How to make a rainbow garland with linking balloons
Photo from “Oh Happy Day!” shop. www.shop.ohhappyday.com .
Example of linkable balloons. Photo from Amazon.com .
Example of suitable inexpensive hand pumps for inflating link balloons. Available everywhere. (These are from www.cozygreens.com) .
Creating an elaborate balloon garland can be kind of… intense. Especially if you aren’t a professional balloon artist or experienced party designer. Knowing how to assemble a Pinterest-worthy garland as an organically flowing and gorgeous structure involves a lot of attention to detail. I don’t know about you, but when I’m juggling a hundred different details already for my own kid’s birthday parties, I really don’t need a hundred more. No thanks.
Not to fear, balloon links are here! Imagine a balloon that has a nozzle on one end where the air goes in, and a protruding tail on the opposite end. The inflated bit is in the middle. You still get the look of a round inflated balloon, but thanks to these extra additions, you have a way to TIE THEM TOGETHER. AMAZING, RIGHT?!?
SO much easier than an organic garland. (Which is GORGEOUS, don’t get me wrong. But it’s more work than you would actually think). Linking balloons into a garland looks adorable and sweet, and it’s EASY and also AFFORDABLE for the do-it-yourselfer like you who already has enough to do.
Where can one find balloons that link? The internet, of course. Just google any of the following: “Link Balloons”, “Betallatex Link-O-Loons”, “Qualatex Quick Link”, or “Latex Linking Balloons”. They typically come in two sizes: 6” in diameter, or a full 12”. So if the size really matters to you, make sure you pay close attention to whatever dimensions are written on the package. If you’ve got your sights set on a rainbow garland, look for the variety packs which come in an assortment of colors all in one single bag. Purchasing from balloon supply stores and wholesalers are probably the cheapest way to go, but there is something to be said for the convenience of one-stop shopping. Some party supply stores carry so much more than merely balloons, so you can feel free to just add their own packs of linking balloons to your already impressive cart.
Don’t forget to buy a balloon pump while you’re at it! A simple hand pump shouldn’t cost you much more than $5, and can easily be found online or even in the party aisle of your local dollar store. Just inflate those balloons, tie them together end to end, hang up your completed garland, and you’re good to go!
Now pat yourself on the back and enjoy all of the compliments from your impressed party guests as they begin to arrive. Go ahead. You’ve earned it.
~Lenore Koppelman
Owner & Lead Artist of The Cheeky Chipmunk, NYC
”Art That Entertains!”