Flower Balloon How-To
These giant balloon blooms are easy to make. You'll need regular 5-, 11-, or 16-inch round balloons. Fill them with air or with helium (rent a tank for this). Before you attempt to make balloon art with helium-filled balloons, it's a good idea to practice on ones filled with air, so any slip-ups won't fly away. Don't blow up the balloons fully; leaving a little slack will keep them flexible enough to turn and twist without popping. To tie off balloons, pinch the necks with one hand; with the other hand, pull the neck of the balloon to stretch it, wrap it around two of your fingers, and pull the end through to make a knot.

1. For the petals, you will need five balloons that are the same color and size. Inflate the balloons, comparing each with the first one, so they match in size. If you are using helium, place the balloons in a plastic bag held under a table so they won't float away.

2. Tie two of the balloons together: Stretch their knotted necks to make them easier to tie. There's no need to knot them tightly, since they will naturally hold together as you manipulate them. Set aside.