 5 20%

Item 1 20%

Item 4 20%

Item 2 20%

Concrete Pavers

Item 3 20%

Use: Primarily for columns, arches, or frames. Also used for pool decor (covered in plastic when in pools). Description: 12” & 16" square concrete pavers. When used, a hole can be drilled in the middle with a pipe glued in. Weight: 30 pounds Pole needed: 1/2" EMT Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Deadweight Ceramic Tiles Use: Tying/wrapping balloons to as extra weight. Usually used to make centerpiece bases. Description: 6" ceramic tiles, colors vary. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Cinder Blocks/Bricks Use: Extra weight on bases and for organizing bases and poles. Bricks are sometimes used in pool bottoms for securing balloons in pools. Description: Hollow concrete or cement blocks covered in plastic. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Marbles--surely you know what marbles are! Use: Inside air-inflated balloons to weigh them down if they are hanging from somewhere (prevent wind-blowing, static sticking, crooked hanging, etc.). A bag of marbles can also be used as a ground weight. Used in vases for centerpieces. Description: Small glass balls, clear and in various colors. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Deadweight

Steel Plates Use: Extra weight on base plates, usually for outdoor events. Description: 16â€? black steel plates with hole in the middle to place over base plates. Other steel plates (various base plates) without the hole can be used as extra weight as well. Located: _________________________________ _________________________________

Water Weights Use: Extra weight. Usually for on-site emergency balloon weights. Will not sit up straight on its own. Description: Usually an 11" Latex balloon filled with water and tied, (typically from sink spout or hose). We only use in case of emergency. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Poles Poles serve as the “backbone” for air-filled decor. Various lengths and types of poles are used and are described below. When a pole is used with a base plate that is a “rental,” then the pole is returned. Poles used with bases that are “purchased” do not return.

Aluminum Rod Use: Primarily used to bend into various shapes for sculptures and some specialized centerpieces. Also used to create tops of arches. Description: Silver flexible/bendable aluminum rods, ¼” or ⅜” diameters. 12’ long unless cut. Often covered with white or black duct tape or ribbon. Available at steel fabricators most often. Not usually found in hardware stores. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Aluminum Tubing Use: Often used for creating designs that need a curve and needs to be sturdy, such as a tall centerpiece. Description: Comes in various diameters. 1/4"-1/2" is often used as it bend easily, is sturdy and can be covered with ribbon or balloons with ease. Purchase from steel suppliers. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ©2019 Above the Rest Balloon & Event Designs, Knoxville, TN. All Rights Reserved. This document or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any forms by any means--electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law. For permission requests, contact publisher at www.abovetheresteventdesigns.com

Poles

Aeropole Use: Allows you to create classic balloon décor without the need for helium. Description: Five foot long pole sections and 24” base plates make it easy to store and transport. Its unique design allows you to make multiple size and shaped arches. A single kit can make up to a 35' arch. Arches from 20’ – 50’ are easy to do when you combine kits. Columns can be as short as 5’ and as tall as 15’. Located: _________________________ _________________________

CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) Use: Various sculptures, designs, things that need a lot of flexibility. Description: Off white in color, very flexible CPVC is normally used in plumbing installations that require high pressure. It comes in 10’ lengths, which is then cut to our desired length. It is smaller in diameter than PVC and is much more flexible for bending. Located: _________________________________ _________________________________

Lighting Bistro (200') Use: Overhead dance floor lighting, patio lighting, perimeter lighting, often for weddings, proms, and other event at which people want the larger round bulb "Italian" look. Description: 25' strands that can be connected together as long as 200', white wire. Bulbs usually are 2.5" in diameter. Glass bulbs which break extremely easily. Each strand is wrapped in tissue paper with tissue paper in between each bulb for transport. Stored in bright pink hard shelled suitcase. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Disc lights (vary in size 2” - 8”) Use: Uplighting under glass vases or centerpieces for use on tables. Some go in glass vases 2"-8". Description: Round discs in 2" - 8" diameter, black or silver plastic casing with LED lights. Rechargeable battery operated. Often purchased on Amazon. Lots of styles. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Fairy Lights Use: Delicate lighting for glass centerpieces, to place inside balloons, throughout balloon decor, hung from balloons etc. Description: Individual round Fairy Lights, and some on wire. Battery operated. Lengths vary. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Lighting

Icicle twinkle lights Use: For lighting walls, dance floors, ceilings with strands of soft lights. Description: 12' long white strands with white twinkle lights cascading down like icicles. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Icicle LED strands Use: For lighting walls, dance floors, ceiling, etc. Description: white LED light inside plastic 18" long icicle shapes. They "twinkle" in a steady fashion. Costco is a great source. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Par can LED (64) black 6â€? diameter Use: Uplighting walls with low ceiling or balloon decor. Don't use often as they do not throw light very high, bright or wide. Description: 6" diameter black plastic casing with 64 LED lights. Color changes by adjusting DIP switches on the back. There is a label to guide how to set switches. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Vases Round (6") Use: Small economical centerpiece, can fill with gels, marbles, water, lighting, etc. Description: 6" round glass cylinder about 3" tall. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Squares (4", 6") Use: Small economical centerpiece, can fill with gels, marbles, water, lighting, etc. Description: 4" and 6" square glass vases, about 4" tall. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Trumpet (Flute) (24") Use: Centerpieces, especially for buffets, can fill with wide variety of decor items Description: 24" clear glass vase wider at top than at bottom. Looks like a "trumpet" Located: _______________________________________

Basic Tools

Bolt Cutters Use: Cutting aluminum rod (and bolts) Description: About 36" long handle with sharp cutting edges on the pliers. Found at Lowes or Home Depot. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Castrating Pliers (get in feed type stores) Use: In the outside world, they are used for castrating animals. We have a much nicer use for them--they open the neck of a balloon and allow confetti to easily be put inside. Description: Handheld pliers, metal with rubber grips. The tip has bent prongs that will slip inside the neck of a balloon. When squeezing the grip, the pliers will open the balloon neck widely. For smaller 5", 11", or entertainer balloons. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Diagonal Cutting Pliers Use: These are FANTASTIC for cutting zip ties, especially large 48" long ties! Super fast and easy on hands. Description: Various colors and types. We prefer the Irwin or Craftman ones as they seem to work best for us. Metal with rubber grip handle. We own 5 pair. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Basic Tools Drill Use: Screwing item together (mainly flanges onto wood bases) Description: Portable drill. Many types available. Suggest having two sets of rechargeable batteries. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Hammer (claw) Use: Pounding items (poles into bases is a common use) -Not for pounding people (duh) Description: Basic hammer with a "claw" on one end to enable taking out nails, etc. Come in various colors, weights, etc. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Hammer (Sledge) Use: Pounding items into ground, like rebar and stakes. Description: About 36" Long handle with heavy rounded, flat head on both ends. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Laser Light Pointer (Dollar Tree) Use: Pointing, guiding where items need to be placed especially great for ceiling placement. Description: 3" long flashlight/laser with 2 buttons on a keychain. Located: _________________________________

Basic Tools

Needle Nose Pliers Use: Gripping and twisting items for which a pointed tip is needed. Description: Comes in various colors, metal pliers with pointed tips. Located: _________________________________ _________________________________

Pipe (Conduit) Bender Use: Making gradual bends in EMT (conduit) and other bendable metal for creating frames. Description: Heavy metal tool about 36" long with a curved and slotted head and degree marks to guide in creating bends. Comes in various colors. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Pipe Cutter (hand and electric) Use: Cutting EMT (conduit), will cut 1/4" aluminum rod. (Blue photo is hand pipe cutter) Red is a new electric saw that cuts EMT (SO COOL!!) Home Depot. Description: Various colored metal with a screw knob on bottom and a sharp blade in the middle. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ÂŠ2019 Above the Rest Balloon & Event Designs, Knoxville, TN. All Rights Reserved. This document or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any forms by any means--electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law. For permission requests, contact publisher at www.abovetheresteventdesigns.com

Measuring Devices

T Square Ruler Use: Measuring items and insuring the lines are square or perpendicular. Description: Comes in various lengths and materials (plastic, metal). 48" typically blue or yellow metal. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Tape Measure (Carpenter) Use: Measuring linear items Description: Yellow & black, blue, white, various colors of measuring tapes. Most used are are 25', 30' carpenter measuring tapes and also white and yellow sewing tapes. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Tape Measure (Sewing/Craft) Use: Measuring items that you need to go around. Description: Various colors (yellow, white, blue, etc.) that have measuring increments on them. Typically 60" long cloth. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Adhesives

Adhesive Tabs (aka Stick-ems) Use: Attaching a large variety of items together. Description: White tabs with adhesive on one side, about 2" long. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Balloon Bond Use: Attach balloons together, especially good for sealing tiny holes in foil balloons. Description: Clear, stretchy tape that is covered on both sides with a brown waxy paper, Bond is sticky on both sides. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Duct Tape Use: Covering poles, covering sharp edges, rigging/building, securing sculptures and designs, etc. Holds the world together! Description: Rolled, strong, internal grid-enforced tape. Various colors. We use a lot of white and black. Located: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

General Balloon Terminology

Balloon Straw:

12" or 24" stiff plastic straw used to support airfilled foil or latex balloons, or used to deflate foil balloons by gently inserting straw into valve of foil.

Basketweave A woven basketweave pattern created with Pattern: vertical and horizontal lines of linking balloons. Can be open or closed weave. Also used in twisting to create baskets, hats, etc.

Bouquet:

Typically a group of helium filled balloons of 3 or more latex or foil balloons that are attached to ribbons ("strings"), and then secured with a weight. Stacked & Staggered are two types.

Bubble Twist:

A basic twist used in twisted balloon decor. Bubbles are 1" long or longer and used in almost all twisted items. A bubble is made by squeezing air into desire length and balloon twisted to hold in air.

A certification created by Pioneer Balloon Co. CBA (Qualatex) designed to educate and develop (Certified Balloon Artist): artists who have studied a wide variety of aspects related to the industry.

General Balloon Terminology Ceiling Decor Designs that are made to hang from ceiling to create a "lowered" ceiling effect, to add color to large empty spaces, create a surprising "WOW" factor for events. Endless types of ceiling decor can be created. Often attached to metal beams or drop ceiling framing with Clik Clik magnets.

Centerpiece:

Design placed in the center of tables or buffets to decorate tables. The space between 14"-30" should be "sacred" space that does not block line of vision for guests to see across tables so people can talk. Often they will remove a centerpiece if vision is blocked, Many designers break this rule when creating centerpieces. Buffet centerpieces do not have that restriction. Endless types of centerpieces, which can be lit or unlit.

Checkerboard A design pattern that creates a checkerboard Pattern: look.

Classic Arch: The most popular type of arch used in the balloon industry. Designed originally by Treb Heining of California. The Classic Arch consists of several rows of "quads" and tied together. Air or helium filled.

Classic Spiral: A predominate pattern in the industry that creates movement for the eye. Very popular for all types of events. Created by moving quads 1/4 turn to one side and repeating that pattern.

General Balloon Terminology Floral Picks: Anchor objects or designs into floral foam/styrofoam, including gathered foil for centerpiece. Comes in various shapes and sizes. Frame Tent: A tent used for special events that is structured on a frame, typically comes in 10'-15' sections that are connected together. Height of tent poles along sides vary from 7'-10' most often. Pitch of tent varies typically from 15'-22'. Can come in solid white, or striped, or clear (glass house) Often weighted down with 2' tall concrete weights tied to ropes.

Garland:

Term often used for a long strand of balloons that are connected together.

Gridz:

Hard plastic 1' squares with 4 spaces in each grid for holding round balloons used for creating walls, murals.

H-tape:

Method of taping so that the tape crosses over to create a capital letter "H". This helps secure items in place.

Hi-Float:

Float life extender used in latex balloons to make them last longer.

General Balloon Terminology Hi-Float Bag: Long plastic transport bag with holes in it for bagging items that have been treated with HiFloat. Holes allow Hi-Float to dry and bag protects design while in transport. Wait 2 hours after inflating to put hi-floated balloons in bag. Indeflate:

Slang term created by Above the Rest employee, Sarah Moog, which refers to pre-stretching a balloon prior to its use. Indeflate means to inflate and then deflate. We indeflate in order to increase balloon size or change shape.

Knots:

Popular knots used include but are not limited to: Larkshead, square, temporary, connection. Demonstration of these knots is needed in order to best learn them--or read a Boy or Girl Scout handbook.

Link o Loons: Original type of linking balloons created by Sempertex/Betalatex that allows balloons to be tied together on both ends in a quick manner and allows for the creation of intricate sculptures and walls. Made in 6" and 12".

Linking Balloons:

Balloons that can be tied together on both ends and allows for the creation of intricate sculptures and walls. There is a nozzle and a tail on each Linking balloon. Made by Betallatex (Sempertex) & Qualatex in 6" and 12". By Gemar in 13". Tuff Tex.

Index