Creating objects out of balloons is a great hobby for children. It can help to develop creative thinking skills, uses imagination, and perseverance. Using balloons to create art is not a simple task. The balloons can pop, come untwisted, or simple not do as the creator intends. The following is a balloon penguin my daughter crafted. It is quite creative and is a popular creation with her friends.

What You Will Need

• 5 Balloon Animal Balloons (2 Black, 2 White, 1 Yellow)
• One Balloon Pumper

Making a Pair of Balloon Penguins

Step 1: Blow up one of the black balloons using the pumper leaving about 2 1/2 inches at the end not blown up.

NOTE: Leaving space in the end of the balloon will allow the creator to safely twist and bend the balloon reducing the chance the balloon will pop. There is always the possibility the balloon will pop, so use caution to avoid injury.

Step 2: Tie a knot in the end of the balloon.

NOTE: After you blow up the balloon allow a small amount of air to escape to make tying easier.

The Penguin Body

Step 3: Twist the balloon about 3 inches away from the knot as shown. This is the first step in making the body.

Step 4: Fold over the balloon at the twist and twist again to make the second body segment.

Step 5: Repeat the twist a third time making the third segment the same length as the first and second.

The Penguin Head

Step 6: Create the head by simply folding a small portion of the balloon and twisting the balloon into the end of the body.

Step 7: After creating the head, fold over the balloon again and repeat the twist a fourth time securing the end of the balloon at the base of the body.

NOTE: If too much of the balloon remains after building the body and head, simple remove it by cutting or pinching off the excess. Leave enough balloon to tie off the tail.

The Penguin Chest

Step 8: Blow up the white balloon leaving about one inch from the end of the balloon not blown up. You will use this portion to tie the white balloon to the penguin body.

Step 9: Tie the white balloon around the neck of the penguin using the part of the balloon not blown up.

Step 10: Place the white balloon down the front of the penguin body and twist to create the chest.

Step 11: Release the air from the portion of the balloon not being used for the chest and tie off the balloon to contain the air in the chest.

Step 12: Secure the white balloon to the penguin body and cut off any access as needed.

NOTE: Smaller pieces of the balloon can be reserved to use in other balloon art creations. Tie off one end and blow up the remaining portion as shown in Step 13 for making the feet of the penguin.

The Penguin Feet and Beak

Step 13: Taking a small portion (about two inches) of yellow balloon tie off one end.

Step 14: Carefully blow up the small balloon and tie.

Step 15: Slip the yellow balloon between the white chest and black body.

Step 16: Twist the yellow balloon and adjust the placement of the feet.

Step 18: Tie off and cut a one inch yellow balloon for the beak.

Step 19: Blow up the beak and tie.

Step 20: Secure the beak to the front of the face of the penguin.

To make a second penguin follow steps 1 through 20. One yellow balloon will be enough to make two sets of feet and two beaks.

Creating new objects with balloons is a great deal of fun for children and adults. The trick is to leave enough room for twisting, securing all connections to avoid dismantling, and taking your time even when the item doesn’t come out well on your first attempt.

Balloon Art is a great way to entertain at a party or festival. Children love to see the balloons take on new shapes and the wonder and excitement of what is coming is captivating.

Do you have any suggestions or ideas for balloon art? Feel free to post a comment below.