| Spray
one side of the Matrix with
adhesive (We recommend 3-M brand
#77 spray adhesive.) before you
stretch open the Matrix. Let it
dry and then spray the other side
as well. Let it dry before you
load balloons. The goal
is to get a textured surface on
the plastic that is slightly
tacky. The adhesive is normally
not necessary for flat displays
with the Builders, but is
important when bending the
Builders as in these spirals. Generally
it will be easiest to fill all
the openings with balloons first,
and then cut along the horizontal
and diagonal lines shown in the
layout with scissors. This will
pop a number of balloons. Trim
off the dangling edges of Matrix
with scissors. This will give you
a matched pair of large Matrix
triangles filled with balloons.
Note:
If guests will come close to the
spirals, it will be worthwhile to
rotate some of the balloons along
the cut edges to better hide
knots.
If
balloons on the edges of the
triangles are clear or white, as
in this design, the Matrix straps
will virtually disappear. On
other occasions, you may want to
paint them or cover them with
ribbon, greenery or tulle.
The
longest edge of the triangle (the
diagonal side) will become the
upward spiral. The shortest side
of the triangle will become the
vertical edge. While the
piece is still flat,
move over a couple of rows of
balloons from the vertical edge
and attach a vertical support
pipe or rod with cable ties.
Wrap
the cable ties around one of the
Matrix straps and around the
vertical support. Tighten the
cable ties until they are snug.
All you need is a little friction
at several places along the
support. If you make the
connection too tight it will
force balloons out of their
holes.
Paint,
ribbon, or colored tape can serve
to cover the vertical support and
camouflage it. It also helps if
you attach the support so that it
will be hidden inside the spiral.
Stand
up one of the triangles and
attach the vertical support to a
base so that the support does not
spin around the base.
Pull
the triangle around the base into
a spiral. Make the spiral tighter
than you plan to use, and then
let it spring open again to the
size you want. Secure the bottom
end of the spiral to the floor
with a base plate or with tape
across the Matrix strap where it
meets the floor. You may also
need to secure the base at the
tall end of the spiral to keep it
from spinning.
There
is another technique for getting
and keeping the spiral in shape,
but it requires skill that is
usually gained only after some
practice. This involves moving
most of the balloons in the
Matrix slightly off center toward
the outside of the spiral.
Slip
one hand between the Matrix strap
and a balloon. Gently squeeze one
side of the balloon away from the
strap (You may hear it crackle as
the balloon separates from the
adhesive.) and roll the balloon a
small distance toward the outside
of the spiral. You will get
neater and stronger results if
you move many balloons a very
slight distance rather than
trying to get by with a few
balloons moved a greater
distance.
Repeat
the process for the second
triangle which should be spiraled
in the opposite direction.
Add
lights, glitter, artificial snow,
etc. desired.
Review
instructions that come with the
Builders for details on sizing
and loading balloons into the
Matrix.
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