How to Make Balloon Animals (For Beginners)

Get the Best Balloons and Balloon Pump

Rather than buying any long balloons, use high-quality twisting balloons for your balloon animals, such as those that Qualatex and Betallatex produce. You'll have fewer problems with popping because these twisting balloons are thicker and designed to take the stress of multiple twists. Most standard balloon animals are best made with size 260 balloons. There are also larger and smaller sizes, but a beginner should invest in packs of the 260 size.

You'll also want to buy a good balloon pump to save your lungs. Look for a dual-action hand pump. Air is expelled on the up and down strokes with this pump type, inflating the balloon quickly. A floor pump is a good investment once you've mastered balloon animals and want to make them frequently.

Inflate the Balloon

Inflating a balloon to make balloon animals involves more than simply blowing the balloon up. The most important thing to remember is that you shouldn't inflate the balloon too much. Leave the end of the balloon uninflated so you can ensure the twists don't put so much pressure on your sculpture that it pops. Leave a one-inch uninflated tip at the end of the balloon. This should provide enough leeway for twisting.

Balloon artists often release some air from inflated balloons by slightly letting go of the nozzle held in their fingers before tying the balloon off. This valuable technique is known as “burping” a balloon.

Make a Basic Twist

The basic balloon twist is the foundation for all balloon animal sculptures. Hold the balloon in your non-dominant hand at one end to make this twist. Then, grasp the balloon farther along its length with your dominant hand and twist. At this point, keep hold of the balloon to maintain the twist, otherwise, it will untwist.

Make a Lock Twist

The lock twist is the second fundamental skill in balloon twisting, after the basic twist. The lock twist holds the balloon's segments in place securely; it's the basis for balloon animals' heads, ears, legs, and bodies.

To make a lock twist, create two basic twists along the length of the balloon so you have four balloon segments. Since you have to keep a grasp on the two twists, it's best to make them fairly close together. Then bend one end of the balloon against the other so it's bent between your second and third balloon segments. Grab the two middle segments and twist them together (three times at least), isolating them from the rest of the balloon.

Now the twists should be locked and secure.

Make a Fold Twist

The fold twist (also called a loop twist) is a fundamental twist used to make "ears" on balloon animals and it's the foundational twist in basic sword balloons. This twist is much like the lock twist but your initial two twists will be farther apart. Fold the longer middle segment in half so the two twists are aligned. Then, twist the two existing twists a few times. Now you have a loop segment.

Make Dog Balloon Animals

Dog balloon animals are the foundational sculpture in the art of balloon animals. Many balloon animals like the deer and giraffe are variations on the dog. You’ll find that the basics you master when twisting dog balloon animals apply to more difficult animals.

Practice With Easy Balloon Animals

Once you've mastered the basic techniques of making dog balloon animals, practice with other types of animals like monkeys or parrots. Or, try your hand at making swords, flowers, and hearts.