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Party Planning
- Balloon Decorating Tips - Balloon Decorating
Ideas
How to make Balloon Decorations
The Helium Shortage, and ways to cope
The ongoing helium shortage, is predicted to
continue through 2008 and is hitting the party industry particularly
hard. With the natural resource helium used for a variety of medical and
industrial activities, helium for use in party and decor applications is
a lower priority and in even shorter supply.
Helium demand is increasing and so is the
cost. There is no projection for an easing of the shortage, in response,
we are turning to conservation measures for decorating with balloons.
Here are some suggestions for reducing the need for helium when using
balloons for decorating at your next event.
Air-Filling Balloons. Consider air
filling your foil balloons and suspending them from the ceiling. Ideas
include balloon swags instead
of arches, draped canopies and suspended
balloon clusters.
Mounting Methods.
Air-filled foil balloons can be
mounted on air filled latex
balloon columns or on plastic sticks and cups available from balloon
accessory suppliers.
New Inflation Tools.
Conserve on helium by choosing a florist or balloon company that has the
new inflation tools that mix helium with air when filling balloons.
Float-time Solutions.
Make sure that the florist or balloon company you hire uses solutions
that coat the insides of latex balloons and prevent helium leakage. This
solution increases the float length by 10 to 25 times.
New Balloon Types.
Several balloon manufactures have developed helium-conserving balloons
that stay inflated three to five times longer than standard foil
balloons. Ask for these balloons when purchasing foil balloons or look
for balloons manufactured by Anagram International Inc.(XtraLife™), CTI
Industries (Durafloat™), and Pioneer Balloon Company (Qualatex brand
Suprafoils™).
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