There has been an explosion is balloon education material, some good, some not-as-good. I recommend starting with the classics. Here are a few:

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Books and more

Captain Visual's Big Book of Balloon Art

I think that this is still the best book to start with. Captain Visual is a clown and cartoonist, which makes his choice of material excellent, and his artwork easy-to-follow. It's sometimes hard to find, but it is Highly Recommended. This link will take you Amazon.com

Captain Visual's Big Book of Holiday Balloons

The sequel to his Big Book of Balloon Art is just as good as the original. I think that it's out of print, but you can usually still find it at Amazon. This link will take you Amazon.com

Twisting History

This is Larry Moss's first book, and it's great. He has a whimsical approach to teaching balloons, and takes you from complete newbie to performing an entire routine. This link will take you Amazon.com

 

Totally WAY Cool Balloons

This is a joint effort of three authors -- and it's great. This book fits the niche of "what to get next?". It has intermediate to advanced figures, and clip-art of all of them. This link will take you Amazon.com

 

Balloonicature

This is a CD-ROM with advanced techniques for making balloon faces. It covers a lot with diagrams and video clips. This link will take you Amazon.com

Balloongineering #4: Faces & Figures

This is the fourth tape in Royal Sorell's series, and I collaborated on it with him. We cover many may types of faces and bodies, ranging from quick and easy to a full-size bodybuilder. It is still the most complete source for faces and figures published. You can get a copy from me for $30, just ask.

 

Sign Here! Contracts for Balloon Entertainers

Finally, a book on the contracts-side of the balloon business. This is an essential tool of your business.It's $25, and more info is here.

MCATU Lecture Notes: Advanced Balloon Sculptures

At MCATU, a magic, clowning, and twisting convention in 2003 I prepared a lecture with four advanced balloon sculptures. I made up some lecture notes on CD-ROM, and I still have a few left over. They are $10, just ask.

 

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Teaching Sites

Balloonhq.com

BalloonHQ is the most complete resource. It has a vast amount of content, and many tips and directions. Members can post pictures and have a personal portfolio page.

Mbd2.com

Magical Balloon Dude Dale is a talented balloon artist and web designer from Chicago with a great web site. He has many directions and photos on-line..

 

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Learn in Person

Balloonconvention.com

Twist & Shout is an awesome balloon twisting convention held every two years. So far it's been in the Boston area, but who knows . . . . This is the best place to learn in person from the leaders in the industry. The next one will be held in February 2004. I'll be there!

Tmyers.com

T-Jam was the first "Gathering of Twisters" in 1999. Now held every two years in Austin, TX it is the sister convention to Twist & Shout. The next one will probably be in February 2005, and will feature the best in the industry.

ibaconline.com

The International Balloon Arts Convention is the most elaborate balloon-related event of the year. It is geared to the balloon professional, and it attracts people from all over the world. This year it will be in Anaheim, CA in the Spring.

NY Twisters

The New York City balloon twisters have informal jams. Free to join and participate.

NYC QBN Chapter

The New York QBN chapter meets in Brooklyn, NY. They have a mix of balloon professionals and they sponsor seminars and CBA testing.

New England QBN Chapter

The New England QBN chapter meets monthly at Rainbow Balloons. Their meetings are always fun and informative.

 

 

 

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Buy Materials

Rainbowballoons.com

Rainbow Balloons is where I buy my balloons. They are big enough to carry everything I need, yet small enough to handle my odd requests and last-minute orders.

Tmyers.com

T Myers Magic carries almost every book, video, balloon, and material that you need. I've been doing business with them for over ten years, and have never had a problem. They also make a great line of manual pumps, and host T-Jam every two years.

Continentalsales.net

Continental sells balloons, like many other stores do. The difference is that they order special runs of balloons that you just can't get anywhere else. When you're on their site look for the 'Private Reserve' section.

Clownsupplies.com

Obviously they carry clowning materials. But they also have their own line of pumps, shirts, vests, and aprons for balloon artists. Not to mention they are great people!