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Here is one version of the ladybug model that is both very simple... and very popular!

The main difficulty will probably be in creating the antennae. How do you inflate just the middle part of a modeling balloon? Or, which may at first seem equally confusing, how do you form a bubble that's just at the tip of that modeling balloon?

While the technique used to project the air right where you want it may seem a bit complex for a beginner, an alternate solution is to inflate the balloon normally, then to push the air forward, manually and gradually (tediously, even), until it reaches the part of the balloon you want it to be at (this is explained a bit more in details in the pdf guide below the video). Doing so will enable you to successfully create this model.

This article is divided into two complementary sections: a detailled video tutorial followed by a step by step photo guide. Last but not least, a comment section has recently been added for feedback and questions.

Items needed:

  • 1 black marker
  • 1 black modeling balloon
  • 1 red round small balloon

Video Tutorial

Video in French, with English subtitles (if captions do not automatically display in your favorite language, you simply need to modify YouTube parameters at the bottom right of the video screen).

Hi! Today, Mossieur Ballon will teach you how to make a ladybird! For the body of the ladybird, we'll need a small, red, round balloon, which we will then inflate... but not too much!

The knot should be tied right at the valve and we will push most of the air towards the neck of the balloon which will then take the shape of a pear, that we'll divide into two parts to form a small bubble and a large one.

Then, keep the red balloon under one of your arms, to avoid the bubbles getting undone.

Next, for the antennae, you will need a black modeling balloon with only the middle of it inflated, over a length of about 5 to 6 fingers maximum. So if you can't do that in one go, like I did here, you can just inflate a balloon normally, a bit more than halfway, then let some of the air out, until both sides are about the same length. Make sure the black bubble is evenly centered, and divide it into two smaller bubbles which will be wedged between the large and small bubbles of the red balloon.

Next, divide each black bubble into two parts again, and by pressing the second bubble, you're pushing all the air from it and guiding it towards the tip of the balloon segment. To finish, secure the bubble at the tip of the antenna with a knot.

Do the same thing for the second antenna, but this time, let's try not tying a knot here, just to see! Well, if ever a child were to press a bubble that's been secured with a knot, there would be no problem. However, if that same child were to press a bubble that hasn't been secured with a knot, well this is what would happen, wouldn't that be a shame! So, to be safe, we'd better tie a knot here!

To finish... draw a cute little face on the small red bubble, two little eyes, and a big smile. The knot, in fact, will be its nose. Then, on the large bubble, draw wings with black spots!

So, doesn't this little ladybird look nice? See you soon, for another lesson... with Môssieur Ballon!

 

Step-By-Step Photo Guide

 

balloon ladybird twisting step 1
1- Moderately inflate the small round balloon, and tie the knot right at the valve.
balloon ladybird twisting step 2
2- Strongly press the balloon to force the air into the neck of the balloon, which will give it a pear shape.
balloon ladybird twisting step 3
3- Divide the balloon into two bubbles, a small one (for the ladybug's head) and a large one (for its body).
balloon ladybird twisting step 4
4- The small bubble should be on the end with the knot. Then put this balloon aside (wedge the two bubbles under your arm so that they won't get undone).
balloon ladybird twisting step 5
5- For the antennae, take the black modeling balloon and only inflate it in the middle, over a length of 5 to 6 fingers maximum (guiding the air through your folded hand to keep the balloon from inflating too soon).
balloon ladybird twisting step 6
6- If you don't get the hang of the previous trick, don't panic! Inflate the balloon normally (still over a length of 5 to 6 fingers maximum),
balloon ladybird twisting step 7
7- Press the inflated part at the base of the balloon to push the air farther, towards the middle of the balloon.
balloon ladybird twisting step 8
8- Repeat as many times as needed.
balloon ladybird twisting step 9
9- Until the bubble reaches the center of the balloon.
balloon ladybird twisting step 10
10- Once the bubble is properly centered, you will need to divide it into two smaller bubbles of equal length.
balloon ladybird twisting step 11
11- Then get the red balloon back and wedge the crease between the two black bubbles into the crease between the two red bubbles. Twist the bubbles together several times to keep them in place.
balloon ladybird twisting step 12
12- You should get this shape!
balloon ladybird twisting step 13
13- Take one of the black bubbles and divide it into two more parts, thus creating a new bubble.
balloon ladybird twisting step 14
14- Once the new bubble is formed, hold it firmly in your (twisting) hand...
balloon ladybird twisting step 15
15- Then, with your other (support) hand, form a tunnel around the non-inflated part of the balloon.
balloon ladybird twisting step 16
16- Firmly press the bubble with your twisting hand to push all the air in it away; it will be guided by the support hand to the tip of the non-inflated part of the balloon and form a bubble there.
balloon ladybird twisting step 17
17- You should get this shape (if you don't get the hang of this trick, refer to steps 7, 8, and 9 as detailed previously, only this time, you will be pushing the bubble all the way to the tip of the balloon).
balloon ladybird twisting step 18
18- Tie a knot around the bubble to keep it from going back down.
balloon ladybird twisting step 19
19- Gently tighten the knot, to avoid air from getting caught in them; it could otherwise form small, fairly unaesthetic bubbles.
balloon ladybird twisting step 20
20- You should get this shape.
balloon ladybird twisting step 21
21- Repeat the last step to form the second antenna.
balloon ladybird twisting step 22
22- The little ladybug is taking shape! All that is left is to draw on a nice little face, two wings, and a few spots.
balloon ladybird twisting last step

Wow, your ladybird looks so cute!

 

 

 Do you need more help with this tutorial ?

 

This article has been recently updated and a comment section has been added below to enable you to post your feedback or any question you may have regarding this tutorial. Do not hesitate to use it if you need to.

I'll be happy to help you !

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