As a balloon artist I am asked all the time if I dress as a clown. Back when I was younger I did for some events with church, but what I quickly found out is that while many people love clowns, an equal number or more are terrified of them. So as more parents realized this the less demand there was for clowns. So I decided when I became a profession performer not to do make-up and costumer style clowning.
Instead I chose to follow in the footsteps of America’s favorite clown, Red Skelton! I grew up watching great clowns and comedians like Red, Jerry Lewis, and Lucille Ball. They made me laugh and forget my cares and they did it without resulting to vulgarity. It was humor for me as a boy and fitting for my grandmother as well. They would have crazy slapstick and would make fun of themselves and their audience, but always in a lovable way.
Red always had the best characters from Clem Kadiddlehopper to Freddie the Freeloader (the one character that did use makeup). My favorite bits were when he would break a rule of performing and just crack up at his own jokes or his audience. He had a love of God and country and he wasn’t ashamed of it. His Pledge of Allegiance bit is fondly remembered by many and has even been read on the floor of Congress.
I was in Branson last week and saw Tom Mullica’s tribute to Red Skelton and I laughed til I cried and then a tear was brought to my eye for a moment to mourn the loss of such great entertainers. Red’s day has past but it is his legacy and those like him I try to perform and bring a smile to you and yours. Thank you so much for the opportunity to do so.
I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas. I spent the day with some great friends. As has become my tradition I end Christmas by watching the annual Doctor Who Christmas Special. This year’s was a simply fantastic ode to C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” The episode was entitled “The Doctor, the Widow, and the Wardrobe.” Steven Moffat is an absolute genius.
Anyway, in honor of that I thought I would share a life-size balloon T.A.R.D.I.S. (Time and Relative Dimensions in Space) I created for a party last October. Also pictured is my friend dressed as River Song. After the party was complete I delivered this to Fantasy Shop, a local game and comic store so other nerds could enjoy it.
If you’d like a custom creation for your next event then give me a call at (314) 346-2241
This teddy bear was designed and created by Guido Verhoef from the Netherlands. It was made at this year’s T-Jam on the Road. I don’t know of any kid that wouldn’t love to find this big balloon bear under their Christmas Tree.
I have the great pleasure of performing at a lot of parties in Dallas and other regions. The great part about that is that I’ve learned what makes events great. I’ve learned what really makes them magical, and not it isn’t a magician.
It isn’t the food, or decorations, or even great entertainers (though beautiful balloon decorations and balloon entertainment can really help). It isn’t about having a great theme or a party DJ. Having a great party is really very simple.
The magic of a party is found in having a great host! Yes, you as the organizer and host of the party really does make the event.
The hard part is that at some events the host is so busy preparing and caring for issues that they don’t have time to host the party and greet and talk to their guests.
So the best piece of advice I can give you after being part of thousands of events is relax. Do your prep before the party and then just trust that it was enough and go with the flow. Your guests primarily are there to be with you. Remember that and you’ll host some great parties.
Twistedly yours,
Jason Vaughn,
Balloon Artist, Dallas / Fort Worth
(314) 346-2241
HigherHopeBalloons@Gmail.com
http://HigherHopeBalloons.com
P.S. Of course one way to make sure you can relax is having a great team of people around you for the event. That is where I come in. So if you’re looking to have hassle free entertainment and décor give me a call at (314) 346-2241 today!
Last night I once again had the privilege of donating my time and talent to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. This one was in Arnold, MO.
What a great organization! I get so many requests for charities that I simply can’t do them all, but this is one of two charity events I always try to help out at whenever possible.
But even after all the events I’ve done they still can’t manage to spell my company name right!
Well at least they got it right on the shirt.
I’ll also be at the High Ridge Relay later this month so if you’re in the area please stop by and support a great cause!
What is our fascination with balloons? Whether it is a really great twisted sculpture or a simple air or helium filled balloon most of us can’t help but smile when seeing balloons. They always make our day just a little be brighter. Is it the vibrant colors? The cool creation? Or maybe it is the endless possibilities.
I like to think it is the fact that we know balloons are only there for a moment. We know that soon they will be gone and must be enjoyed in the moment. Balloons are a great reminder that not everything lasts forever and we should take the time to enjoy them while we have the opportunity.
Whatever the reason, Higher Hope is thrilled to offer balloon art, entertainment, and decorations for a variety of events. Whether it is a birthday party, wedding, library, school, church, bar/bat mitzvah, or a corporate event I am pleased to offer fun, elegant, and unique balloon designs.
When you think of balloon art you probably think of dogs and swords. Well friend, my goal is to change your perception of what a balloon artist can do. When it comes to twisted art I am pleased to be one of the top artists available in the entire industry. The sculptures are impressive, but so is the entertainment value. I offer games, storytelling, and even educational classes with – or without – balloon props.
Twisted Sculptures
I have been twisting balloons for the last six years and am proud to be a full time balloon artist. I make elaborate sculptures and I have even created large scale sculptures for competitions and for world record attempts. I love when parents biggest challenge of the evening is figuring out how to fit a really cool balloon sculpture into the car. Don’t worry though, just ask and I’ll make cute and tiny as well.
Games
I love playing and creating party games using balloons. These games are designed for party goers of all ages. Just because you’re a parent doesn’t mean you get to sit on the sidelines!
Storytelling and Shows
For millennia storytelling has been a respected art form and in many cultures the only real way truth was passed down. I am very proud to call myself a balloon storyteller. I take traditional storytelling and give it a little “twist.” By creating props and costumes out of balloons I give a whole new visual realm to the world my stories create. Using stories I have created shows about cultures, secret agents, Christmas, history, science, and I continuously work on creating new stories. These shows are great for libraries, schools, daycares, and even birthday parties. Are you covering a specific topic? We can discuss ways I can tailor my show to blend into your theme.
Balloon Twisting Classes
I have this crazy notion that every child should know how to twist basic balloon animals. Just as every child colors, paints, or draws they should experience the wonderful art of balloons. Your club, group, class, or party can learn the basics of balloon twisting in a 90 minute class. You’ll learn five basic balloon creations: dog, sword, giraffe, bear, and swan. Have fun creating these marvelous balloons for all your children, friends, and family. Also great for mission teams needing to break the language barrier. Balloons, like love, cross all challenges.
Educational Art Classes
If you have not yet noticed I have a passion for things balloon related. I mentioned earlier about my storytelling shows for schools and other events. One possible option is not to bring the balloons at all. I am also a trained speaker working with programs like Toastmasters to bring my audiences fun and entertaining speeches. While I give motivational speeches and sermons (I’m a licensed Baptist minister as well) across the country I also give speeches about balloons and my business. This is a really good option for career fairs and days at schools as well as at nursing homes. The young and old have a fascination with balloons and find it really interesting how a person like me makes a living playing with balloons.
Balloon Decorations
Not only does Higher Hope entertain and twist with balloons, but I am also a proud balloon decorator. You may only think of balloon decor as arches and columns, but because of my skill with balloon animals and twisted sculptures I able to combine what many consider two separate art forms to create elaborate designs to making any event fun, elegant, beautiful, and unique.
Venues for which to consider Higher Hope Balloon Art and Decor
· Birthday Parties
· Restaurants
· Grand Openings
· Nursing/Assisted Living Homes
· Daycares
· Preschools
· Weddings
· Company Picnics
· Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
· Trade Shows · Corporate Functions · Charity Galas · Proms · Christmas Parties · Church Festivals · Fairs and Festivals · Parades · Libraries · Schools · And many others…
Thank you for taking the time to check us out and please call to book for you events today!
