| I explained that the necessary frame that you must | | | | parts but with different units. The smaller replica may |
| use is 3/16 inch aluminum rod, in the first article of | | | | be 12 inches and thus it parallels the larger scale |
| this 4-part series on how to do number and letter | | | | model of 12 feet. |
| balloon sculpture which you can obtain from any | | | | Secret # 2 To Shaping Your Frame - Shape A |
| metal company, like those that specialize in providing | | | | Chenille Stick First - The length of 3/16 inch aluminum |
| the materials for home and building construction. Any | | | | rod that you are working is 12 feet. You must select |
| metal company can be located through an internet | | | | a replica of this 12 feet aluminum rod to shape and |
| search entering in the words, "metal company" and | | | | mold and model the distances of where you must |
| the name of your city and state. | | | | bend your rod in each parts but with different units. |
| You must also cut the length of each of your 3/16 | | | | The smaller replica may be 12 inches and thus it |
| inch piece to 12 feet using bolt cutters and never | | | | parallels the larger scale model of 12 feet. |
| wire cutters. (Many times the standard length 14 | | | | - I suggest that you get a simple 12-inch chenille stick |
| feet.) You should also never allow the sales | | | | (also called pipe cleaners and found in any major |
| representative of the metal company try to convince | | | | party supply or craft store). Since we are working |
| you into using 1/2 inch pieces if that is all that they | | | | with 12 feet on a large scale and 12 inches on a small |
| happen to have in stock because this thickness of | | | | scale, we can simply denominate our operational |
| metal rod is too difficult to bend by hand while 3/16 | | | | measurements as 12 parts. |
| inch is very soft, pliable and malleable. With 12-foot | | | | - You can know where to bend the larger aluminum |
| pieces, from top to bottom, each letter or number | | | | rod by bending and experimenting with the 12-inch |
| will measure, with the balloons attached to them, | | | | chenille stick first. If you are doing the frame for a |
| about 5 feet tall. | | | | number "5", and you make your first bend at 2 1/2 |
| The 2 Secrets to Shaping Number & Letter | | | | inches and you make the second bend at 2 1/2 |
| Balloon Frames | | | | inches, then shaping the remaining 7 inches into the |
| There are essentially two things that you must keep | | | | bottom curve of the "5", then it becomes obvious |
| in mind when creating your number or letter balloon | | | | that you will bend the aluminum rod at 2 1/2 feet and |
| sculpture: | | | | the second bend at 2 1/2 feet, and then shaping the |
| Secret # 1 To Shaping Your Frame - Start With A | | | | curve of the remaining 7 feet of the base of the "5". |
| Smaller Scale Model And Scale Upward - The length | | | | Once your frame is ready and has been properly |
| of 3/16 inch aluminum rod that you are working is 12 | | | | shaped, then now it is just a matter of placing the |
| feet. You must select a replica of this 12 feet | | | | balloon sections or helices on one-by-one onto the |
| aluminum rod to shape and mold and model the | | | | frame. |
| distances of where you must bend your rod in each | | | | |