Balloon animals are a fun and creative way to make any event more exciting, whether you’re throwing a birthday bash or a themed summer party. And thankfully, you can make balloon animals right at home! In this guide, we’ll show you the fundamentals of making balloon animals and share our tips and tricks for success.
What Do I Need to Make Balloon Animals?
When it comes to making balloon animals, you'll only need a few essential items to get started. And thankfully, you can shop for these goodies at Party City and other party supplies you need to make your day extra memorable!
Here’s what you need to make balloon animals.
Balloon Pump
Although you can inflate balloons by mouth, a balloon pump is highly recommended. A balloon pump is more hygienic and faster, and it will make sure you don’t get worn out inflating balloons all day!
There are different types of balloon pumps, including handheld, foot-operated, and electric options that are all good investments. You can choose a pump that works best depending on how many balloon animals you’re making.
Balloons
Not all balloons are created equal when making balloon animals. The best balloons for making shapes are made from high-quality latex and are specifically designed for stretching and twisting.
Look for balloons labeled as "modeling balloons" or "twist and shape balloons." These balloons provide the right flexibility for balloon animal creations so you can get creative with your designs!
Get Started with a Balloon Animal Starter Kit
If you're new to balloon animal making, a starter kit is a great option. These kits include everything you need to start twisting: a selection of colorful balloons, a balloon pump, and a guidebook or instructional DVD with step-by-step instructions and tips. You can expand your balloon collection and experiment with different designs as your skills improve.
Balloon animal art is an exciting way to spice up your party. These decorations are especially fun for children’s birthdays and celebrations. If you make a handful of balloon animals, all your guests can go home with something new. From monkey balloon animals to other designs like flowers and hearts, there are so many ways to get creative.
Remember to take your time learning the basics of balloon animals and keep practicing to grow your skills. And don’t forget to have some fun!
The Fundamentals of Making Balloon Animals
Creating balloon animals is a great skill to have, whether you want to master it or just want to impress your party guests! Once you understand the basics, you can work to create all kinds of balloon animals like dogs, birds, dinosaurs, and more. Then you can include these festive decorations at all your future parties.
Here are the key skills you need to know to make balloon animals.
Inflate the Balloon
Before you start twisting your balloons into incredible shapes, you'll need to inflate them. Begin by stretching the balloon to loosen the latex and make it easier to work with. Then, use a balloon pump to inflate the balloon, leaving some uninflated space at the end. This space is important when twisting because it allows the air to move through the balloon without causing it to pop. Once inflated, tie a knot at the end to seal it.
Make a Basic Twist
The basic twist is the foundation for most balloon animal designs. To perform this twist, gently pinch the balloon with one hand at the point you want to create the twist while holding the knotted end with your other hand. Hold firmly, and twist the balloon several times in the same direction. The more twists you make, the more secure the shape will be. Practice this basic twist technique to develop a method that works for you and to help you build up some speed!
Make a Lock Twist
Once you've mastered the basic twist, it's time to learn the lock twist. The lock twist is used to secure various shapes for your balloon animals.
To make a lock twist, create two basic twists close together. Next, fold the remaining section of the balloon back over the twisted section, forming a U-shape. Finally, pinch the U-shape together and twist the base of the shape to lock it in place. This twist is handy for building limbs and connecting different sections of your balloon animals.
Make a Fold Twist
The fold twist is another key technique for creating balloon animals. To perform a fold twist, make a basic twist, then fold the balloon in half at the twisted section. Hold the folded balloon together and twist it several times where it meets the rest of the balloon. The fold twist is great for creating legs, ears, and similar shapes in balloon animal designs.
How to Make 3 Different Balloon Animals
If you’re ready to take the next step and learn how to make specific balloon animals, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at how to make 3 different balloon animal designs.
How to Make a Balloon Dog
Balloon dogs are a classic and one of the most popular balloon animals. You can make balloon dogs in different shapes and sizes for your guests to enjoy. Let’s learn how to make one.
Begin by inflating a long balloon, leaving about a 3-inch tail at the end. This provides enough space for tying and reduces the risk of the balloon popping.
Tie a knot at the end closest to the inflation nozzle.
Starting at the nozzle end, twist three bubbles of equal sizes. These will eventually form the dog's head and snout.
Lock-twist the second and third bubbles together to create the dog's snout, with the first bubble forming the top of the head.
Now, twist two more bubbles, slightly larger than the previous ones, for the front legs.
Lock-twist these new bubbles together to form the front legs and body.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the back legs, adjusting the size of the bubbles as needed.
Finally, arrange the remaining balloon length to form the tail.
Voila! You now have a crowd-pleasing balloon dog to show off.
How to Make a Balloon Giraffe
Now that you've mastered the balloon dog, let's move on to our next creation: the balloon giraffe. This tall and loveable creature will surely impress your party-goers!
Inflate a long balloon, leaving about a 3-inch tail at the end.
Tie a knot at the end closest to the inflation nozzle.
Twist three equally-sized bubbles for the head and snout, just as in the dog example.
Lock-twist the second and third bubbles together, creating the giraffe's snout.
This time, twist a longer bubble for the neck.
For the front legs, twist two more bubbles, slightly longer than those in the dog example. Lock-twist them to form the body and front legs.
Twist a short bubble for the body and two longer bubbles for the back legs. Lock-twist these together just as the front legs.
Arrange the remaining length of the balloon to form the tail.
Congratulations! Your balloon giraffe is ready for showtime.
How to Make a Balloon Dinosaur
Last but not least, let's create a prehistoric masterpiece—the balloon dinosaur. This is perfect for any dino-themed birthday party!
Inflate a long balloon, leaving about a 3-inch tail at the end.
Tie a knot at the end closest to the inflation nozzle.
Twist a small bubble for the head, followed by a medium loop for the dinosaur's mouth.
Twist a long bubble for the neck, followed by two equally-sized bubbles to create the front legs.
Lock-twist these two bubbles together to form the front legs.
Twist a medium-sized bubble for the body, followed by two more equally-sized bubbles for the back legs.
Lock-twist these two bubbles together to form the back legs.
Create a loop with the remaining length of the balloon and twist it near the tail to form the dinosaur's body and tail.
There you go! Now you’ve got a terrific balloon dinosaur to entertain your guests.
Other Fun Balloon Decorations to Consider
Now you know how to create fun balloon animals for your guests, let’s take a look at some other balloon decor ideas. There are so many ways to use balloons to create a vibrant party atmosphere your guests won’t forget!
Here are some additional balloon decoration ideas:
Balloon backdrops
Balloon backdrops are great for photo opportunities and themed parties. Depending on the occasion, you can make balloon backdrops in different styles and colors for everyone to enjoy. To help you get started, Party City has a variety of balloon backdrop kits that give you everything you need to assemble your masterpiece.
Balloon arches
Balloon arches are perfect for the entryway into your party, behind food tables, or anywhere you see fit. Balloon arches are easy to assemble and come in a variety of themes, sizes, and styles for every occasion. Plus, you can add garland, lights, and other decorations to make your arch extra special.
Balloon garlands
DIY balloon garlands are perfect for birthdays, baby showers, weddings, and more. There are so many ways to customize your balloons with garland, whether you want to add cut-out hearts to your Valentine’s Day balloons or extra sparkles for a child’s birthday party. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Balloon wreaths
Looking to welcome guests into your party with something unique? Assembling and hanging a balloon wreath is a great place to start. From birthday wreaths to festive Christmas wreaths, you can customize your decor however you like for the perfect celebration.
Ready to dazzle your guests with your balloon animal skills? Party City has what you need, from twist-and-shape balloons to a balloon animal starter kit. Let us help you get the supplies you need to throw a party no one will forget! Shop our balloon selection today or stop by and visit as at our nearest location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a simple balloon animal?
To make a simple balloon animal, you will need a long, thin balloon and some basic twisting skills. Follow these steps:
Inflate the balloon, leaving about an inch at the end un-inflated for tying.
Make a small twist about 2-3 inches from the end of the balloon.
Make another twist about the same size, right next to the first twist.
Twist both of the smaller twists together to form a larger twist.
Continue this pattern of small twists and larger twists until you have used most of the balloon.
Create a small bubble at the end of the balloon and tie it off.
Bend the twisted balloon into the desired shape – for example, a dog or a flower.
Adjust the twists as needed to get the shape just right.
You now have a simple balloon animal!
What's the easiest balloon shape to make?
Some easy balloon animals and shapes are a simple one-twist dog, flower, balloon sword, or heart. These shapes only require a few twists and are great for beginners.
How long does a balloon animal last?
Usually, a balloon animal can last for several days or up to a week. Your balloon animal may deflate faster depending on the weather, sunlight, and other factors. Remember to keep a close eye on your balloon animal; if it’s hot out, try to keep it inside. This will help the air pressure stay higher longer!
