Tuesday 31 March 2015

Balloon Project

Yes I have taken the leap and following suggestions I have starting making a Balloon for the Fun Fair. using paper mache.

The theory is to link the Fun House and the Ferris Wheel by having a high level Balloon Port in between. This will provide a reason to use the Ferris Wheel (get quickly to the top) and well as providing an excellent viewing / shooting platform. I must ensure that the full height is within the 30cm limit for Batman so that he can fly up and down.


I started with a balloon, strips of newspaper, plain flour and salt. An equal mix of flour and water is generated and brought to a smooth consistency. Salt is added to stop the whole thing going mouldy. Then the strips of paper are coated with the mixture and applied to the balloon. The aim is to cover the surface a total of three times going horizontal, vertical and horizontal again. My application was - well - messy to say the least but at least I have something.

Now I have to leave it to dry before I can move on to the next stage - the 'burst the balloon' stage. I am looking forward to that and hopefully it will all hold together. Then I need to make it look like a balloon with a basket suspended underneath.

The high level Balloon Port with dual access should also be a challenge - but one thing at a time.

Should be fun.

6 comments:

  1. record a video of the balloon burst!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh dear - are we anticipating something spectacular here? I hope not. Maybe I should do the bursting outside - em ;-)

      Delete
    2. I have no idea - but I bet either way it will be a short and funny clip.

      I doubt the balloon would have enough power to explode the paper mache as long as it's completely dry.

      Delete
  2. Once dry you can use linseed oil to make it much tougher, my armour I use in the live action role-play used paper mache over a wire frame and it was tough enough to survive several events. The oil should soak in so don't be surprised if it drinks alot.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow - thanks for that tip my friend. This is my first time doing anything like this. I got worried when Tristan suggested a video. I even checked online again and found someone suggesting that the balloon be coated in oil before application of the paper and I started to think I might be in trouble. Linseed oil it is - and I will still be on edge when I 'burst the balloon'.

      Delete
  3. Once dry you can use linseed oil to make it much tougher, my armour I use in the live action role-play used paper mache over a wire frame and it was tough enough to survive several events. The oil should soak in so don't be surprised if it drinks alot.

    ReplyDelete