Balloon Frames

• When you are making arch or column balloon decorations, you will usually need a frame to attach the balloons to. You can purchase these frames or you can make them yourself. The ones that you can purchase sometimes come in a tube shape with pieces of plastic attached around the tubing. These plastic pieces have holes in them so that you can poke the end of the balloon into it. Then the tubes simply bend into the arch shape or stand up for a column.
  
  If you make the frame, then use Dacron line or other similar materials. For helium balloons, tie the line to heavier objects, but for regular balloons, tie them to other secure objects. Where it is possible, put the frame into the place that you will be setting it for the occasion and attach the balloons. But if not, set it on the floor.
  
  

Choosing Length and Balloons

• Creating the length for the columns is fairly straightforward: Just cutting the string the length desired plus 3 feet for tying. There is a mathematical formula that you can use to choose the length of the frame that you will need for arches. If the arch is to be the same height as the length, then multiply (.5 x height); for an arch that is wider than it is tall, then multiply (width x height); for arches taller than they are wide, multiply [(2 x height) + width].
  
  When inflating the balloons, make sure that they are basically all the same size. This is important for a consistent decorative look.
  
  

Attaching Balloons

• If you are only creating a single balloon arch or column, you will only need about one balloon per foot of frame. Attach the balloons to the frame at equal lengths apart. For bunched balloon arches or columns, you will need about four to six balloons for every foot of frame that you have. Once you have enough inflated, you can start to arrange and attach them.
  
  When making a spiral cluster using four colors, attach the four together to the abstract square shape. To make a cluster, tie one balloon alone, and tie the second to this one. Repeat this for the second pair and attach it together. Attach the cluster to the frame, and repeat. Carefully select the placement of the balloons so that the colors alternate rather than bunching together. Continue this process until the entire arch has been covered in balloon clusters. For random bunches, attach the balloons as you see fit.