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.
With the Iowa Caucus tomorrow I thought I’d share a photo from the election four years ago. Below is a photo of John McCain and a couple of staunch looking Secret Service guys with a balloon I made in McCain’s likeness. This is probably my most famous balloon sculpture because the Associated Press (AP) and TMZ picked and aired it a few times. TMZ’s caption was “Full of Hot Air:
Looks like he’s finally found a qualified running mate.”
Whoever you’re supporting this election cycle remember to get out and vote! And just as important remember to have great balloon decorations, balloon entertainment, and maybe even a balloon drop at your celebrations!
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 don’t remember who made this fantasy flower balloon Christmas tree, but I took this photo at the FLOAT Balloon Decorator Convention in Cincinnati, OH. It is exquisite and will last much longer than an ordinary balloon sculpture. Perfect for a table centerpiece.
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!
Over the last month I have had a huge influx of nursing home clients. I love working with activity directors and seniors and they sure do seem to love me. My main work right now is to create a life-size nurse and explain balloon art and entertainment. Here are a couple of photos and the letter I’m sharing with directors that you’re welcome to pass along if you know someone looking for great senior entertainment. Proof balloons really are for all ages!
“How To Hire A Unique, Affordable, World Class, Senior Performer Just for Your Residents”
Dear Activity Director,
Are you looking for a fun, exciting, and interactive entertainment for your seniors that will also help you meet educational requirements? Then please let me introduce myself. My name is Jason Vaughn and I am a professional speaker and balloon artist.
I don’t know about you, but I absolutely LOVE shows on HGTV and FOOD Network. Even when I know I know I’ll never do what they do it is still a blast to watch. With that in mind I am presenting my Art of Ballooning Show to seniors across the country. This 45 minute balloon presentation combines balloons, audience participation, humor and educational elements to make this an activity that your residents and staff will love!
About the Balloon Show
This balloon show will not only amaze and entertain your residence, but it will also:
Involve your residents in the show!
Educate them on a fun hobby!
Get your residents laughing and smiling!
Leave your facility with a fun and uniqueballoon sculpture!
The Art of Ballooning Show is specifically designed to entertain seniors and hit Activity Directors educational meeting requirements.
During the show I will be explaining balloon art and taking questions all while building a giant balloon sculpture that will wow your residents and be a beautiful display as families come to visit.
Many of my shows cost $300.00 and up, but when performing for seniors I offer an Amazing Discount! The total investment for the Art of Ballooning Show is only $125.00!
A savings of $175.00!
The reason I offer such a large discount is that I love entertaining for seniors, I can only offer these shows on weekdays, and I understand how difficult it is for seniors who deserves the best to really get quality entertainment.
“Jason is by far one of our favorite performers. The residents love him and so do their families. That is why we have him multiple times a year.” Minnie, Westchester House, Chesterfield, MO
“Everything Sounds Great, How Do I Schedule A Show?”
There are two easy ways to schedule the Art of Ballooning Show:
It is that easy! And you should get a response in less than 24 hours to finalize your show!
And as a bonus you’ll get a free report on “The 7 Questions You Need To Ask Any Entertainer Before Inviting Them To Perform.” This brief report will give you helpful information to help you when booking all future performers.
Thank you for your time and don’t forget to call or e-mail now!
Twistedly Yours,
Jason Vaughn, President HigherHopeBalloons.com
P.S. Dates do book up fast so call quickly to make sure you get the date you want!
P.P.S. When you call in the next two weeks you’ll not only receive the already amazing discount, but you can save an extra $10 off as well!
I was having a great time making balloons tonight and just playing around when I remembered my friend Steve Jones from Seattle, WA had this great birthday cake design that I’ve been wanting to try.
So after a little tweaking this was my giant balloon birthday cake.
Well every year they have Cow Appreciation Day. If you dress up as a cow you get a FREE combo!
So of course I had to do it, but being me I had to do it big!
I have a large group from my church that goes every year and usually I just make cow hats for everyone. We even have our own Ode to Chick-fil-A! you can see the song below:
Well this year I decided I wanted to go even bigger! So I created a full size cow costume out of balloons! This thing was so big I could barely walk, but it was really fun. I’ve never been asked for my photo so much in my life!
I had paparazzi!
Anyway here is my costume may it remind you to “Eat Mor Chikin.”
Maybe you should think of dressing up next year! Oh and please vote for me for best cow! No registration required just click vote!
